Want a sneak-peak at some of the wonderful items in our Ultimate Christmas Cookware Competition? In addition to offering you a wonderful prize, Mermaid have also sent us a few pieces to try out. This week we used the Mermaid Roasting Dish to prepare this gorgeous spaghetti squash. I love how deep the Roasting Dish is, it's perfect for a Sunday roast tucked up with veg. The shaped sides offer a secure grip, so it's easy to move in and out of the oven. And once seasoned, the hard-anodised finished is like non-stick - but there's no danger of it getting damaged and flaking off. A brilliant piece of cookware that you'll be using for years to come, the Mermaid Roasting Dishes are available in two sizes from John Lewis
Add a splash of colour to your favourite meals with these pretty Oven Dishes by Rice. Available in a rainbow of contemporary colours, these hand-painted dishes have a flirty rippled edge. Oven proof to 240°C , dishwasher safe and freezer safe, the Rice Italian Dishes are made from natural clay. Gorgeous pieces each with their own character, these vibrant dishes add a modern rustic style to your table. With a collection including three sizes, the RICE Italian Oven Dishes are available online from NettleGreen.
We like our GreenPans at Kitchen Critic. They're great to cook with, hard wearing and capable of withstanding greater temperatures than traditional non-stick pans and they're better for the environment to boot. For their latest pans GreenPan have teamed up with Michelin starred chef and Master Chef: The Professionals judge Michel Roux Jr. Designed with the professional cook in mind the Michel Roux Collection all feature the mineral based Thermolon coating and cast handles throughout the range. The lidded saucepans and the larger frying pan also have additional helper handles for that extra bit of control. Made from tri-ply stainless steel with a polished finish, the collection is accented by the chef's signature. Available from John Lewis the Michel Roux Jr Collection by GreenPan is priced between £50 & £95.
One of the most stressful things about Christmas is trying to cook the perfect Christmas dinner! Why not try to make your life a bit easier this year and enter our competition to win the ultimate set of Christmas cooking tools, from OXO Good Grips & Mermaid Bakeware.
One lucky Kitchen Critic reader will win over £200 worth of Christmas cooking tools designed to make life in the kitchen that little bit easier this festive season.
Known and loved by professional chefs and home cooks alike since 1953, Mermaid is an all British collection of high quality bakeware that offers a solution for every baking need. Made from hard anodised aluminium, the range is extremely durable and offers superb heat distribution properties preventing unwanted hot spots for even cooking and perfect results every time.
Designed to make everyday living that little bit easier, the OXO Good Grips range offers over 200 stylish, innovative yet practical tools for the home including kitchenware, organisational tools, bathroom and cleaning products.
The 13-Peice Ultimate Christmas Cookware Set will have you covered from starters to pudding!
The Mermaid tools up for grabs include:
essential roasting dish with rack
shallow roaster
pudding basin
cake tin
While OXO is offering:
pair of silicone tongs
peeler
gravy/fat separator
thermometer
mixing bowl
spatula
flour sifter
bent icing knife
measuring spoons.
The Ultimate Set of Christmas Cooking Tools will add a professional polish to your culinary skills.
To enter the competition just enter your email address in the form below.
Posted by Kate on November 26, 2011 12:03 AM
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I have to admit I've always wondered if expensive bakeware was really worth the fuss, so when Mermaid offered to send us some of their products I jumped at the chance to try them out. The first we tried the Mermaid Trio, which includes three trays perfect when cooking dinner for two. Two of these half-sized trays can sit side-by-side on your oven shelf, or if you're cooking a big roast you can squeeze a one of these down the side maximising your oven space. The set includes a Baking Pan, Baking Tray and a Baking Sheet, so you'll always have a dish the right size. The first thing I noticed about the Mermaid Trio is that there are no rolled edges. Rolled edges always trap water, which increases the risk of rusting. Like cast iron cookware, these hard anodised aluminium trays need to be seasoned before use, but it's a quick and easy process. Just coat them in cooking oil before baking them for 15 minutes at 200 °C. The hard anodised aluminium also offers superb heat distribution for even cooking, while the strengthened metal won't warp even when used on the hob. They are gorgeous pieces of cookware and I'm sure we'll be using them for years. The Mermaid Trio is currently 25% off at John Lewis so it's a good time to pick some up!
I really like poached eggs, to me poaching just seems like the right way to eat them, not as greasy as fried eggs and not as fussy as boiled eggs. When I was buying supplies when I started university I made sure to pick up a poaching pan. It doubled as a nice single person frying pan but I got it for the poaching. After several years the pan had to be retired and I struggled by without my poached eggs until we discovered the Poachpods. Now Lakeland have new Stainless Steel Poachpods. The stainless steel construction gives them more rigidity than the silicone Poachpods and the non-stick interior saves you from even having to oil the pods to poach the perfect egg. I don't think it would be worthwhile replacing my current Poachpods but the stainless steel accented with green silicone are certainly a handsome option at £5.99 each from Lakeland.
I really love our GreenPans. When we first got them we only considered the Thermolon coating to be a harder wearing and environmentally friendly alternative to regular non-stick surfaces. After using them for a few years I'd happily recommend them purely on the basis of the cooking surface. PTFE non-stick pans have a waxy finish that repels water and oils and doesn't brown as well as a traditional pan whereas the GreenPans provide both excellent browning and an easy to clean non-stick surface.
