Tickety Talk

I say, it's National Pie Week!

2012-03-05T00:54:00.002-08:00

As it’s National Pie Week this week, one has conjured up a super ginger pie recipes to try! George and I adore a good British pie so no doubt we’ll be awfully busy in the kitchen this week!

APPLE - BERRY GINGER PIE

3/4 c. apple juice

50ml Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer
3 c. (12 oz.) cranberries
1 1/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. cornstarch
3 med. cooking apples (McIntosh, Jonathan), peeled, cored, chopped (about 3 c.)
1 tbsp. snipped, crystallized ginger or 1/2 tsp. ground ginger

Soak cranberries in Crabbie’s overnight. Cook cranberries and apple juice, uncovered, over medium heat for 5 to 8 minutes or until cranberries pop, stirring. Combine sugar and cornstarch; stir into hot cranberry mixture. Cook and stir until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in apples and ginger. Set aside to prepare pastry.

ORANGE PEEL PIE PASTRY:

1 1/4 c. flour
1 1/4 sticks butter
1 orange rind, shredded
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar

Mix; spread in pie pan. Pour in Apple Berry Ginger pie filling. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Cool; decorate with orange peel and cranberries.

Can one handle the heat?

2012-03-02T08:04:00.000-08:00

Dearest fans, George and I know you like a touch of spice but how much heat can one handle with their delicious Crabbie’s?

Ginger is a tickety boo ingredient that can be a mellow hint in one’s curry to a full-blown spiffing taste sensation!

Marvellously Mild: Crabbie’s over lashings of ice

The scrumptious gentle heat of Crabbie’s is totally spiffing over lashings and lashings of ice with a slice of lemon or lime for those super chaps that like their spice mild.

I say, that’s rather spicy: Crabbie’s with extra ginger

If one would like a little more gingery heat with their Crabbie’s, George and I grate a touch of raw root ginger into the glass for a an extra Crabbie’s kick

George, get the fire extinguisher!: Crabbie’s and a curry

George and I love to settle down in front of the box with a jolly good curry! George is quite the dare devil and loves a root-a-toot Vindaloo to compliment the heat of his Crabbie’s. Crabbie’s is the perfect accompaniment for spicy food so stock up on those chillies and chin chin!

Our Top 10 British Loves

2012-02-17T08:01:00.000-08:00

I say, George and I are putting together a spiffing list of all things we love about Blighty ahead of Tuesday’s Brit Awards. Here’s to everything tickety boo on this super island- chin chin to that chaps!

10) The great British roast dinner.

The familiar smell of a roast dinner on a soggy Sunday afternoon is unmistakably British- George makes the most scrumptious roasties...

9) Queues

Us Brits find something so terribly comforting in a nice orderly queue- it’s enough to make one feel awfully patriotic

8) The Queen

When one thinks of Britain- one immediately thinks of dearest Lizzie herself. George often compares one to royality but personality one doesn’t see it what what.

7) Fish ‘n’ Chips

Yet another spiffing British culinary delight! One cannot beat a delicious bag of fish and chips chaps does one agree?

6) A cup of tea

One cannot underestimate the superific power of a cup of tea- it’s almost as scrumptious as a glass of Crabbie’s!

5) Stephen Fry

The dandyish dress sense and darling accent- Stephen is a fine chap and don’t tell George, but I think he’s rather dishy.

4) Rain

One always grumbles about the awfully dreary British climate, however when George and I jet off on our jollies there is nothing more awfully British then coming home to the comforting drizzle.

3) Coronation Street

George and I simply love opening a refreshing bottle of Crabbies and settling on the sofa to a spiffing episode of Corrie. As soon as one hears the theme tune it brings a tear to one’s eye.

2) Horse Racing

George once took one to Royal Ascot and we had a rather super time at the races- it made one feel extremely proud to be British

1) The Sea Side

Nothing says ‘by jove Britain’ more than the British seaside. Strolls along the promenade, ice creams on the pier, Punch and Judy- what is more quintessentially British than that? Rather!

Romance is not dead in the capital!

2012-02-13T06:56:00.001-08:00

We’ve been asking some of you fine chaps about your views on romance ahead of Valentine’s Day and it appears that London is the most romantic city in the UK! I say, George and I had better pack one’s bags and head down for a chilled Crabbie’s tomorrow!

Here are our official findings from 2,000 of you totally spiffing fans:

· London is the most romantic region this Valentine’s Day.

· North East couples are the least traditional with only 1 in 10 set to take their partner for dinner.

· The women of London are twice more likely to propose this leap year than Midland’s brides to be.

Valentine’s Day sees lovers expressing their feelings with flowers, chocolates and greeting cards, but a candlelit dinner tops the romance charts this 14^th February with nearly half of the nation (47%) claiming it to be the perfect Valentine’s tradition.

To prepare for the looming romantic date on Tuesday, a survey conducted on behalf of Crabbie’s revealed an interesting insight into the nation’s Ps & Qs at the dinner table and highlights what both sexes believe makes the perfect partner on a cold winter night.

The research revealed that if you come from London or Northern Ireland you’re twice as likely to wine and dine your partner (20%), than those in the North East (11%). Good news for shy grooms-to-be is that 8% of the nation’s women will take a leap of faith this year with a Valentine’s proposal.

