14th November (Issue 1238) - The Courier

16 THE COURIER Monday November 14 2011lifestylethecourieronline.co.uk/lifestylec2.lifestyle@ncl.ac.ukWinter warmersLauren Cordell mulls over some festive flavoursShorthandHitchWho?The Hitch SocietySounds worryingly like an awkwarddate my mother would arrange forme…Well, unless she sends you half way roundthe world every time she gets her handson that family ‘friend’ she’s so keen on,then no. It’s hitch-hiking, the best - andcheapest - way of travelling through Europeand beyond (or so we’ve heard).You’ve got me. What else can youimpart?Croatia, or Morocco, take your pick: beerfor under a pound, sleeping on roof topsand ‘some of the most interesting peopleyou will ever meet.’ Throw in free travel,and some great friends (a boy must - forsafety reasons - be part of your group)and then you’re good to go.Funny you mention safety. I alwaysthought hitch-hiking was a bit risky.(My mother certainly wouldn’t approveof it…)Not at all, and certainly not with Newcastle’ssociety. To take part, a sum ofmoney must be raised for the charity Link(a highly regarded ‘grassroots’ organisationwhich ills in the missing bits largercharities ignore, providing things fromstationary to internet, enabling schoolsand communities to function and developworldwide). The charity itself ensuressafety and insurance for traveller, and in20 years there have been 7,500 peopletaking part with no major incidents.Marvellous. When are we leaving?Calm down keeno. Hitch-hiking must takeplace between March 16 and April 29, butmany stay on to travel. One girl we talkedto spent three weeks touring the whole ofMorocco, and guess what it cost!I have no doubt you’re about to tell me!£150. And that’s including actually gettingthere. We’re advised to try the cameltrekking in Morocco; one hitcher spenther 21st birthday on one in the midst ofan electric storm.I thought you said it wasn’t dangerous…Get over it! It’s not. There’s a 24 hournumber you can call if you’re really introuble, as well as website which isupdated when you text (it’s compulsory)each day as to your whereabouts.For a second there I thought we wereable to make a clean breakaway…Afraid not. Mother playing cupid fromhome is still a potential worry, but you’vegot 900 miles between the two of youeven if you choose Croatia, the ‘land of100 islands’, which is closer, so chancesare you’re sorted. But don’t just take ourword for it, ind out for yourselves. Firstsocial is this Thursday, and that’s just thestart!Nonie HealIt’s that time of year again; the days aregetting colder and the nights are drawingin. But as they say, every cloud has itssilver lining and this season’s may just bethe delicious warming drinks that we canuse as an excuse to indulge in. Whetheryou need a respite from some hecticpre-Christmas shopping or are just lookingfor somewhere to cosy up and keepwarm, here’s a rundown of the top ivethis winter:Gingerbread Latte @Café 1901St George’s Terrace, West Jesmond,Newcastle-upon-Tyne(£2.80)Realising this place exists is half the experience.In the cold winter months, mostpeople walk by the limited outdoor tablesand chairs outside Jesmond MethodistChurch without a second thought. Butthose in the know head inside into oneof Newcastle’s best cafes. The homelyinterior comprises an eclectic mishmashof different furniture, whilst the art onthe walls is all for sale. Cosy down on oneof the sofas at the back and slurp awayon a gingerbread latte. Sounds strange,but oh it’s so good. The combined tasteof a gingerbread biscuit, hot milk and thebest coffee in Jesmond is guaranteed toleave you wanting more. Caramel, Vanilla,Hazelnut and Butterscotch Lattes alsoavailable.Hot Chocolate Milano @Caffè Nero28-34 Clayton Street, City Centre,Newcastle-upon-TyneForget bland powder-based hot chocolate,this is the real deal. Close your eyesand imagine yourself in a cosy Venetiancafé sipping a warming, sumptuouslyrich chocolate drink. Open your eyes, andMulled