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Throw away your meal plans for this weekend, and instead indulge in the best of British Cheese. It's a bane of my existence that cheese is thebest food I can imagine...yet I'm not allowed to eat it, so the British Cheese Awards is a mouth-water list of temptation. A brilliant celebration of British produce, the British Cheese Awards highlight the best of this year's flavours. Here's just a few of this year's highlights:
Supreme Champion - Stilton PDO From Quenby Hall (try M&S)
Best English Cheese - Age Red Leicester by Long Clawson Dairy
Best Welsh Cheese - Mild Cheddar by Llandyrnog Creamery
Best Scottish Cheese - Morangie Brie by Highland Fine Cheeses
Best Irish Cheese - Gubbeen by Gubbeen Cheese
Best Modern British Cheese - Lincolnshire Poacher by F W Read & Sons
Best New Cheese - Moon Shone Farmhouse by Moonshine Dairy
Best Goat Cheese - Goat Cheddar by Quickes Traditional Ltd
Best Organic Cheese - Criffel by Loch Arthur Creamery
A brilliant excuse to hit the shops this weekend, try to find them before they sell out!
Posted by Kate on October 1, 2009 12:04 AM
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If you are a creative baker or suffer from gluten intolerance, the grain mill may be a dream come true. Rather than needing to search around for exotic flours, with the Grain Mill you can grind them yourself for a fraction of the price. Perfect for wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, non-oily seeds and even spices, the Grain Mill ensures you know exactly what's in your flour. There is even a control which allows you to control the texture of your flour, from a fine powder to something a bit more coarse, the Grain Mill lets you experiment and tweak your favourite recipes. A brilliant way to create your own wholegrain bread, the Grain Mill is £49.99 from Lakeland.
Grain Mill - £49.99
Posted by Kate on October 2, 2009 12:08 AM
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The clever Zero Japan Teapot was recommended by Christy, one of our readers, whose being buying them for all her friends and family. A must have for tea aficionados, the Zero Teapot brews tea perfectly every time. Available in several different shapes and over forty different colours, they all offer modern elegance with a touch of eastern style. Rather than fumbling around with strainers, the Zero Teapot features a stainless steel infusing basket that dangles your loose tea leaves in the water. After your tea has brewed, there is no fuss or bother, you can simply pour the tea straight into your cup. As you drink, the leaves are lifted out of the water ensuring the tea doesn't stew. If you'd rather use teabags in the first place, the infusing basket can be easy removed so it can be used like a standard teapot. The Zero Teapot even features a non-drip spout and a stainless steel lid that will never chip or crack! Perfectly designed and easy to clean, a selection of Zero Japan Teapots are available from John Lewis.
White Zero 2-Cup Teapot - £25
Red Zero 2-Cup Teapot - £28
Black Zero 2-Cup Teapot - £28
Black Zero 6-Cup Teapot - £40
Red Round Zero 6-Cup Teapot - £40
Continue reading "Zero Japan Teapot" »
Posted by Kate on October 6, 2009 12:03 AM
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Perfect for when you get unexpected guests or after a rotten day at work, the Decantus Wine Aerator offers you all the flavour and aroma without all the waiting and bother of decanting. Technically the scientific principle used is the Bernoulli Effect, which pulls air into the Decantus and mixes it into the wine for the smoothest aeration available. Two internal tubes draw the air into the central spout, while a vertical planer prevents any whirlpooling so you get only small and tiny bubbles. The Decantus Wine aerator has been getting rave reviews in the press, and it's easy to make a side by side comparison so why not test it yourself! Ideal if you want just a single glass, this curvy contraption lets you appreciate it at its very best, the Decantus Wine Aerator is £39.99 from Firebox.
Decantus Wine Aerator - £39.99
Posted by Kate on October 5, 2009 12:01 AM
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Ugh! This morning I woke with a severe case of lurgy. Rather than face the day, I'd much rather curl up in bed with a warm fluffy duvet, but lunch won't make itself. The Cuisinart Soup Maker comes close though. Rather than facing a load of pans and hours over the stove, the Cuisinart Soup Maker works from start to finish all you need to do is chop the vegetables. The Soup Maker's 100W element lets you soften onion or brown your vegetables before you add the stock. Then it will then happily bubble away until you are ready to flip the switch and blend your soup to the right thickness. Rather than add another appliance to your kitchen, the Cuisinart Soup Maker can simply replace your normal blender. With a pulse setting and four speed setting, the 600W blender also features stainless steel blades strong enough to crush ice. A brilliant device when you need a quick nutritious meal, the Cuisinart Soup Maker is £138.97 from Lakeland.