With Valentine’s Day falling on a Tuesday this year, 1 in 5 men would rather eat an early supper, leaving more time for romance. However, over a quarter of women dream of a relaxing three course meal with wine and their loved one to accompany the food (27%). Unfortunately for 15 per cent of the nation’s wives’ and girlfriends’, romance is officially dead as their men would be more than happy to have their dinner served on their lap in front of the television!

The Crabbie’s poll also found that traditional dinner table etiquette is under threat, with only a quarter of well-mannered males (27%) ensuring they chew quietly with their mouths closed when dining in or out with their partner. The survey also revealed that half of women find their man lacking in manners, with the number one pet-hate being when their partner starts to eat before she has even finished plating up her own dinner! But 1 in 4 women are most offended when their partner adds salt or pepper before even tasting her home-cooked meal (25%).

Al Cross, of Crabbie’s, commented: “With so many traditions slowly disappearing from today’s society, we were keen to look into which will be most missed this Valentine’s Day and also the values that the true gentleman still hold close compared to their other half.”

To celebrate Valentine’s Day in true traditional style this Tuesday 14 February, accompany your romantic dinner with a measure of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer. Carefully selected real ginger is steeped for up to 8 weeks with citrus, herbs and spices to create a truly indulgent accompaniment to any special occasion.

Ginger Valentine’s

2012-02-10T09:51:00.000-08:00

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner George and I have been thinking up the perfect selection of ginger treats!

Obviously one should serve a refreshing glass of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer with lashings and lashings of ice and a slice of lemon or lime!

As for food accompaniments, it’s off to the kitchen for a spot of baking. Try this rather spiffing recipe if one fancies making their own ginger and lemon cheesecake http://uktv.co.uk/food/recipe/aid/629994. It’s ticketyboo tasty and dances on one's tongue!

Then whilst watching a darn good picture on the telly serve some crunchy ginger biscuits with dark chocolate and ginger. I say, what a scrumptious evening that does sound!

If one has any other ginger recipes they would like to share with us then please do upload a comment or post on our Facebook page or Twitterfeed.

Chin Chin!

We’re off to the National Television Awards folks!

2012-01-24T07:25:00.000-08:00

Spiffing fans, George and I are rather excited to announce that one’s favourite Alcoholic Ginger Beer, Crabbie’s will be sponsoring the National Television Awards!

Voting is open to nominate one’s favourite actors, actresses, shows and presenters at www.nationaltelevisionawards.com and the show itself will be aired on Wednesday 25^th January at 7.30pm on ITV.

Do tune in to watch the show chaps and of course accompany with a chilled Crabbie’s served over ice with a slice!

Join in the conversations on Twitter by using #CrabbiesNTA and do remember to follow our feed @CrabbiesAGB.

Chin Chin

We’re off to the Great Outdoor Show chaps!

2012-01-11T04:20:00.000-08:00

One is rather pleased to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be attending the GreatOutdoor Show in London on Thursday 12^th – Sunday 15^th January and that we have 10 tickets to give away!

There will be a cycling stage, Go Ape zipwire and a photography village included in the activities plus a ski lodge bar to sample one’s favourite ginger tipple.

To enter, simply email the name of our two TV characters (one of them is I dear fans) to crabbies@mccann.com with your name and date preference by 5.30pm today (11^th January).

George and I shall then pick 10 winners at 6pm tonight (11^th January) and email the winners.

Good luck folks.

SpiffingChristmas highlights

2012-01-01T06:01:00.000-08:00

Well Chaps and Chapettes, its been a totally SpiffingChristmas. George and I have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We thought we'd share share some of the best bits of our spiffingchristmas.

George and I exchanging presents:

George trying to decorate the tree:

George and I pulling a cracker:

And finally, George being delighted with his Christmas present

Happy spiffing Christmas to everyone

2011-12-26T04:50:00.001-08:00

Camilla here chaps, just like to share our wonderful Christmas day memories with all of our Spiffing fans. We had a splendidly glorious time and the house was full of friends and family. It was awfully busy but that’s why we all love Christmas time!

One could not stop serving Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger beer to everyone as we tucked in to the delicious turkey we served.

Hope you all had a fabulous time, don’t forget to enter our spiffing competition over on our facebook page!

Chin Chin to the Christmas weekend!

2011-12-23T03:49:00.000-08:00

So chaps, we are nearly there now. Christmas weekend is here and one must be feeling absolutely spiffing. We hope you are as spiffingly excited as we are by making Crabbies Alcoholic Ginger Beer your beverage this Christmas.

Oh chaps make sure you tune in to The Lakes at Christmas on ITV1 at 8.00pm to see George and I between the ad breaks!

Chin Chin and wishing you all a very Spiffing Christmas!

Hot Crabbies by the fire

2011-12-22T06:21:00.000-08:00

For a festive alternative to lashings and lashings of ice why not heat up one's Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer and sip by an open fire!

Simply pour our Original flavour or spiffing Spiced Orange into a saucepan and heat through slowly. Do be careful not to bring to the boil chaps or to burn oneself!

Then, pour into a totally spiffing Christmas mug and add a slice of lemon or lime to one's Original Crabbie's or a slice of orange to the Spiced Orange variant.

For an extra warming glass, why not pop in some fresh shavings of ginger, kick back and enjoy - I say, how marvellous!

