August 2009 Archives

  • Traditional Farmhouse Loaf Tins

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    We bake a fair bit of gluten-free bread, but I often get frustrated by the odd size of our loaf tins. They make strange itty-bitty sandwiches. If you're frustrated by modern bakeware and dreaming about loafs 'like grandma used to make' Lakeland have found just the thing. Made locally in Lancashire, these traditional farmhouse loaf tins create beautiful loaves embossed with the word 'LOAF' down each side. With a home-made charm you'll be proud to show off, the Lakeland Loaf Tins add that nostalgic warmth to daily baking. Available in two sizes, these Traditional Farmhouse Loaf Tins from Lakeland are an affordable investment.

    1lb (450g) Loaf Tin - £2.99
    2lb (900g) Loaf Tin - £3.99

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  • Pan Protectors

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    When it comes to fitting everything neatly in our kitchen, it's a bit of a puzzle. Inevitably pans get stacked in pans, which saves loads of space, but risks damaging those fragile non-stick coatings. Currently we use a sheet of kitchen towel between each pan, but realistically this is just a token gesture. At Lakeland this weekend I instantly latch on to their new Pan Protectors! The cushioned stars fit neatly in any size of pans protecting their non-stick or enamel finishes. The Pan Protectors feature an anti-slip finish that helps prevent the pile from sliding and shifting and thus new scratches. Available as a set of three from Lakeland, the machine washable Pan Protectors make a wise investment to protect your expensive cookware.

    Set of Three Pan Protectors - £4.99

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  • M&S Pantha Kettle and Toaster

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    The kettle and toaster are basic kitchen staples, and as such why shouldn't they be glamorous? Rather than a boring practical appliance, the Pantha Kettle and Toaster have a classic Art Deco inspiration. Pairing matte black with gleaming silver accents, the Pantha Collection captures a classic Hollywood glamour. With the handy 360 degree base and a concealed heating element that prevents limescale, the attractive Pantha kettle has all the modern features you'd demand. Similarly the Pantha Toaster features defrost and reheat functions, a removable crumb tray and 33mm slots to help prevent your toast burning. Fashionable modern appliances, the Pantha Kettle and Toaster are available from Marks & Spencer for £29.50 each.

    Pantha Kettle - £29.50
    Pantha 2-Slice Toaster - £29.50

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  • Emile Henry Flame Grill

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    If cast iron is just too heavy, the Emile Henry Flame ceramic can open up new possibilities. Their new lightweight griddle is a fantastic example; though it looks like metal the Emile Henry Grill is much, much lighter. The Flame ceramic is fired at high temperature making it safe to use directly on the hob without a diffuser. And unlike cast iron this durable material doesn't need to cool before you clean it. Straight from the hot hob you can run it under cold water. The Flame Grill is even designed to collect excess oil and fat in the corner, helping your favourite foods be that bit more healthy. Finished in a gorgeous glaze, the Emile Henry Flame Grill can be taken straight from hob to table letting you serve your meals just the way you made them. A great addition to your cooking arsenal the Emile Henry Flame Grill is £39.99 from Lakeland.

    Emile Henry Flame Grill - £39.99

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  • Dinosaur Cake Tin

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    When you're six there is nothing more exciting than your birthday, but you can join in the excitement with the Dinosaur Cake Pan from Lakeland. This dino print shaped cake tin makes eight individual monster cakes. Made from cast aluminium, the Dinosaur Cake Tin creates lots of detail before they are even out of the pan. Easy to decorate, these awesome cakes make a brilliant birthday activity or simply show off your baking talents without lots of fuss. With four different species to choose from your party guests are bound to find their favourites. The mould is designed to take a 2-egg cake mix, but can also be used for jellies or muffins. Sure to make a party your kids will remember, the Dinosaur Cake Pan is £26.99 exclusively at Lakeland.

    Dinosaur Cake Pan - £26.99

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  • Le Creuset Volcanic Mixing Jug

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    The dark fiery colour of the Le Creuset Volcanic collection is an iconic kitchen classic. There is no mistaking its vibrancy and nostalgic style. On the famous Le Creuset cast iron casseroles and stoneware dishes this gradient colour and vintage style is familiar, but when brought to other familiar kitchenware is gains a unique style. The Mixing Bowl for example has a bold retro style. The 2L stoneware bowl is perfect for whipping up batter for cakes and pancakes. The large handle offers an easy grip when you are whipping and pouring, while the spout ensures your batter goes in the tin, not on you counters. The Le Creuset Volcanic Mixing Bowl makes a fantastic practical statement piece for £16 from John Lewis .