Lakeland are now stocking the "Rotterdam" GreenPan Professional range, designed with the catering industry in mind. As well as the Thermolon coating the "Rotterdam" GreenPans feature an extra long handle with a removable silicon sleeve so you can finish dishes under the grill or in the oven. The handles are secured with three rivets to provide extra strength for heavy use and the pans come with wide pouring rims to aid in serving up. With prices starting form £29.99 Lakeland stock the 20cm frying pan, the 26cm frying pan and a 20cm chef's pan.
The conical lid makes the Tagine instantly recognisable. The unusual shape calls to mind adventure, exotic flavours and foreign climes. I've been tempted by tagines for a while though, but they can take up a lot of space in a small kitchen. So I was quite excited when Creative-Tops sent us one of their Justin Capp Tagine and Steamers. The Justin Capp Tagine offers all the advantages of traditional cooking, but also has a ceramic steaming plate that sits in the base- so it has dual use. Tagines are designed to trap the steam created while cooking; it condenses in the lid of the tagine and drips the liquid back into the dish keeping the meal moist. You'll notice the pattern of nubs in the lid, which encourage the water to gather. A multi-functional piece of cookware, the Justin Capp Tagine is available in two sizes from English-Table.com
Being vegetarian I don't spend a lot of time looking for new ways to cook meat, but even I've heard of Roasting a Chicken on a beer can. An unusual cooking technique from the United States, you perforate a half-full beer can and stuff it into the chicken. The chicken stands up while it cooks, the evaporating beer not only keeps the meat moist & crisps the skin, but also adds extra flavour. If this all sounds a bit too red-neck for you, Napoleon have created a purpose built roaster just for you. The base is a normal wok that can be used independently; when you want to roast a chicken simply attach the chimney. This design has a huge advantage in the wide base which means your chicken won't fall over as you try to place in the oven or barbeque. You can also place potatoes and veg in the wok to roast at the same time, which saves on the washing up! Beer obviously works a treat, but you can also experiment with other fluids to create your own fantastic recipe. A new twist on a summer classic, the Napoleon Beer Can Chicken Roaster is £24.99 from Firebox.
At parties or big holiday dinners planning how to cook the meal can feel like planning a military invasion. So I suspect everyone who's hosted a dinner party has at some point wished for a bigger oven. However the new Menu Stacking Oven Dishes open up worlds of possibilities. By stacking on top of each other, the porcelain Menu Dishes make full use of your oven. The side openings allow air to circulate through the oven; while the silicone feet let you take these dishes straight to the table for serving - no need for a trivet. They are also great for buffet tables, where you can fill one dish with tea lights and then stack you food dishes on top to stay warm. A beautifully simple design that offers great flexibility the Menu Stacking Oven Dishes are available online from Scandiliving.
When it comes to colourful high quality cookware, Le Creuset is the obvious choice. Hand crafted from premium quality cast iron, Le Creuset offers long lasting durability. Inspired by the soft washed out colours of the seaside, the fabulous new Coastal Blue Collection is a John Lewis exclusive. The soft subtle blue finish complements many kitchen styles, while the lovely gradation adds a rich depth. Topped with a gleaming stainless steel knob, these casserole dishes can be used at a high temperatures without damage. A great choice for cookware that will last you a lifetime, this timeless blue colour will be suitable where ever fashion takes you. Exclusive to John Lewis, snap up these glamorous casseroles while you can.
There's something quite intimate about sharing food with someone, so it seems like the perfect choice for Valentine's Day. My current favourite is the Dotty Fondue Set from Cath Kidston. Suitable for cheese, meat or chocolate, it's a brilliant centre piece for your table. Bright and cheerful, the white enamel bowl is decorated with fun multicoloured spots, while the chunky metal handles offer a sure grip when taking to the table. In addition to the fondue pot, the set includes six colour coded forks, one burner, the fondue stand, and a splatter pad. Retro fun for everyone, the Dotty Fondue Set is £40 online from Cath Kidston.
When choosing patterns, spotty is one of my current favourites. The contrast in colour just makes everything a bit cheerier. These Spode Cover Dishes for example are given a touch of personality with their tiny white dots. Available in a lovely royal blue and rich vibrant red, these stoneware casserole dishes will add a touch of retro style to any kitchen. Part of the Spode Baking Days collection the Spode Deep Covered Dishes are £30 each from John Lewis.
Known for her iconic patterns, Orla Kiely creates gorgeous retro graphics. While previously these patterns have been used on handbags and clothes, now you can also find them in your kitchen. My current favourite is the Brown Poppy Meadow pattern, the warm yellows and browns are pulled right from the 70s. Wonderfully nostalgic, the collection includes a butter dish, teapot & lasagne dish. A dynamic design for both retro diva and fashoinista, the Poppy Meadow Collection is available from John Lewis.
Finally the days are getting shorter and the stars are coming out. I love walking out under that deep blue sky as it sparkles. And it's this wonderful feeling that the new Le Creuset Casseroles conjures. A brilliant pearlescent finish that makes the cast iron shine. A fabulous alternative to a neutral black, the Midnight finish adds a touch of glamour that will match virtually everything. Hand crafted in France, Le Creuset is well known for their premium quality cookware. A gorgeous addition to your table, the Midnight Le Creuset Casseroles are available from John Lewis.