Happy spiffing Christmas chaps and Chin Chin to you all!

Another night in front of the box

2011-12-21T06:39:00.001-08:00

Camilla here chaps. George and I will be tuned in to ITV1 this evening to watch A Night of Heroes at 8.30pm. You can view our spiffing Christmas commercial during the break so do not miss out folks.

Don’t forget to visit our twitter page to enter our daily Christmas Giveways for the opportunity to win a tasty a bottle of delicious Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer! spiffing indeed!

Hope your Christmas preparations are going splendidly smooth. Only 4 days to go!

Spiffing Masks!

2011-12-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Today is a most exciting day dear fans as one can now download a mask of George and I! Do pop over to one’s Facebook page or Twitter feed and print off the photographs, cut out and attach some elastic – it’s a simple as that folks!

Also, while one is on the Facebook page do enter our totally spiffing Christmas competition where one could win £1,000! Simply click the ‘Christmas competition’ tab and follow the instructions.

Best of luck chaps and do enjoy the masks!

Chin Chin

Tune in to see George and I on the box!

2011-12-15T01:49:00.000-08:00

Hello there dearest fans,

Just like to mention George and I will be appearing on ITV 1 at 3pm this afternoon during Dickinson’s Real Deal ad break. I do hope you thoroughly enjoy watching us chaps.

Don’t forget to visit us on our twitter feed and use the #spiffingChristmas for a chance to win wonderful prizes with us.

You can also visit us on facebook to win our spiffing Christmas competition to win £1,000!

Chin Chin

Totally Spiffing Christmas!

2011-12-14T01:19:00.000-08:00

George and I are wishing you all a very spiffing Christmas! With the presents wrapped there is only the Turkey to roast on Christmas day!

Chaps we hope you have seen the rather delightful competition that we are running over on our facebook page where you have the chance to win £1,000- totally marvellous don’t you think?! Just tell us what would make your 2012 spiffing.

Make sure you look out for the daily giveaways on Twitter too where you have the chance to win a bottle of delicious Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer! spiffing indeed!

Chin Chin!

Spiffing Christmas Competition

2011-12-12T09:03:00.000-08:00

I say with only have 14 more days left until that jolly Farther Christmas delivers all of our presents George and I have decided to make someone’s Christmas extra special! Whilst George is off baking some more mince pies I just have to tell you about a rather spiffing competition that we have launched over on our facebook page.

We want to make your Christmas go with an extra ticketyboo this year, we simply want to know what would make your Christmas absolutely spiffing and dear fans you could win £1,000. Utterly fantastic don’t you think? Check out our facebook page and in addition to this marvellous competition we’ll also giving away some delicious Crabbie’s to one lucky chap or chapette every day.

Have a marvellous spiffing Christmas!

Chin Chin I say!

Spiffing Christmas: Nominate a spiffing friend

2011-12-09T04:33:00.001-08:00

Visit our Twitter feed today chaps and nominate your most spiffing friend to win a bottle of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and a dickie bow tie.

Simply include their @ Twitter handle and tell us why they deserve to win a bottle of our grand ginger tipple!

Chin Chin

Tell us your spiffing Christmas carol

2011-12-07T02:37:00.000-08:00

If one is feeling rather festive today then do head over to one’s Twitter feed chaps and tell us about your most spiffing Christmas carol.

Simply add some spiffing speak into a classic carol, for example “We wish you a spiffing Christmas and a ticketyboo New Year”

The best lyrics we hear today will win a bottle of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and one of George’s dickie bow ties – I say, how grand!

Do visit one’s Twitter feed share one’s Christmas carol: www.twitter.com/CrabbiesAGB and remember to #SpiffingChristmas

Good luck folks and don’t forget one must be over 18!

Chin Chin!

Christmas in the kitchen

2011-12-06T04:59:00.001-08:00

If one is looking for an alternative to Christmas cake this year dear fans, why not try a Spicy Ginger Cake to ensure a totally spiffing Christmas!

To make this rather spicy treat, one shall require:

115g piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
250ml golden syrup
200g sugar
250ml vegetable oil
350g plain flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
250ml water
2 teaspoons bicarbonate of soda
2 large eggs, at room temperature

Preheat one’s oven to 180c (gas mark 4) and grease a 23cm round cake tin or line with parchment paper.

Chop the ginger very finely, perhaps in a blender? But do be careful folks!

Then, mix the golden syrup, sugar and oil in a large bowl and whisk one’s flour, cinnamon, cloves and pepper in a medium bowl.

Grab a small saucepan and bring the water to the boil, stir in the bicarbonate of soda, then whisk the hot water onto the golden syrup mixture and add the chopped ginger. I say, that should smell nice by now folks.

One shall then need to sift the flour mix over the golden syrup mixture and whisking to combine. Add the eggs and whisk until thoroughly blended.

Then, place the batter into one’s cake tin and bake until the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed with a finger or a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean, (about one hour) then leave to cool completely.

Place onto a serving platter and serve with whipped cream, ice cream or fruit compote and of course with a ticketyboo tasty bottle of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer with lashings of ice and a slice of lemon or lime.

This recipe shall make one cake and serve 10 – 12 of you rather grand fans.

Happy spiffing Christmas!