    Le Creuset Volcanic Mixing Bowl - £16

    Also worth noting is the Le Creuset Volcanic Salt Pig - £12.80
    (Click Read More for the Photo)

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  • Tovolo Tea Infuser & Tea Squeezer

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    No matter how you like your tea Tovolo has a jewel like utensil for you. If you love loose leaf teas, but only want a single mug or cup, the Tovolo Tea Infuser is a colourful choice. To make your favourite brew you just fill the stainless steel infusing basket with tea leaves and then add the wand to your cup. In the basket the tea leaves mix freely with the water for a full delicious flavour. When you've reached the desired strength, simply remove the infuser wand and stand it in the handy drip tray. If loose leaves seem like too much fuss and bother, the Tea Squeezer may be more your style. The wide tong heads make it easy to capture your tea bag, while the pierced pattern allows you to squeeze the tea bag dry. Both utensils feature clear polycarbonate handles in a vibrant green colour. A stylish gift for any tea fan, the Tovolo Tea Infuser and Tea Squeezer are available from John Lewis.

    Tovolo Tea Infuser - £8.75
    Tovolo Tea Squeezer - £7.25

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  • Jme Wooden Serving Bowls

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    Salads are definitely the meal of choice in this warm summer weather. Jme (by Jamie Oliver) has created a gorgeous bowl that adds a simple sophistication to your table. Designed by Phil Longstaff, these solid American oak bowls feature a radial pattern of different grains; bringing a geometric style to this natural material. The variation in colour and grain gives each bowl a unique character despite its ridged form. A brilliant compliment for vibrant green leaves, the Jme Large Wooden Serving Bowl offers a contemporary accent for your summer dining. Jme also offer a matching Small Wooden Serving Bowl perfect for snacks and nibbles in their online store.

    Jme Small Wooden Serving Bowls - £15
    Jme Large Wooden Serving Bowls - £40

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  • Lock & Lock Onion Dome

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    I'll admit thought I wasn't sure of them at first, I've become a secret fan for Lock & Lock storage containers. Unlike other plastic tupperware, it's easy to tell when the Lock & Lock containers are sealed. The sturdy construction appears not to warp over time and the plastic hinges don't pop open while you close the others. To their wide range of boxes Lock & Lock have now added an Onion Dome. Less fiddly than cling film, the airtight Onion Dome protects your onion while also keeping the onion taste and smell from tainting the rest of your fridge. Safe in the dishwasher, microwave and freezer, the Lock & Lock Onion Dome is an affordable £1.99 from Lakeland.

    Lock & Lock Onion Dome - £1.99

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  • Viners Akita 6-Piece Knife Block

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    I love the rich grains and contrasting tones in the new Akita 6-piece knife block from Viners. Pairing the sleek gleaming knives with warm glowing woods creates a relaxed contemporary style. The contrasting woods can be appreciated from any side and bring an artistic element to the Akita block. The narrow knife block design tucks neatly at the edges of your counter leaving you plenty of space to work, while still providing convenient access to all you knives. Guaranteed for five years, the satin-finished steel knives are suitable for everyday use. Safe in the dishwasher the set includes:

    • 20cm chefs knife
    • 21cm bread knife
    • 21cm carving knife
    • 15cm boning knife
    • 12cm utility knife
    • 9cm pairing knife

    Designed exclusively for Viners, the Akita Knife Block is £60 from the Viners Online Store.

    Viners Akita 6-Piece Knife Block - £60

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  • Crock-Pot

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    Popular in North America for over 30 years, Crock-Pot makes the most versatile slow cookers available. Stylish and practical, this electric slow cooker combines efficiency and convenience to create a brilliant appliance for everyday cooking. The Crock-Pot features a 5.7 litre removable stoneware pot which is dishwasher-safe, making cleaning a breeze. With its sleek smooth lines, the attractive stoneware dish can be taken straight to your table for quick and easy serving. The dish can also be used on the hob allowing you to brown your meat before cooking (use a diffuser with electric hobs). The Crock-pot offers two heat settings, a keep warm function and a handy timer letting you create succulent meals ready whenever you like. An economical way to cook especially when time is short, the flexible Crock-Pot is £58.45 from Lakeland.

    Crock-Pot - £58.45

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  • Birthday Candelabra

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    Past a certain age, candles can be more of a danger on your birthday cake. Rather than call the fire brigade every year, perhaps these Birthday Candelabra would be a better choice. A quick way to glam up cakes and cupcakes, these candles have an ironic modern charm. A great way to add a hint of luxury to your birthday celebrations, the three wick Birthday Candelabras are available in white or silver. Available from Rockett St George, the Birthday Candelabra are £2.99.

    Silver Birthday Candelabra - £2.99
    White Birthday Candelabra - £2.99

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  • Sky Planter

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    A fantastic centrepiece for modern kitchens, the innovative Sky Planters create depth, space and vitality. Designed by Patrick Morris, these award-winning planters have a simple and elegant profile that compliments contemporary architectural styles. Perfect for growing herbs, the Sky Planters dangle delicious flavours just within reach as you cook. The ingenious design uses a locking disc to trap the soil in place so there is no mess. The ceramic planters use 80% less water so you only need to refill the internal reservoir once or twice a month. An eye-catching design that transforms kitchen spaces, the Sky Planters are £19.50 each from Rockett St George.