Ever fancied an early morning fry up, but couldn't face cleaning all the pots and pans after? Then you'll love the new Dual Frying Pan from Prestige. They've teamed up with ITV's 'This Morning' to create a kitchen collection that makes your life easier. The Dual Frying Pan is a genius idea. Rather than needing two pans for your eggs and sausages, the Prestige has a divider running through the centre. With two compartments, you can cook both in the same pan, all on the same ring. So not only do you save on the washing up, but you'll be saving energy too. A brilliant choice for those fragile mornings, the 'This Morning' Dual Frying Pan is £35.00 from Debenhams.
Frustrated that you lasagne slips and slids from the dish losing that lovely square shape? The Edge Lasagne Pan not only keeps your lasagne neatly stacked, but also ensures it's cooked perfectly all the way through. Similar to the Edge Brownie Pan we've featured before, the clever design offers you the best of both worlds; delicious crisp edges and a luscious moist centre. The internal fins allow the heat to circulate evenly, while the non-stick surface ensures you won't be chiselling off baked cheese. A great choice for those always shouting for a corner piece, the Edge Lasagne Pan is £39.99 from Firebox.
If you love trying new recipes and experimenting in the kitchen, you really want practical and versatile cookware. Durable hardwearing dishes that can be used in several situations, so you're ready to tackle any recipe you find. Maxwell Williams sent us one of their 1.8L Microstoven Casserole dishes from their new collection as a brilliant example. Using a new ingredient, Spodumene, the stoneware dishes can be used on gas and electric hobs (medium heat), in the oven, in the microwave, and are dishwasher & freezer-safe. They also feature a Xylan non-stick coating, so they are easier to clean. I'll admit I wasn't sure how they'd do in the microwave, it's difficult to use your dishes if they get boiling hot when you cook, but we were pleasantly surprised. Even after being used on high, the handles were still cool enough to touch! Brilliant pieces that can go straight from oven-to-table, they are very light weight when compared with other stoneware. Available in red or black, the collection includes 19 different dishes, from ramekins and casseroles to bakers and tajines available from Cook in Style.
We're sitting up watching the election results roll in, and we're hoping to see a bit of a shake up. As such it seems fitting to write up the Boomerang Wok. Designed by Niklai Carels, the Boomerang Wok lets you embrace creativity and adventure without the mess. With the Boomerang Wok you can cook with flair and excitement without throwing ingredients all over the cooker. The aluminium Boomerang Wok features a Teflon Platinum Plus finish and a patented food turning method. The plump front sweeps things back into the pan, naturally flipping them over. You don't need to toss a heavy pan, a spatula can easily flip and turn everything from stir-fry to fillets with a single push. Another innovative design by Royal VKB and suitable for all heat sources, the Boomerang Wok is £89.95 from 95% Dutch.
While on the subject of cluttered cupboards, the Stellar Eai Store Pan Set is a genius idea for small kitchens. The set of three pans fit together so precisely, they have a puzzle-like quality. Like Russian dolls, each pan fits completely inside the other leaving no precarious piles in your cupboard. You can even see the lids handles growing in size from the smallest 16 cm pan up to the largest at 20cm. I'm most impressed with the pan handles though, which are carefully shaped to be comfortable while still fitting within each other. Oven-safe up to 180°C and suitable for all hob types including induction, the Stellar Eazi Store Pans are £89.99 from Lakeland.
I think Tala could offer empty boxes and I'd still be tempted to buy them. While you may not be looking forward to Valentine's Day, the Tala Pancake Making Set will have you impatient for February 16th. With a fantastic retro style, Tala transforms basic kitchen utensils into vintage inspired glamour. The Pancake Making Set includes a non-drip dispenser, a heart shaped ring, and a special aluminium pancake pan. Perfect for those who struggle to flip pancakes, the two-sided non-stick pan lets you pour in the batter, close the lid and the turn the entire pan over. A great addition to both Valentine's and Pancake Day, the Tala Pancake Making Set is £18 from Debenhams.
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.
Pressure cookers have always been a good way to cook quickly while saving energy, but I've never managed to make more than soups myself. Now Tefal have created an innovative new Fast Cooker that combines the speed and efficiency of a pressure cooker with the flexibility of normal pans. The WiKook Fast Cooker allows you to remove the lid at any point so you can stir, add more ingredients or simply check that nothing is over cooking. Amazingly simple, the lid locks into place with a twist of the black handle. When you want to remove the lid you twist the indicator to the 'Steam' icon which releases the trapped steam safely away from you, and then twist the handle to the 'Open Pot' icon. With a 4mm thick aluminium base to distribute heat evenly and the secure Power Lid the WiKook Fast Cooker is up to 25% faster than traditional cooking. It even has a non-stick coating for quick easy cleaning. An effective compromise for flexible every day cooking the Tefal WiKook Fast Cooker is £99.99 from Lakeland.
Le Creuset are well known for their strong and durable cookware, but they also create these adorable Petite Casseroles. With their bright colours and shiny glazes they look good enough to eat! The stoneware Berry Casseroles are perfect for serving individual portions, side dishes, desserts and dips. Shaped like your favourite summer fruits, the set includes the 20oz Blueberry, 14oz Strawberry and 13oz Blackberry and Raspberry dishes. Cute and memorable dishes that celebrate these delicious summer fruits, the Le Creuset Stoneware Berry Casseroles are £42.00 from Amazon UK.
Jamie Oliver has created a new collection of products that mix modern simplicity with kitchen classics. I love the natural finish on these geometric stoneware bowls. Available in two styles, there is the plain round bowl and a cone shaped bowl with a spout for easy pouring. Strong and durable, you can enthusiastically beat, stir, mix and even bake with them. Resistant to high temperatures, these handy bowls can go straight from freezer to oven. A brilliant addition to your kitchen arsenal, the Jme Mixing bowls are available from JamieOliver.com.