Chin Chin

*This recipe was taken from The Guardian.

Happy Spiffing Christmas!

2011-12-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

December has arrived dear fans which means it’s time to pop up the tree, eat dozens of mince pies and kick back with a ticketyboo tasty bottle of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

One shall be keeping you updated on all things spiffing, including divine recipes, downloadable masks of George and I plus plenty of giveaways of one’s favourite ginger tipple!

Do pop over to our Facebook page www.facebook.com/crabbiesalcoholicgingerbeer or follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/CrabbiesAGB for tips on the perfect spiffing Christmas!

Chin Chin for now chaps.

Introducing Spiced Orange

2011-11-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

Dearest fans, one is very pleased to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer is now available in Spiced Orange flavour!

Made with Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer and infused with oranges and spices, Crabbie’s Spiced Orange provides a grand citrus blast with a 4% ABV content.

It is accompanied best with lashings and lashings of ice and a slice of orange and is available from Morrisons and Tesco with a RRP of £1.95 for a 500ml bottle.

Do let us know what you think spiffing fans.

Chin Chin

Pub Tour Winners

2011-10-24T08:59:00.000-07:00

Spiffing fans, one is delighted to announce the winners of the Crabbie’s Pub competition we’ve been running on Facebook.

As you know we decided to choose 1 pub located in the North and one from the South so folks from all over the country can enjoy our spiffing drinks and have a splendid time.

George has been up all weekend counting the thousands of entries and we can happily announce that The Sir Charles Napier in Blackburn and the Fiddlers Elbow in Brighton are the winners! Thanks to all of you who voted, and if you live near the chosen pubs don’t forget to pop along for a ticketyboo tasty drink of Crabbie’s!

Chin Chin

Pub Tour Finalists

2011-10-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks for all of your nominations, here is our list of finalists for the Crabbie’s pub tour!

The Plough Inn, Lincolnshire

Flirt Cafe Bar, Bournemouth

The Blue Bridge, Writtle

The Black Swan, Brandesburton

The Rose & Crown, Chesterfield

Sir Charles Napier, Blackburn

The Bridge Inn, Worcestershire

The Highlands, Uckfield

The Woopack, Chelmsford

The Queen Adelaide, London

The Banyan Tree, Manchester

The Johnsons Arm, Nottingham

The Fiddler’s Elbow, Brighton

The Mustard Pot, Leeds

The Bulls Head, Repton

Voting will start on Monday 17^th October and end at 5pm on Friday 21^st October.

We will post each pub on the wall at separate intervals over the week and fans can either ‘like’ the status, comment on it or post independently on our Facebook wall at any time.

Good Luck

Crabbie’s is now available down under!

2011-10-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

George and I are rather pleased to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer is now available in Australia dear fans! One can find this spiffingly refreshing beverage in all Woolworths Liquor, BWS and Dan Murphy’s stores – I say, what grand news!

If one has any friends in Australia that have not yet tried the ticketyboo taste of Crabbie’s then do share a bottle with the parched souls!

As always, please add one’s thoughts on Crabbie’s either on here or over one one’s Facebook page or Twitter feed.

Chin Chin!

Who’s up for a spiffing Crabbie’s pub party?

2011-09-30T01:27:00.000-07:00

George and I have decided that it’s time for a good old pub party so we’re embarking on a tour! We want to visit two totally spiffing pubs in your local town or city with one being in the north and one being in the south.

One shall even throw in £500 to make it the perfect party and truly gingerific!

To be in with a chance of having a Crabbie’s pub party one will need to do the following:

Nominate your local pub by writing on our Facebook page and tell us why one wants a party there! George will then give them a call and check they are happy for a party to go ahead.

One shall then post a short list of pubs on our Facebook page and you dear fans can vote for your favourite. The most voted in the north and south will be awarded the winning title and the parties can commence!

Do head over to our Facebook page and start nominating one’s local pub chaps.

Chin Chin

Please do note chaps that one can only nominate pubs in England.

We’re off to the Scottish Outdoor Show!

2011-09-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Spiffing fans one is more than pleased to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be attending the Scottish Outdoor Show on the 15^th and 16^th October.

The Crabbie’s pub will be on hand and the sampling team will of course be present, handing out splendid glasses of your favourite ginger tipple.

To top off this exciting news one is glad to announce that George and I have three pairs of tickets to giveaway!

To be in with a chance of winning simply tell us what year Crabbie’s came to a supermarket near you.

Was it:

a) 2009

b) 2010

c) 2011

One can tell us over on Facebook, here on the Tickety Talk blog or over on one’s Twitter feed.

Best of luck chaps!

Competition closes Sunday 9th October.

A posh cod soup to keep one fired up in autumn!

2011-09-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

Loyal Crabbie’s fans, here is our third spiffing dish in our weekly roundup for one to enjoy!

Do have a dabble at our Yellow Pumpkin and Ginger Soup with Coriander Crusted Cod whilst enjoying a spiffingliy refreshing Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

One will require for the soup: 3tbsp vegetable or olive oil, 1 medium onion, peeled and chopped, 500g pumpkin, deseeded, peeled and roughly chopped, 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger, 1 small green chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, 40g sugar, 50ml dry white wine, 400ml vegetable or chicken stock, 30ml double cream (optional), 1/4tsp cinnamon powder, red pepper corns, lightly crushed for garnish.