    Sky Planter - £19.50

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  • OXO Good Grips Turntable

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    It can be difficult to make good use of those awkward corner cupboards. Rather than knocking things over while reaching to the very back, OXO has created the Good Grips Turntable. An impressive 41cm across, the OXO Turntable brings everything within reach. The raised edge makes sure nothing can escape off the back while you're not looking, so you'll always know where to find things. Great for under the sink or in pantry cupboards, the OXO Good Grips Turntable is £14.99 from Lakeland.

    OXO Good Grips Turntable - £14.99

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  • Chalkboard Mugs

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    Great for your next kaffeeklatsch, these new Chalkboard Mugs let you personalise your tea and coffees. Whether you note down each person's request or simply their names, the Chalkboard Mugs help your keep everything straight. Each white ceramic mug features a black square with rounded corners ready for your next message. Safe in both the dishwasher and microwave, these easy to label mugs bring a creative style to your coffee morning. Never again forget which cup is yours, a Set of Four Chalkboard Mugs are £14.99 from Rockett St George.

    Set of Four Chalkboard Mugs - £14.99

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  • The Boardcaster Chopping Board

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    Even if you are living the Rock & Roll life style, you still need to eat. So bring that same passion and energy to your kitchen with the Boardcaster Chopping Board. Shaped like the famous Fender Telecaster, the profile is instantly recognisable to musicians and fans alike. Made by a genuine guitar manufacturer here in England, this high quality chopping board is cut from a 2.5cm slab of beech. Perfect for those who still dream of their name in lights, this hard wearing and durable chopping board inspires you even while you're cooking. A UK Exclusive from Firebox, The Broadcaster Chopping Board is £29.99.

    The Broadcaster Chopping Board - £29.99

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  • Lego Storage Set

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    With the children on their summer holidays, I thought we should feature some kid friendly items for the kitchen. I love these new acrylic containers by Lego. The lids feature the iconic Lego form and bright colours we fondly remember from childhood. The set includes four containers in three different sizes, and all the lids are interchangeable. The sizes aren't perfect as the tallest container is too short for spaghetti and only the middle container is good for tea and coffee, but who can resist these nostalgic stacking blocks. The lids and bases stack neatly together, mirroring the Lego blocks we all played with. A set that will charm children of all ages, the dishwasher safe Lego Storage Set is £19.55 from the online Lego Shop.

    Lego Storage Set - £19.55

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  • Lego Rolling Cookie Cutter

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    I suspect this Lego Rolling Cookie Cutter may be trickier to use than it looks, but I know the family would be thrilled by these little block cookies. The white plastic wheel creates small 2x2 Lego biscuits. The strong stainless steel handle features a silicon grip with the same knobbly pattern, so you keep a firm grip even with greasy or floury fingers. A charming small treat great for parties or after school snacks, the Lego Rolling Cookie Cutter is £6.85 from the online Lego Shop.

    Lego Rolling Cookie Cutter - £6.85

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  • Lego Mini Figure Kitchen Scale

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    Finally if you are trying to keep the kids busy, why not tempt them into the kitchen with this cheerful Mini Figure Kitchen Scale. With his roguish eyebrows and debonair moustache, this cheeky Scale makes baking even more fun and exciting. A part of the Minifigure kitchen range, the Lego Kitchen Scale measures in both kilograms and ounces. An engaging way to make children feel welcome in the kitchen, the Lego Minifigure Kitchen Scale is £17.59 from the online Lego Shop.

    Lego Minifigure Kitchen Scale - £17.59

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  • Ice Orb

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    I don't know what your freezer looks like, but ours is full of all sorts and clearing a large level space for an ice cube tray is something of a challenge. The clever new Ice Orb offers a brilliant vertical solution that lets you make and store ice cubes at the same time! The ingenious design of the Ice Orb features two interlocking buckets. To make ice cubes you fill the clear bobble cup with water and then fit the blue cup inside as well. This forces the water into the bumps, to create half spherical ice cubes. When the ice is solid, you can either poor the ice cubes into the blue cup while you make more ice, or use the Ice Orb as a drinks chiller! Able to make 21 ice cubes at a time, the blue air tight bucket can store 51, ensuring you're never run short. You can even use it to serve ice cream and dips at parties while still keeping them cool. A versatile gadget that's a bit easier to squeeze in the freezer, the Ice Orb is £14.95 from Firebox.

    Ice Orb - £14.95

    Also visit YouTube for the Ice Orb Video!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jax3nzOmZA8

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