Cuisinart Soup Maker - £138.97
Posted by Kate on October 7, 2009 12:08 AM
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Despite marking it in the calendar last year, time has escaped me. Normally we'd celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend, but between trips away, illness and general work stress, it doesn't look like I'm going to pull things together in time. So instead of cooking a delicious banquet, I'm just going to imagine all the fantastic dishes I could have served. If you've always wanted to serve up glamorous modern dishes, you might want to grab a set of these Squeezy Bottles. Each squeezable bottle has a different silicone nozzle so you create different presentation effects. Perfect for drizzling dressing or creating artistic flourishes, these 425ml bottles add a professional touch to contemporary cuisine. Available from Lakeland, the set of three Squeezy Bottles is £14.99.
Set of Three Squeezy Bottles - £14.99
Posted by Kate on October 8, 2009 12:08 AM
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While there are many reasons why a metal colander is more practical, you can't deny that the new Ceramic Colander by Typhoon wins on charm. There is something irresistible in its quaint rustic style. Made from fine porcelain, the Typhoon Colander is even hand-painted giving each one a unique personal touch. With a nice deep bowl and a 22cm diameter the Colander can even double as a fruit bowl. A great addition to transitional kitchens, the Typhoon Ceramic Colander is £14.99 from Lakeland.
Typhoon Ceramic Colander - £14.99
Posted by Kate on October 9, 2009 12:05 AM
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One of my favourite Christmas treats is the infamous cheese board. I set aside Christmas Eve just to savour the flavours on offer! If you plan on serving cheese at your next festive party, these pretty birds will be glad to help. Made from lead-free pewter, these Bird Cheese Markers come with two sheets of labels so you can easily customise each marker. With a contemporary craft style, the Bird Cheese Markers add a friendly charm to your table. A brilliant way to support the RSPB, a set of four Bird Cheese Markers is £39.99.
Set of Four Bird Cheese Markers - £39.99
Posted by Kate on October 12, 2009 12:08 AM
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A pestle & mortar can be one of the more frustrating tools in the kitchen. If you have a large mortar you can feel like you are chasing the spices around in circles, but buy one too small and you can struggle to fit your fresh herbs in the pot. Typhoon have come up with an amazingly simple solution in their Pestle & Mortar Duo. The Typhoon set includes two matching stoneware mortars so you'll always have the right size. It's also ideal for complex meals where you need to prepare a few separate flavours. The smooth stoneware pestle & mortar feature hand-painted stripes and large sweeping numbers. Both the 12cm & the 8.5cm mortars have a textured interior to make grinding easier. A great gift for cooks that love to create their own flavours, the Typhoon Pestle and Mortar Duo is £14.99 from Lakeland.
Typhoon Pestle and Mortar Duo - £14.99
Posted by Kate on October 13, 2009 12:08 AM
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Originally designed for next to the hob, the Lazy Susan Utensil Pot can help keep you organised where ever it's placed in the kitchen. Designed by British designer Sebastian Conran, the ceramic utensil pot stands on top of a gently curved bamboo base that lets it turn and spin. The central tower holds utensils or cutlery while the outer ring can hold spices, condiments or other kitchen clutter. Pair it with the stylish Conran Utensil Set, and you'll create a designer kitchen statement. The utensils feature bamboo handles and silicone heads, safe for even your non-stick pans. Glamorous enough to use at the table and practical enough to cook with, the Sebastian Conran Lazy Susan Utensil Pot and Utensil Set are available exclusively at John Lewis.