If you’ve got small children around the house, an Induction Hob is a great choice because there are no hot rings to burn little hands. The only catch is that some pans don’t work. Valira have created some pans specifically designed for induction hob (but suitable for all). Their special TAI technology inserts a steel plate inside the base rather than bonded to it, which offers an even heat distribution without hotspots. The Frying pans have nearly four times the magnetic steel found in other pans ensuring they heat up within minutes! The robust cast aluminium pans have a triple layer of non-stick and the casserole pans feature tempered glass lids which are safe in the oven. Versatile pans that are designed to work efficiently with Induction Hobs, the Valira Induction Collection is available from Lakeland.
When creating these pans Raymond Blanc “wanted to create a range that would allow everyone to easily create exciting food in their own home.” The Meyer Anolon Hard Anodized Clad Cookware features a stainless steel core and interior with aluminium on the outside. This allows the heat to distribute evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pan. The black silicone grips compliment the hard anodized finish while always remaining cool to the touch. Finally the glass lids let you keep an eye on things while they simmer and reduce, while the close-fit helps lock in nutrients. A professional quality cookware exclusive to John Lewis, the Raymond Blanc Hard Anodized Clad Cookware has sweeping modern style ready to tackle your next culinary creation.
If you’ve been dying to experiment with a tagine, but haven’t wanted to invest in expensive and heavy cookware, this new Silicone Tagine could be a brilliant alternative. Tagines are traditionally used in North African countries like Morroco for slow simmering stews. The steep lid is designed to collect the steam released as you cook and return the condensed fluid to the dish for lovely and moist meats. The Silicone Tagine from Lakelandtransforms any 25cm or 30cm saucepan into exotic cookware. A healthy cooking option that keeps those flavours and nutrients from escaping, the non-stick Tagine is even quick and easy to clean. Flexible, durable and light weight, the bright cheerful Silicone Tagine is an affordable way to experiment with this trendy cuisine.
The V&A Museum celebrates the beauty of everyday items. Taking inspirations from the Damask Period the V&A have created a glamorous aluminium frying pan. The elegant gold finish is splashed with dramatic dark florals, for a sophisticated modern style. Besides their fabulous finish though these light weight pans have been carefully crafted. The aluminium ensures heat distribution reducing the risk of those frustrating hot spots. Glamour and function is blended into a single alluring frying pan. The V&A Damask Rose pans are available in a shallow frying pan or a deep stir fry design from Lakeland.
We are quickly coming up to Easter, the biggest of the chocolate holidays. If you’ve decided to make your own chocolate creations you’ll love the Beka Bain Marie. Instead of balancing bowls over pans of hot water, the Bain Marie features a double-wall design; you just need to flip open the lid on the handle and fill with water. This fills the base of the Bain Marie with a protective layer of water. A serious piece of kitchen kit, the Bain Marie is brilliant for melting chocolate, simmering gravy and making creamy sauces with no chance of burning them. Suitable for all hob types and with a handy water-level indicator the Beka Bain Marie is £29.35 from Lakeland.
This is our most recent acquisition. We love our Cast Iron Le Creuset, but found it frustrating that the handles weren’t safe at high temperatures. We’d seen the steel knobs on the plain white or black pieces, but I didn’t want to sacrifice those gorgeous colours! While clicking my way through the Le Creuset website I came upon a genius idea, Le Creuset sell replacement handles. Simply by replacing the phenolic handle which is only safe up to 190°C with a pretty new steel one, I could make my dish safe to use at any temperature! A quick and simple change that lets you get the most out of your cookware, the Le Creuset Stainless Steel Knob is just £7 from Amazon.
If you’re a fan step-up-and-go cookers, I bet this Morphy Richards Intellisteam will open up a world of new possibilities. Despite its complex appearance, the Intellisteam allows you to easily cook three separate dishes simultaneously. Just load your ingredients, set the timers and the Intellisteam will make sure everything is ready to serve at the same time. The Intellisteam features three separate compartments which are controlled independently, so you can steam vegetables, fish & rice in the same machine even if some require longer to cook. It does take up a fair chunk of your work space, but if you can cook a whole meal in it you may not need as many other pans or gadgets. I’m not totally convinced I can create enough completely steamed meals, but if you can it’s a fantastic way to eat more healthy as steaming preserves more nutrients than boiling and has less fat than methods that use oil. Bound to be popular with gadget lovers, the Intellisteam is £97.86 from Lakeland.
Even though pancakes are delicious, many people only eat them once a year. With Pancake Day quickly approaching this might be a great time to invest in a permanent reminder. This aluminium pan is ideal for making pancakes. The light weight pan is easy to tilt and makes flipping pancakes a snap, while the thick aluminium base transfers heat evenly. There are even handy recipes on the bottom of the pan! A great way to encourage your favourite cook to make pancakes more often, the Pancake Pan is available for £7.75 from John Lewis.
Typhoon have created a brilliant kitchen basic that is both eco-friendly and high quality. Featuring a non-stick Thermolon finish and a recycled aluminium body the Kyoto Green Pans offer a green alternative to normal entry level cookware. We’ve been using Green Pans for months now and love the Thermolon finish. It’s not only ethically better, but it’s much more effective than normal non-sticks coatings! The ergonomic Kyoto handles feel secure and robust, which is ideal for students or those moving often. A great choice for those just starting out, Kyoto Green Pans don’t cost the bank or the earth. Available from Lakeland, the Kyoto Green Pans come in 20cm, 24cm, or 28cm diameters.