Method: Heat the oil, the grated ginger and the chilli for a minute and then add the onion. Saute the onion for 3-5 minutes and then add the pumpkin, cook for a further 3-4 minutes. Add sugar, salt and white wine and reduce wine to half. Add the stock and cream and cook for a further 10 minutes. Cool slightly and then blend the soup with a hand held blender until smooth. Pass the soup through a fine sieve and add the cinnamon powder. Keep warm until required.

For the cod: Take 300g clean cod fillet, cut into 4 pieces, 1/2tsp coriander seeds, toasted and crushed, 2tbsp of black pumpkin seeds, toasted and crushed, 1/2tsp coriander leaves, dried and powdered, ginger julienne, deep fried to crisp texture (optional), salt and pepper to taste, oil and butter to pay fry.

Method: Heat oil in a pan, dust the fillets with the spices and pan-fry each side for 1-2 minutes. Baste with butter and finish in the oven.

For one’s greens: 2tbsp vegetable or olive oil, 1tbsp finely chopped garlic, 1/4tbsp crushed black pepper or red chilli flakes, 200g baby spinach, 1/4tsp turmeric powder ¼ coriander powder, salt to taste.

Method: Heat the oil in a pan with the chopped garlic until light brown. Add in the chilli flakes or pepper, spinach leaves and spices and sauté lightly until the leaves wilt, season and remove from the heat. Place in the middle of a deep bowl, pour the soup around the greens and place the fish on top of the greens. Garnish with coriander dust and the ginger julienne and sprinkle with crushed red pepper.

As always chaps, do let one know how you get on.

Chin Chin for now!

Luscious Lamb with Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer

2011-08-31T02:04:00.000-07:00

The second instalment in one’s spiffing dish of the week is Lamb Rosemary Brochettes and Cucumber-Beetroot Salad in Vanilla- Yoghurt Raita, Oh I say! Terribly tasty and rather easy to make.

One will need:

Ingredients: 400g lean meat from a leg of lamb cut in to cubes, 1 large red onion cut in to large cubes, 1 large red pepper cut in to large cubes, 1 large yellow pepper cut in to cubes, 4 large sprigs of rosemary for brochette skewers.

Marinade: 3 tbsp vegetable oil, 2 tbsp minced garlic, 1 tbsp sweet paprika powder, 1 tbsp garam masala powder, 1 tbsp minced raw paw paw paste, 2-3 crushed bay leaves, 4-6 sprigs of marjoram, 2-3 sprigs of lemon thyme, 4 tbsp of Greek yoghurt, 1 lemon zest and juice, salt and pepper to taste.

Salad: 1 medium cucumber cut in to 2cm cubes, 1 large boiled beetroot cut in to 2cm cubes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves, ½ tsp finely chopped ginger, salt and pepper to taste.

Raita: 150g Greek yoghurt, 1 vanilla pod with seeds scraped, salt, pepper and sugar to taste.

Method: Mix all marinade ingredients with the lamb, peppers and onions and leave for 4 hours. Skewer the lamb on rosemary sprigs and cook over a hot barbeque or grill. Mix all the salad ingredients together with the raita and serve with the lamb brochettes.

Lamb is a totally spiffing accompaniment to Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and with a dashing of ginger in the salad, what more could one ask for?
Do let us know how you get on chaps!

Chin Chin

Spiffing Dish of the Week!

2011-08-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

To help assist the more amateur cooks out there, Crabbie’s HQ has pulled together a selection of top notch recipes that go rather well with the ticketyboo taste of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

One shall post one dish per week for the next month both on here and over on one’s Facebook page.

This week spiffing fans, why not try one’s hand at Grilled Tiger Prawns in Lime and Ginger Marinade:

Ingredients: 16 large prawns, cleaned with heads removed and peeled.

Marinade: 2 tbsp ginger paste, ½ tbsp garlic paste, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp lime rind, 1 tbsp gram flour roux, a pinch of asafoetida, saffron, ½ tsp turmeric, 300g Greek yoghurt, 3 tbsp vegetable oil.

Chutney: Bottle of mango chutney. For every 100g of chutney add 30g of chopped mint leaves a 1 tbsp of chopped ginger and mix well.

Method: Make the marinade by mixing together all the ingredients. Place the prawns in the marinade for 2 – 3 hours at room temperature. Grill over a barbeque or in a tandoor until well cooked. Serve with mango chutney and garnish with salad leaves, dressed with the lemon oil dressing.

Do let us know how you get – you could even send us photographs of your glorious dishes!

If you chaps have any of your own recipe suggestions do let us know by commenting below or over on Facebook or Twitter.

Chin Chin

It’s flowers ahoy over in Southport!

2011-08-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

Spiffing fans, one is delighted to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be sponsoring this year’s Southport Flower Show on Thursday 18^th – Sunday 21^st August.

With a vintage theme, what better way to sample the delights of Crabbie’s whilst perusing Southport’s finest marigolds, tulips and chrysanthemums!

Tickets start at £16 and are available from www.southportflowershow.co.uk.

What’s even better chaps and chapettes is that we have two pairs of tickets up for grabs!