Lazy Susan Utensil Pot - £30
Sebastian Conran Utensil Set - £18
Posted by Kate on October 14, 2009 12:00 AM
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If you want to enjoy loose teas while on the move, the Tea Steeper may be perfect. While offering a large bowl for leaves to mix in, the Tea Steeper can also be collapsed and popped in your bag or desk drawer. Simply fill the compartment with your favourite loose teas and rest the outer ring of the Tea Steeper on the edge of your mug while it brews. Sturdy, robust and dishwasher-safe, the silicone Tea Steeper won't rust or tarnish either! A modern alternative to the old chain and ball, The Tea Steeper is £8.99 from Lakeland.
The Tea Steeper - £8.99
Posted by Kate on October 15, 2009 12:05 AM
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If you want to make a dramatic statement this Christmas, a bold pattern like Marks & Spencer's Ruby can add an exciting contemporary glamour to your holiday celebrations. The bold striped pattern has a festive energy that demands attention. Despite the name, the M&S Ruby pattern is available in both daring red and sophisticated black. A traditionally festive colour in cultures around the world, the brilliant red is perfect for all your holiday seasons. From the obvious Christmas and Valentine's Day, to anniversaries, Mothering Sunday and harvests the vibrant red tableware reflects the warmth and happiness around your table. Made from a creamy fine china, both the Ruby Red and Black are available exclusively from Marks & Spencer.
In Red
Red Ruby Side Plate - £6.00
Red Ruby Plate - £7.50
Red Ruby Bowl - £6.00
Red Ruby Pasta Bowl - £7.50
Red Ruby Cup & Saucer - £7.50
Red Ruby Teapot - £25.00
12-piece Red Ruby Dinner Set - £65
Click the 'Continue Reading' link for photos and links to the Ruby Black!
Continue reading "M&S Ruby Dinner Set" »
Posted by Kate on October 16, 2009 12:02 AM
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Designer Takae Mizutani feels that while there are many gorgeous egg cups available, those poor toast soldiers have been horribly neglected. Rather than leave them lying on the plate, so she designed her own whimsical Egg and Soldiers set. Made in Cornwall, England from an earthenware clay, the Egg and Soldier Set adds an engaging charm to this classic breakfast dish. The two piece set holds your egg securely behind the turrets of a small castle, while the toast soldiers valiantly stand upon their royal stead. Inspired by childhood stories and imaginative dreams, the Takae Mizutani Egg and Soldier Set is £25 from Red Direct.
Mizutani Egg and Soldier Set - £25
Posted by Kate on October 19, 2009 12:09 AM
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A vision of modern beauty, the UMA Kitchen Scale offers brilliant colour and glamorous design. Unlike other scales, the bowl of the UMA is suspended in the air above a chrome-plated circular base. Perfect for bringing a signature colour into your kitchen, the conical polypropylene bowl is available in a stunning range of colours and is dishwasher-safe. Able to weigh up to 3kg, the UMA scale features both an 'Add & Weigh Function' and a '90 Minute Kitchen Timer'. A dramatic design that transforms this common kitchen tool into a gorgeous modern sculpture the Bugatti UMA Scale is available in several colours from Amazon UK.
Black Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
Hot Red Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
Apple Green Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
Yellow Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
Chrome Plated Bugatti UMA Scale - £98.78
Pink Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
Orange Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
White Bugatti UMA Scale - £91.67
Cream Bugatti UMA Scale - £89.72
Posted by Kate on October 20, 2009 12:04 AM
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While I prefer to keep my eggs in the fridge, I bet I can hide all sort of kitchen clutter in this lovely Ceramic Hen. With an intelligent gleam to his eye and his head held high, this confident chicken is both gorgeous and practical. Finished in a white crazed glaze, a dark red floral pattern decorates the hen's wing. A brilliant example of farmhouse chic the Laura Ashley Hen is £24.00 from Laura Ashley's online store.
Laura Ashley Ceramic Hen - £24
Posted by Kate on October 21, 2009 12:09 AM
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Recently Cath Kidston has been leading the way, bringing a nostalgic glamour to feminine pursuits. Through her vintage inspired fabrics, she captures the idealised beauty of the 40s and 50s. Reclaiming traditional skills like baking and sewing, Cath Kidston helps bring glamour to these under-appreciated arts. I love items like this Flour Shaker, that adds a soft pretty style to what often seems to be a boring tool. Inspired by an early-20th century flour dredger, the perforated lid ensures an even coating over your meat or pastry mat. The Flour shaker can also be used to sprinkle cocoa powder, icing sugar or dried herbs. A handy piece of kitchen glamour, the Flour Shaker is £6 online from Cath Kidston.