If you love Eastern cuisine this Tadka Spice Pan can help you achieve those authentic tastes. The small circular pan is designed to roast your herbs and spice to release and enhance their exotic flavours. By quickly frying your spices you release the essential oils and amplify the delicious tastes. Made in India from hard anodised aluminium and stainless steel the 4” Tadka Spice Pan is suitable for electric, ceramic, halogen and gas hobs. A must have for creative culinary explorers; the Tadka Spice Pan is available from Lakeland for £9.78.
When cooking this Christmas did you realise you were short of dishes and space? Lakeland has found you a brilliant solution. Made from a new material ‘ceramber’ which blends silicone and ceramic, this clear roasting dish can even collapse flat when not in use. Safe in the oven, microwave and freezer this versatile container is perfect for serving, storing and cooking. The new material ensures your dish won’t lose its shape, while making it suitable for a wide range of uses. A fabulous addition to the kitchen, this large dish has hundreds of uses while taking up only a couple of inches in your cupboard. Dishwasher-safe and featuring an airtight lid, the Collapsible Roaster is £19.56 from Lakeland.
I’m not even convinced I like roast chestnuts, but with the weather turning cold and snow forecast, they sound delightful. There is something magical and nostalgic about opening a paper bag of chestnuts, the comforting heat seeping through even thick gloves. A traditional holiday treat, you can now make your own with the Lakeland Chestnut Roasting Pan. The steel pan is pierced with holes around the sides and features a spiral ridge on the base. You can use it on all types of hobs or over hot coals for an authentic street vendor flavour. A brilliant addition to your Bonfire Night Celebrations or as a special Christmas treat, the Lakeland Chestnut Roasting Pan is £11.99.
I love anything that really engages and involves people with the food they are eating. Rather than sitting down and silently eat, with a Raclette Grill people laugh, bicker and chatter as each person creates and experiments. Perfect for picky eaters, each person can grill just the vegetables and meats they like, on top of the non-stick stone. Then add these tasty ingredients to your shovel full of lovely potatoes and top with grated cheese before popping them into the second cooking area. A brilliant way to get everyone involved in cooking low-fat food, the Marks and Spencer Classic Stone Grill & Raclette Set is £29.50.
Sometimes even the best cooks find simple things tricky. If you dread serving up pancakes and omelettes this new egg pan may save the day. The cast aluminium pan features dipped sides that make it easier to slide carefully prepared food neatly onto the plate. With a double helping of non-stick coating, there is no more sticking and tearing making every step quick and easy. A fantastic end to broken, manhandled and butchered meals, the new Egg Pan helps your food look as good as it tastes. Available for £18.99 from Lakeland, the Egg Pan is dishwasher-safe and suitable for all hobs including induction.
Maybe we don't know how to manage modern life while preserving our planet, but that doesn't mean we can't try to bridge the gap. Just because they are environmentally responsible, doesn't mean they can't be products you'll love. Take the Green Planet Frypans for example. Made from 50% recycled aluminium and with lovely bamboo handles the Green Planet Pans have less impact on the environment, but their elegant design is still stunning in the kitchen. The layered bamboo handles have a warm natural beauty that complements the clean modern design of the pan. Featuring the Classic Teflon non-stick coating, the Green Planet Frypans are currently on sale at Lakeland.
For those adventuring into home baking, a pizza stone can be a great gift. Despite the name, pizza stones are also great for free-form loafs and small breads. Made from an unfinished ceramic, pizza stones retain heat and evenly distributes it through your bread. The porous stone is also able to absorb excess moisture, ensuring crisp and tasty pizza bases. Simply pop in your oven before pre-heating and wait for it to reach temperature. The only trick to remember is never wash a pizza stone with soap. Just like the stone absorbs moisture, it will also absorb your sudsy soap. In stead simple scrape off any reside and then wash in warm water. A simple to use item that adds a lovely crunch to pizzas, a pizza stone is one of those must haves you'll constantly find new uses for. Easy to find at department stores and cook shops, John Lewis offer a Pizza Stone for £12.
Also available from Le Creuset is a gorgeous collection of stoneware. Lighter than it's cast iron cousin, Le Creuset Poterie offers an affordable addition to your kitchen collection. While not suitable for use on the hob, the stoneware baking dishes are oven proof and suitable for use in the freezer, microwave and dishwasher. Perfect for taking straight to the table, never have to worry about disturbing your carefully prepared dishes to serve them. Available in Le Creuset's brilliant range of colours, the glaze will not craze or scratch even under sharp knives. Chip resistant and durable, Le Creuset dishes add brilliant colour and style to your dining table. Le Creuset 28cm Oval Baking Dish in graded Teal is available for £19.00 from Tesco Direct.
I'll admit I've not much experience cooking with cast iron, but you don't have to hang around cooking sites long before you start hearing rave reviews. Le Creuset is one of the best known makers of cast iron cookware, and blends classic shapes with trendy new colours. Perfect for use on both the hob and in the oven, these beautiful casseroles then go straight to the table. Ideal for casseroles, stews, pot roasting and even for baking, they are also perfect for preparing soups and rice dishes. Due to the high price, cast iron cookware is a long term investment, so you want to chose the colour carefully. I find the graduated colours much more dynamic than their plan solid styles, and the teal specifically is so bright and full of life. Definitely an item to watch for in the sales, the Teal Le Creuset 20cm Round Casserole is currently £62.40 at John Lewis and £70.20 from Amazon.co.uk.