To enter, simply take one’s empty bottle of Crabbie’s and arrange a flower or two using your bottle as a vase! Post your entry on our Facebook page or Tweet us your picture before 5pm on Monday 15^th August to be in with a blooming good chance of winning one of the two pairs of tickets we have up for grabs!

Best of luck folks!

Vintage at Southbank

2011-07-29T09:31:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the ticketyboo taste of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer attending Vintage at Southbank, one is holding a ‘Most Spiffing Vintage Outfit’ competition here on our Tickety Talk blog and over on one’s Facebook page.

The chap or chapette chosen as the ‘most spiffingly dressed’ will win £100 worth of gift vouchers to spend on a new tip top wardrobe – I say!

Simply upload a photograph of oneself looking totally spiffing and vintage to either our Facebook page or our blog to be in with a chance of winning.

One has until Wednesday 3^rd August at 5.00pm to get entries in!

Best of luck dear fans,

Crabbie’s AGB!

We’re off on a picnic taste tour!

2011-07-15T03:57:00.000-07:00

Dear fans one is rather glad to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer will embark on a tour of taste this summer, travelling around the country bringing the ticketyboo taste of Crabbie’s to picnic and music events at the country’s most splendid outdoor venues.

The spiffing chaps over at Stonegate have invited us to attend a line up of music and picnic events which will see the tip top Crabbie’s bus drive on site and allow guests to sample the totally refreshing taste of our alcoholic ginger beer, served of course over ice and with a slice.

There will be something for all the family to get involved in at all of the events. Even a butler service will be on hand for those that want a bit of upper class treatment – I say!

Here’s a list of the Stonegate concert hat we will be attending and the acts that will be playing:

· 16^th July - Jools Holland – Harrogate – PHONE: 0115 959 7908

· 17^th July - Jackson the Legend – Warwick – PHONE: 0845 296 0000

· 23^rd July - Tony Hadley & Rick Astley – Macclesfield – PHONE: 0115 959 7908

· 24^th July - Jools Holland - Macclesfield. – PHONE: 0115 959 7908

· 30^th July Proms Highclere Castle – PHONE: 01432 355416

· 6^th August –Alexandra Burke – Billercay Essex– PHONE: 0871 224 1113

· 7^th August – Peter Andre – Billercay Essex – PHONE: 0871 224 1113

· 13^th August - Borde Hill Gardens / Queen Symphonic Rock Spectacular - Haywards Heath, West Sussex – PHONE: 0115 959 7908

· 13^th August - Proms – York – PHONE: 0845 296 0000

· 20^th August - Proms - Warwick. – PHONE: 01432 355416

· 20^th August – Status Quo - Northumberland – PHONE: 0115 959 7908

· 3^rd September - Classical Fantasia – Leeds – tba when tickets are launched

What’s better, we’ve got a pair of tickets to give away for every event starting on the 23^rd July! Do keep an eye out for our next post and on the Crabbie’s Facebook page for details of how you can enter our competition to be in with a chance of winning.

Chin Chin for now

We’re back on the telly chaps!

2011-07-12T05:48:00.000-07:00

One is rather excited to announce that the latest advert for Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be back on your screens from the 11^th July folks!

One will be able to see the latest adventures of our TV stars, George and Camilla and see who’s really wearing the trousers this summer.

Keep your eyes peeled for the new advert which will be on your screens from 11^th July until the 22^nd August and of course remember to enjoy an ice cold Crabbie’s served with lashings and lashings of ice over a slice of lemon or lime while you are watching us.

Do let us know what one thinks of the new ad and if you spot George and Camilla’s new friend!

Chin Chin

Scottish Open winners

2011-07-01T09:22:00.001-07:00

Very well done to our two winners; James Brown and Rona Eaves Wood! Pop your addresses over to crabbies@europe.mccann.com and one shall get George to send your tickets via the Queen’s mail!

Chin Chin

We’re sponsoring the Scottish Open chaps!

2011-06-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

One is rather delighted to announce that Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer will be sponsoring this year’s Scottish Open.

The prestigious and rather spiffing golfing tournament will take place Thursday 7^th – Sunday 10^th July.

We’ve got two pairs of tickets to give away over on our Facebook and Twitter pages, so do hop along if you’d like to enter.

George, start up the caddy!

Chin Chin

Show us your best George and Camilla impression for a free Crabbie’s hamper!

2011-06-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our attendance at BBC’s Good Food Show in Birmingham, we are on the lookout for the best impression of our TV advert stars, George and Camilla to win a totally spiffing Crabbie’s hamper!

Whether popping on a twinset and pearls or flaunting George’s famous dickie bow tie, upload your pictures to our Tickety Talk blog, Facebook page or to our @CrabbiesAGB Twitter feed before 5pm on Monday 20^th when we will start the draw.

Here’s one of our spiffing entries from Emily Evans – I say! Jolly good chaps

Watch our TV advert here if one is scouting for some tips!

Good luck folks,

Chin Chin

Crabbie’s at the BBC Good Food Show, 15 – 19th June 2011. I SAY!

2011-06-10T08:41:00.001-07:00

Good evening to all you spiffing Crabbie’s fans! George and I would like you to know that Crabbie’s will be hosting a ticketyboo country pub stand at the BBC Good Food Show in NEC Birmingham next week.