Cath Kidston Flour Shaker - £6
Posted by Kate on October 22, 2009 12:01 AM
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A few months back I saw some adorable heart shaped sugar cubes that perched on the edge of your teacup. They were certainly cute and chic, but they were also expensive. So I'm quite taken with these fabulous Cup Adorning Cookie Cutter Sets from 'Not on the High Street'. More versatile than sugar cubes, these clever cutters allow you to create tasty biscuits to match whatever drinks you are serving. Both the 'Christmas' and the 'Everyday' Sets include four small cutters of different shapes. The Christmas Set includes a Star, Christmas Tree, Santa Hat and Shooting Star, while the Everyday Set features Heart, Star, Clover and Flower shaped cutters. Perfect for serving with warm drinks this Bonfire Night or during the festive season. Available from Velvet Brown through NotontheHighStreet.com, each set of Cup Adorning Cookie Cutters is £14.
Everyday Cup Adorning Cookie Cutters - £14
Christmas Themed Cup Adorning Cookie Cutters - £14
Continue reading "Cup Adorning Cookie Cutters" »
Posted by Kate on October 23, 2009 12:07 AM
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A couple of months ago I was impressed by the Large OXO Good Grips Turntable that helped keep your cupboards organised. Now they've released another, the clever Good Grips 2-Tier Turntable that adapts to your needs. The top tier splits in half and rotates over the second half to create a third tier. This allows you to add tall bottles of your favourite oils and vinegars without sacrificing any precious space. Perfect for counter tops or cupboards, the OXO Good Grips 2-Tier Turntable ensures nothing will disappear into those dark corners. Available from Lakeland, the OXO Good Grips 2-Tier Turntable is £19.99.
OXO Good Grips 2-Tier Turntable - £19.99
Posted by Kate on October 26, 2009 12:00 AM
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Joseph Joseph have redesigned yet another kitchen classic with their new Lemon Reamer. Rather than squeeze your fruit and then fish out the pips and bits, the Joseph Joseph reamer does it for you. By hanging a soft rubber cup below the bright yellow citrus reamer you can catch the pips as you go and prevent stray drips from getting all over your hands. Dishwasher-safe and with a big chunky handle, the Joseph Joseph Lemon Reamer is a practical everyday tool, available from John Lewis for £8.
Joseph Joseph Lemon Reamer - £8
Posted by Kate on October 27, 2009 12:00 AM
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I've always been a fan of the simple peeler. The blades are easy to clean and have no awkward crannies for food to catch in. L'Econome have created a set of bright and cheerful peelers. The wooden handles come in vibrant red, yellow, green & blue. Something about them remind me of the pencils I used in school, capturing a youthful joy and exuberance. With a stainless blade that can be used in either hand, each L'Econome Peeler is £4.50 from Pedlars.
L'Econome Peeler - £4.50
Posted by Kate on October 28, 2009 12:07 AM
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Simply pick up one of these Hula Tumbers and you'll be instantly charmed. The vivid colours and round ball shape are inherently pleasing. However I'll warn you, if you fill the glass and set it on the table you'll have a moment of panic. The Hula Tumbers rock and roll, threatening to spill your drink at any moment. An engaging design that will intrigue your guests, a set of four Hula Tumbers is £15 from Pedlars.
Set of Four Hula Tumbers - £15
Posted by Kate on October 29, 2009 12:05 AM
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If you're looking for a unique gift this Christmas, you have to check out these engraved Chopping Boards. No two boards are the same; each features a small character laser engraved into the wood. Four designs are available, with a speeding Vespa rider, a diving girl, a waving astronaut or a downhill skier each engraving is carefully placed around the natural wood grains. This transforms the wood into a unique landscape behind the illustrations. A clever design that brings these Acacia boards to life, the Laser Engraved Chopping Boards are £28.50 each from Pedlars.
Laser Engraved Chopping Board - £28.50
Continue reading "Laser Engraved Chopping Boards" »
Posted by Kate on October 30, 2009 12:05 AM
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