CiderA less sophisticated, but far morestudent appropriate alternative tothe classic mulled wine is a tumblerof mulled cider.1. First, buy a few bottles of your favouritecider – stay away from theFrosty Jacks though, no matter howtempting the price is, you’ll end up regrettingit!2. Pick up a few apples (one per bottleof cider), a packet of dried apricots,some brown sugar, cinnamon sticksand any other winter spices you fancyadding to the mix3. Thinly slice your apples and apricotsand any other fruit you want to add4. Pour the cider into a saucepan andwarm it up (don’t let it boil though),and throw in all your other ingredients- use as much sugar as you like; justkeep tasting it until you get it right5. Strain into tumblers and enjoy!Spiced Hot ChocolateIf you have more of a sweet tooth, trythis hot chocolate recipe with a festivetwist. You just need hot chocolate powder,some nutmeg, chilli powder andmilk. The kick you get from the chillipowder and the nutmeg makes this theperfect winter warmer.1. Mix the cocoa powder with ½ ateaspoon of grated nutmeg and½ a teaspoon of chilli powder2. Then just add milk asnormal (don’t skimp onthis part and use waterinstead, it’s just not thesame!)3. If you’re feelingadventurous, addsome whippedcream on top(Starbucks style)and a cinnamonstickgranted your surroundings are perhapsa little dificult to compare to the Italiandream, the bog-standard chain-cafe settingis nice enough. And did I mention theChocolate Milano? It is probably as nearas you are going to come to a real Italianhot chocolate without jumping on a plane.Drink responsibly.Orchard Pig Mulled Cider@ The Fair Trade InnSt Lawrence Road, Upper EastQuayside, Newcastle-upon-Tyne(£2.50)Think cider and most people think ofan ice cool refreshment in the summersunshine, rather than a warming mug ofmulled cider, but this tasty tipple is mostdeinitely worth the effort of going a littleout of your way. Minutes along the Quaysidefrom the Millennium Bridge, The FairTrade Inn is a hidden treasure, seeminglytime-warped from a recent past. Windowseats at this shabby-chic pub give brilliantviews back along the river, whilst oldschooltunes drift from the free jukebox.As for the cider, it’s a warm, applely affair,infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerand cloves topped off with a slice oforange - and at £2.50 a mug it’s quite thebargain.Eggnog Latte @Starbucks137 Northumberland Street, CityCentre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne37-39 St George’s Terrace, West Jesmond,Newcastle-upon-Tyne (£2.95 – £3.55)The iconic American coffeehouse hascome up with a festive “red cup exclusives”range this winter, which includesthe Eggnog Latte - advertised as unique toStarbucks and back by popular demand.The drink consists of rich, creamy eggnogspiked with an espresso and dusted withground nutmeg. Also available are theToffee Nut Latte, the Gingerbread Latteand the Praline Mocha.Hot Pear @ Stewart & Co36-38 Brentwood Avenue, Newcastle-Upon-TyneIf you’re not much of a tea or coffeedrinker or just fancy something a bitdifferent, this hot and fruity number is agreat alternative at this friendly neighbourhooddeli-come-cafe. And with thecakes and pastries on offer it would be almostcriminal not to indulge in an accompanyingsnack. The freshly baked sconesmay be the best I’ve ever tasted whilstthe rocky road and brownie also receiverave reviews. Go on, treat yourself.Do-it-yourself Christmas cordialsElissa Hudson offers the liquid low-downsof the seasonEggnog CoffeeFor those who need a regular caffeine ix,eggnog is perfect for making your coffeefeel a little bit more seasonal.1. First, just make a cup of your usualcoffee, however you like it2. Then add a goodsplash of eggnog andgive it a stir3. Whipped cream isalways a good addition,but you cangive it a miss ifyou’re countingthe calories4. To inish it off;grate some nutmegon top, asmuch or as little asyou like, there areno rulesIllustration: Emma Rawsthorne