Now that we've set the table, we'd best look at preparing something to serve. Most obvious on this list is pans. While there are many brands of pans available, many are very similar in design and style. After months of deliberation, we opted for the Thermolon Pans by Russell Hobbs. Featuring the new Green Pan technology, the Thermolon Pans are better for the environment and your health. Designed by Marco Pierre White, the soft rounded pans are made of heavy gauge aluminium and feature cast stainless steel handles. The Thermolon non-stick coating is stable up to 450°C (850°F) and causes less environmental waste during production. Even suitable for use in the oven, the Thermolon Pans offer you flexibility while cooking. In addition to these benefit the Thermolon has an incredible non-stick surface that allows you to cook with less or even no oil. A fantastic example of modern technology creating innovative products for an environmentally sound future, the GreenPan technology may revolutionise cooking. Available in two finishes, the Marco Pierre White 5-Piece cookware by Russell Hobbs is £110.26 for the anodised aluminium or £133.80 for the white. We chose the white, as though it's not recommended we might want to throw them through the dishwasher occasionally.
On May 12th people around the world try to raise the public's awareness of Fibromyalgia. Invisible to the eye, Fibromyalgia still affects 3-5% of the population. An extensive and complex disorder, it can be difficult to concisely describe. The Arthritis Research Campaign describes Fibromyalgia as follows:
Fibromyalgia is a name for widespread pain affecting the muscles but not the joints. It is a chronic condition, but it is not life-threatening or progressive and does not cause permanent damage to muscles, bones or joints. There are usually no outward signs of the condition and people with fibromyalgia often look well but feel awful. Because of this, other people may not appreciate the pain and tiredness they are suffering and this can cause additional distress. However, it is important to stress that the pain suffered by people with fibromyalgia is real and may be severe, even though it is usually not associated with visible swelling or deformities of muscles or joints.
In support of this cause, Kitchen Critic features the new Doctor Cook pans. For those with chronic fatigue and pain cooking can be difficult to face. Simply standing for long periods and lifting heavy pans can make cooking dinner a huge and painful problem. The Doctor Cook Pans are ergonomically designed to make them easier to lift and use. Featuring a unique curved handle the wrist is kept straight, making the pan seem lighter and easier to carry. Inside each of pan is marked with a convenient measuring scale, making it easier to judge your portions. Made from Stainless Steel, the Doctor Cook pans are suitable on all cooking surfaces and offer a 10 year guarantee. They are even dishwasher safe, saving you the extra effort of cleaning up. The range includes 12cm Pot Pan, 14cm Pot Pan, 16cm Saucepan, 18cm Saucepan, 20cm casserole and 24 cm casserole perfect for a wide range of cooking styles. The Doctor Cook 3 Piece Pan Set is 69.99 From Sainsbury's
Through careful design, products like the Doctor Cook pans can bring the joy of cooking back to those who feared they had lost the ability, while making everyday that bit easier. For more information on Fibromyalgia you can visit the National Fibromyalgia Association.
Joining the ever growing producers of cast iron cookware, Tefal have created a new collection of bright oven-to-tableware. A part of the popular Jamie Oliver range, the Cast Iron cookware features soft simple forms. Ideal for slow cooking, cast iron is safe up to 250C and offers fabulous heat retention. The hard enamel finish is available in both a trendy dark rose and a brilliant lime green. Bringing modern style to classic cookware, the new Tefal Jamie Oliver Cast Iron Cookware is available online at Debenhams.
The new Jamie Oliver Cast Aluminium Cookware blends the best of both worlds. Featuring new material technologies, the Jamie Oliver Cast Aluminium Cookware offers modern performance in a classic style. The black finished pans have a simple uncluttered form, with a deep flared 'bowl' and sweeping domed lids. Inside, they feature the Pro-Metal interior which uses multi-layer coatings reinforced with ultra hard minerals for extra resistant non-stick. They are even safe to use with metal utensils. Finally they feature riveted stay cool handles with silicone inserts for a comfortable grip. Available from John Lewis, the Tefal Jamie Oliver Cast Aluminium Cookware range makes cooking a joy.
Serve exotic Moroccan cuisine in these glamorous new Tagines from Emile Henry. This wonderful traditional cookware is given a new sophistication with trendy new glazes in Olive, Figue (Fig) & Poivre (Pepper). Tagine refers to both the cookware and the resulting meal. The cone shaped cover creates an oven-like effect that allows steam to circulate creating lovely moist dishes full of flavour. A part of the Flame Cookware Collection, the Tagines are virtually non-stick, 30% lighter and are safe over open flames, on the hob and in the oven and in the freezer or microwave. Quickly growing in popularity, Tagines are a brilliant way to flex your creative cooking muscles. You can find the new 32cm Emile Henry Tagines for £70.50 from Salamander Cookshop. The Olive & Poivre Tagine are also available from Amazon.co.uk for £62.95.