From the 15^th – 19^th June, Crabbie’s tip top sampling team will be there to teach you about our delicious alcoholic ginger beer and of course let you have a sample or two of your favourite tipple!

What’s more, one would like to offer you the chance to win two tickets to attend the BBC Good Food Show by telling us what meal Crabbie’s goes best with. Simply visit our Facebook page and write on the wall “Crabbie’s goes best with ... for the complete dinner time treat” and outline the meal that tickles your taste buds when enjoying a spiffing ice cold Crabbie’s.

You have until 5pm on Monday 13^th June to tell us what you think, then two winners will be picked at random. I say, GOOD LUCK!

The Crabbie’s country pub will be at stand number F702 and the sampling team are very excited to meet all you spiffing fans!

For more information on this jolly good day out visit the BBC Good Food Show website at: http://www.bbcgoodfoodshowsummer.com/

IT'S SOAP TIME

2011-05-17T09:31:00.000-07:00

It is with great pleasure we announce that your favourite ginger tipple will be sponsoring the British Soap Awards tomorrow night dear fans!

One does love a good soap marathon whilst sipping away on a totally spiffing Crabbie’s!

Do tune in and watch George and I pouring to perfection before and after those totally tickety boo adverts.

Ciao for now

George’s Guide to Ginger

2011-05-06T06:14:00.000-07:00

The tantalising taste of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer would not be complete without the vital ingredient of ginger dear fans!

Here George tells us all what we need to know about this tasty specimen.

Ginger is often mistaken for being a herb but one can actually confirm, that it is indeed a spice, derived from the French name, gingembre.

Back before one was even a glint in my mother’s eye, ginger was grown in the wild. But now, it is all done indoors chaps so that one can keep a proper eye on it.

The plant itself can grow up to four foot high if enough love is given to it! The best season for growth is spring.

It has a wide variety of uses but one can say on everyone’s behalf that it tastes best bottled up in our favourite Crabbie’s ginger tipple.

So here, here dear fans, do raise a glass of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and say Chin Chin to the ginger!

Got to dash – Camilla’s calling me to check on the Crabbie’s ginger plant.

Crabbie’s Pine Punch

2011-04-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

Whether one will be celebrating the joining of Kate and William’s hands in marriage tomorrow or not, do spice up your bank holiday weekend with a rather delightful glass of Crabbie’s Pine punch!

Take a 500ml bottle of one’s favourite ginger tipple and mix with 200ml of fresh, chilled pineapple juice. Build over cubed ice and serve in a large pitcher, garnished with pineapple chunks and its leaves.

It’s tickety boo tasty and spiffingly refreshing!

George, do fetch the pineapple dear and tally up the drinks to toast the happy couple!

I say! It’s Tala Competition Time

2011-04-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

For those of you totally spiffing fans wanting to perfect your baking skills this spring, we’ve teamed up with retro bakeware specialist, Tala to bring you a glorious competition.

One has two Tala and Crabbie’s gift sets to give away, containing a Tala Icing Syringe Set and Cook’s Measure along with two bottles of our ticketyboo tasty Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer.

These sets are handmade in England and loved by our dear TV star, Camilla. Tala products are inspired by the 1950s and all things retro - one would be proud to have them in their kitchen!

To be in with a chance of winning one of these two spiffing spring sets, simply tell us why you love the tip top taste of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer in under 20 words, either on here as a comment or on our Facebook page.

Good luck dear fans, the competition will end on Friday 15^th April.

Spiffing!

Too much hairspray in the 1980's - Quiz

2011-03-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand dear fans is another totally spiffing 80’s quiz. This time it’s on 80’s rock and there are 10 questions.

Get ones answers over to crabbies@europe.mccann.com by 4.45pm for a chance of winning.

Good Luck!

1. Who was the original lead singer of AC DC?

2. Which member of Motley Crue was married to tattoo artist Kat Von D?

3. Which band released the singles ‘God of Thunder’, ‘Love Gun’ and ‘Strutter’?

4. Name the song and artist of the following lyrics: “Didn’t take long ‘fore I found out, what people mean by down and out”.

5. Where was the band Guns and Roses formed?

6. What year did Freddie Mercury die?

7. Who released the albums ‘Flush the Fashion’, ‘Special Forces’ and ‘Zipper Catches Skin’ in the 1980’s?

8. What was the original line up of the band ‘Rush’?

9. Identify the following band and song title: “Yet I still recall as I wander on as clear as the sun in the summer sky”.

10. Who released the album ‘Undercover’ in late 1983?

Doncaster Races - Competition

2011-03-22T05:09:00.000-07:00

If one fancies a trip to the races we have 100 tickets to give away for Doncaster Races on Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th April.

The two day event celebrates the return of the British Flat Season and is a jolly good occasion to buy a new hat!

Doncaster Races goes back to the 16^th Century and holds the record for having the most spectators on a course on a Sunday. It hosts an array of flat racing events in summer and jumping courses in winter.

See the full weekend line up on the website chaps: www.doncaster-racecourse.co.uk

We have 25 pairs of tickets for each day of the event. To be in with a chance of winning one of the 25 pairs of tickets for the Saturday or Sunday, just answer the following question dear fans:

How much ice does one need to serve a totally spiffing glass of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger beer?

A) Loads and loads

B) Lashing and lashings

C) Lots and lots

Email ones answer to crabbies@europe.mccann.com along with ones name, address, telephone number and which day one would like to attend the races.