A simple system that takes the guess work out of cooking, the Perfect Steak System ensures every steak is cooked to perfection no matter how you like it. The Perfect Steak System monitors the temperature of your pan, calculates exactly how long each steak need to cook and even reminds you to when to flip it over. Simply measure the thickness of your steak with the included ruler and enter the information into the green 'Digital Steak Pod' calculator. Select how you'd like your steak; well done, medium or rare, and the Digital Steak Pod calculates how long it needs to cook. When the Pod beeps, flip the steak over, and when it beeps again your delicious dinner is ready to serve. The non-stick aluminium grill pan features an easy-to-read lime green temperature gauge in the handle and is designed to evenly distribute heat through the pan. The Perfect Steak System includes the specialist grill pan, 'Digital Steak Pod', ruler, recipe booklet and matching silicone coated tongs. A brilliant gadget for steak lovers, guests will be delighted as you serve every steak just the way they like it. The Perfect Steak System is currently available from Best Direct for £49.99, or £39.99 at Amazon.co.uk.
Like little boats on a rough sea, the new PoachPods are an easy and convenient way to cook eggs or melt chocolate. Made by Fusionbrands, the small silicone bowls float neatly in the pan. With a non-stick finish, the poached egg is easily released with a quick turn of a spoon or by popping the flexible pod inside out. Both microwave and dishwasher safe, you'll want a fleet of PoachPods for the whole family. Available online from Lakeland, a pack of two PoachPods is £4.99
It's been long while since I made a big batch of soups or houmous, so I can't believe I never wrote about the Prestige SmartPlus Pressure Cooker. Using a pressure cooker makes it much quicker and easier to use dried beans in your daily cooking. Cooking times are dramatically reduced, which saves you both time in the kitchen and uses less energy. The Prestige SmartPlus Pressure Cooker was redesigned a few years ago to create a modern appliance that feels safe and easy to use. The only draw back is that the Prestige SmartPlus line offers 8lbs or 12lbs of pressure, rather than the standard 10lbs to 15lbs. This means that pressure cooker recipes may need a longer cooking time than usual. Dishwasher safe and simple to maintain, Prestige spare parts are usually easy to find. A great entry level product, the Prestige Pressure Cooker is available in both a 5 Litre Aluminium and a 6 Litre Steel design.
After making their début in the States this July, it hasn't taken long for the innovative new Green Pan pans to reach the UK market. When originally released in the States only the three pan set was available and they sold out within hours. Now a mere four months later the sophisticated five-pan sets are available in the UK. Designed by Marco Pierre White, the soft rounded pans are made of heavy gauge aluminium and feature cast stainless steel handles. Of course the most important feature is the Thermolon non-stick coating. Safe for the environment and stable up to 450°C (850°F), GreenPans are good for both the planet and your health. In addition to these benefit the Thermolon has an incredible non-stick surface that allows you to cook with less or even no oil. A fantastic example of modern technology creating innovative products for an environmentally sound future, GreenPan may revolutionise cooking. Available in a anodised aluminium or white Thermolon finish, the Russell Hobbs GreenPans 5 Piece cookware is currently on sale for an impressive £130.50 from Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on November 23, 2007 12:14 AM
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Tired of creating gorgeous roasts and elegant fish dishes, only to find they never make it to the table in one piece? An ingeniously simple solution, the new Sili Sling Roast Lifter from William Bounds ensures every meal emerges from the pan flawlessly. Made from sturdy silicone, the cradle lays beneath your meet as it cooks. With large loop handles, the cradle makes the delicate job of transferring heavy roasts to carving boards or platters a simple matter. Big enough to hold even your Christmas turkey, the Sili Sling Roast Lifter makes preparing large holiday meals quicker and easier. A great item for the coming festive season, the Sili Sling Roast Lifter is just £15.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on November 9, 2007 12:07 AM
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A great new release for Christmas, Emma Bridgewater has created a new set of ceramic bakers in two of her most popular patterns. Beautiful creamwear pieces that can go straight from oven to table, these serving dishes have a wonderful hand-crafted charm. Available in both the cheerful Polka Dot pattern and the clever Black Toast text, the rectangular bakers complement a wide range of tableware. Offered in three different sizes, the roasters are perfect for roasting veg or making toad-in-the-hole no matter how big your family is. A great addition to your holiday dinner celebrations, the Rectangular Bakers are available online from Emma Bridgewater.
Now that students have made it through Freshers week and are facing their second week of classes, it's not surprising to find take-aways are starting to look a bit sickening. A brilliant time to start cooking proper meals, the Jamie Oliver Survival Kit is a cookware set for University life. Designed to pack down into a single unit, these full sized pans are easy to pop under the bed or into a small corner. The set includes a 26cm Wok, 26cm Frying pan, 20cm Saucepan, two glass lids with silicone rim (20cm & 26cm), and a universal handle. The non-stick aluminium pans feature the Tefal red thermospot and the universal handle clips on and off each as needed. Finished in a blue camouflage the Jamie Oliver Survival Kit can go straight from hob to table while leftovers can stay in the pan and go straight into the fridge. An ideal gift or treat for those living in small spaces or who move often, the Jamie Oliver Survival Kit by Tefal is £69.97 at Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on October 1, 2007 12:07 AM
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One of the newest trends in kitchenware is the resurgence of traditional ceramic oven-to-tableware. Normally found in a rich terracotta and rustic finish, the dishes bring an ethnic charm to any meal. Now for a contemporary twist on these classic pieces, Divertimenti offer their Latin cookware and tableware range. Retaining the lovely hand sculpted style, these vivid ceramics are available in trendy lime and aubergine and soothing rose and almond. The collection includes a huge range of pieces from ramekins, casseroles and baking dishes to jugs, jumbo cups and salad bowls. A fabulous was to bring both ethnic flavour and modern style into your kitchen, these are kitchen pieces to use and admire. Available online from Divertimenti, the Latin Cookware and Tableware start at £2.95 for a ramekin up to £27.50 for a casserole and lid.