Good luck!

When one partied in the 80’s – Quiz

2011-03-18T08:00:00.000-07:00

As a reminiscence of one’s fine memories of the 1980’s George has pulled a Friday afternoon quiz together to share with our totally spiffing fans!

Email your name and answers to these 12 questions to crabbies@europe.mccann.com to be in with a chance of winning one of our three ticketyboo prizes:

1. Name the four albums released by Phil Collins in the 1980’s

2. How many top 40 singles did Madonna have in the 1980’s?

3. Which 1980’s rock band had a one armed drummer?

4. What was the biggest selling vinyl of the 1980’s?

5. A member of Bananarama went on to form which other group?

6. Name the three albums released by The Police in the 1980’s

7. Who is the only member of Pink Floyd to have been with the band consistently?

8. What city were The Housemartins from?

9. How many studio albums did the Eurhythmics release in the 1980’s

10. How many UK number ones did Michael Jackson have in the 1980’s?

11. Name the four members of The Bangles

12. Identify the song title and artist from the following lyrics:

“I hear her heart beating, loud as thunder. Stars crashing down

All entries must arrive by 4.30pm on Friday 18^th March – Good luck!

When One Has Guests Winner

2011-03-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

I say chaps, our guest blogger Jo Dyson from Jo's Kitchen has selected Mike's Ginger Beer Cake to be our 'When One Has Guests' competition winner. Could Mike please email crabbies@europe.mccann.com and we can sort out your totally spiffing prize.

Chin Chin

When One Has Guests

2011-02-18T02:42:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gents, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our culinary competition, ‘When One Has Guests’.

George and Camilla are holding a dinner party, and are in a spot of bother over the menu. They simply cannot decide what to cook, so need some help creating recipes using Crabbie’s as the main ingredient. This is the chance for you dear fans to put your ticketyboo taste buds to the test and come up with something totally tasty.

To enter the competition, one must add their Crabbie’s recipes to the blog by posting a comment at the bottom of this post. Our panel of judges will then decide the winning recipe.

The winner will receive a cookery lesson in one’s own home, learning how to become a culinary wizard and host their own spiffing dinner party. What a tip top treat!

The winner will be announced in late February, so do keep your eyes open for announcements on the blog and also the Facebook and Twitter pages.

To view the T&Cs of the competition click here

http://on.fb.me/hBBeJb

Good luck dear fans and happy cooking!

Spiffing Fashion Tips from Camilla and George

2011-02-15T02:00:00.000-08:00

For all our dear fans that want to get themselves a vintage 1950’s look, here’s a helping hand from our TV team, George and Camilla.

Ladies, when looking to ‘dress to impress’ as one would say, a slick up-do always works a charm on ones hair. Keep make up to a minimum and remember that ladies pinch for perky, pink cheeks!

Daywear should consist of a full circle skirt and a fitted, neutral coloured cardigan. Pearls are always a splendid option to add an element of class to an outfit.

Evening wear should consist of a dress with gloves and heels to accompany. Floral prints are always an eye catcher but do remember to act ‘every inch the lady’ no matter what sort of attention you are attracting!

Gents, it’s all about the dickie bow tie if you’re out to impress the ladies. Dress it down in the day with a vibrant coloured cardie – as modelled here by our very own George!

A pinstripe suit is a must for any gent’s wardrobe but remember to leave a little ankle showing with bright white socks underneath.

Hair should be slicked back or over to the side and a clean shave is always a must – one must have standards!

If you have any specific requests on style, dear fans, do drop us a note and we will get our experts on all things spiffing on the case for you.

Chin Chin for now

The story of Crabbie's

2011-02-07T04:03:00.000-08:00

Oh hello and welcome back to our Ticketyboo Take on Life blog.

Today dear fans we are hopping in the time machine and going back to 1801, when Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer was first born.

Did one know that a fine young gentleman named John Crabbie’s brought the spiffingly refreshing taste of Crabbie’s to the UK and particularly Edinburgh as a cure for sailors suffering from sea sickness? I say what a clever chap!

It was a Crabbie’s ginger wine that is still available from time to time now as a limited edition but do be quick when you see it dear fans, it does tend to fly off the shelves when one is out doing the shoppedy-shop!

The fabulous taste of Crabbie’s that we know now that is made up of four delicious ingredients combined with steeped ginger and it is fermented for eight weeks. Oh I say, dear fans we’re glad you have the patience to wait for that, George wouldn’t last five minutes.

Crabbie’s is served best chilled from the refrigerator over ice with a slice of lemon or lime. Which do you prefer?

Welcome Old Chaps!

2011-01-17T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to the totally spiffing world of Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer and our Ticketyboo Blog – a fun and feisty place for one to keep up to date with the latest goings on in Crabbie’s land.

One can expect to read blog posts on all things retro, the goings on of our dear television team; George and Camilla, competitions, ‘did one know facts’ and lashings and lashing of ticketyboo tasty Crabbie’s updates!

Do follow us over on our Facebook page where Camilla wears the trousers and talks the tickety-talk and George attempts to walk the walk. We’re also over on Twitter dear fans where one can hear even more spiffingly fabulous Crabbie’s updates.

For now tickety readers – Chin Chin!