Solid well made steel pans, the Jamie Oliver Professional Series will be coveted by chefs everywhere. With thick bottomed pans and solid curving handles the Jamie Oliver Pans are a pleasure to use in the kitchen. Featuring a heavy gauge aluminium core within the steel base ensures a superior even heat. While turning the lids over doesn't provide a solid base for stacking your pans, the arching handles allow you to place three of four pans inside each other without the lids. If you prefer to hang your pans, the large arching lid handles can slide over the long pan handles. This allows you to easily store the lids and pans together, without scrounging around the kitchen for the right lid. Each pan features a 'Stay cool' pan handle beneath which there is a soft insert for comfortable grip. Made of 18/10 polished Stainless steel the Tefal Jamie Oliver pans are oven-safe up to 260ºC, dishwasher-safe and suitable for all heating sources. Several pieces also feature Tefal's premium non-stick coating which is safe for use with metal utensils. Available from John Lewis:
Fabulous new cookware from John Lewis offers classic function and practical style. Unlike many modern pans, the John Lewis Classic Cookware are entirely metal, thus avoiding the weak plastic parts and dirt catching joins. In addition the Classic Pans feature deep rounded lids that turn over to fit solidly within the pan. This makes them safe and easy to stack even in the backs of deep cupboards. With a 6mm aluminium sandwich base and steel handles, the pans ensure they distribute heat evenly and are safe in the oven or under the grill. Featuring only a non-stick frying pan, the Classic Cookware provides you a classic durable set of pans free of modern chemicals. A fabulous range of cookware the John Lewis Classic Cookware includes a selection of saucepans and casseroles, as well as a stockpot, universal steamer, pasta pot, saute & paella pans, and both steel and non-stick frying pans with lids. Suitable for all types of cooker and they'll even go in the dishwasher. Perfect for the creative cook in any household, John Lewis classic Cookware offers versatility and dependability within a beautiful classic and pleasing form.
Known around the world for their beautiful enamelled cast iron cookware, Le Creuset is often craved and collected by kitchen lovers. The new vibrant colour adds a splash of classic French style to the heavy-duty cast iron. Perfect for using on the hob, in the oven and under the grill, the enamelled cast iron distributes heat evenly. Le Creuset is an investment that will last for life, each piece is individually sand cast and is appropriate for all types of cooker. Exclusive to John Lewis, the new teal colour is also available on the Le Creuset range of ceramic dishes. Gorgeous dishes that are at home on both the table and in the kitchen, the Teal Le Creuset range from John Lewis is available for:
The new 'Pots & Pans' range by Alessi are a wonderfully simple looking pan set, that reveal fabulous innovative details. Designed by Jasper Morrison, the 'Pots & Pan' range includes everything from saucepans and casserole to frying pans and pasta pots. Each pan is made from stainless steel and features an aluminium and steel base that heats quickly and evenly. The true beauty however is in the small details like the flared lip for clean pouring, a lovely gentle curving base that's easy to get a spoon around, and the fabulous heavy lids that can be lifted by slipping a spoon under the distinctive handle. Durable and practical pans, the Alessi range is free of chemical coatings and plastic parts and offers an elegant and simple design perfect for any kitchen. Part of Alessi's new affordable range, A di Alessi, the 'Pots & Pan' are dishwasher safe. Available from design-conscious.co.uk, prices start at £33.00 for a frying pan up to £102 for the pasta set. In the US an eight piece set is available for $370 from HiveModern.com.
Posted by Kate on April 19, 2007 12:10 AM
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For those heading into the kitchen this Valentines Day, Le Creuset offers the prefect presentation for your hard work. Featuring a range of heart shaped dishes, all in their fabulous red Cerise finish, Le Creuset dishes show on the outside all the love and effort invested on the meal inside. Perfect for quiet evenings for two, Le Creuset dishes add old fashioned charm to anniversaries, birthdays, and Valentines Day dinners. The range includes stoneware ramekins perfect for rich individual desserts, a 26cm baking dish for warm apple pies, silicon muffin trays for heart-shaped breakfast treats, and cast iron casserole dishes for the your favourite comfort food. The range also includes matching red utensils and oven mitts. Besides offering the high quality and durability they are renowned for, Le Creuset will donate 50p to the British Heart Foundation for each product purchased. If you go to Amazon you can also get a Stoneware Heart Ramekin and lid free when you spend £30 on Le Creuset Heart Range items. (Our American friends can get the free ramekin when they spend $99.99 on any Le Creuset items.) With all these incentives, now is the perfect time to invest in this fabulous Valentines Day cookware, while also donating to a very good cause.
Free Ramekin offered:
Posted by Kate on February 6, 2007 12:37 AM
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Roasting Dish is, it's perfect for a Sunday roast tucked up with veg. The shaped sides offer a secure grip, so it's easy to move in and out of the oven. And once seasoned, the hard-anodised finished is like non-stick - but there's no danger of it getting damaged and flaking off. A brilliant piece of cookware that you'll be using for years to come, the Mermaid Roasting Dishes are available in two sizes from John Lewis
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on any Le Creuset items.) With all these incentives, now is the perfect time to invest in this fabulous Valentines Day cookware, while also donating to a very good cause.
