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If you're a fan of home grown veg, you'll know that it doesn't look quite so pretty when pulled straight out of the ground, but it's only a few minutes to clean off that rich earth to reveal the tasty jewels of your garden. For quite sometime I've been looking for a really good brush that cleans well and can be cleaned easily itself. With the Scrrub Brush, I've finally found one I want to get my hands on. Featuring large silicone bristles, dirt and bits shouldn't get trapped between them, while their unique design offers you a unexpected level of control. You can scrub your robust veg like carrots and potatoes harder than you do delicate fruits simply by changing the direction you are scrubbing from clockwise to anti-clockwise. Recommended for removing pesticides, dirt, wax, and baked on foods the Scrrub Brush is £4.99 from Lakeland.
Posted by Kate on September 4, 2008 12:07 AM
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An extension of the Art Cook Kitchen Gadgets, I can't help but be impressed with their new Vegetable Masher. Made from tough titanium, the light reflects beautifully from the lacy ring pattern that makes the mashing plate. The nylon handle is supported by thick sweeping legs creating an elegant silver arch. Combining glamour and function into a single utensil, the Art Cook Vegetable Masher makes even simple mashed potatoes fashionable. A part of the Art Cook Utensils Collection, the Art Cook Masher is £19 from John Lewis.
Continue reading "Art Cook Vegetable Masher" »
Posted by Kate on August 29, 2008 12:05 AM
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A fabulous new collection of useful kitchen gadgets, Art Cook has brought modern style to even the most basic tools. The sweeping forms and dynamic designs are accented by the brilliant titanium finish. The clever air cushioned handles offer a comfortable secure grip no matter how messy you get. Hard working tools that offer a fresh new view of boring kitchen staples, these ergonomic delights will instantly catch your attention. Available with either grey or lime green handles, these flash kitchen products are perfect for both minimalist designs and bright family homes. A new addition to the Lakeland catalogue, the Typhoon Art Cook Kitchen Gadgets Collection includes nearly everything you can think of (and are currently in a handy 2 for 3 offer).
Typhoon Art Cook Pizza Wheel - £12.99
Typhoon Art Cook Tenderiser -£13.99
Typhoon Art Cook Reamers - £13.99
Typhoon Art Cook Peeler - £9.99
For the rest of the collection click the read more link.
Continue reading "Typhoon Art Cook Kitchen Gadgets" »
Posted by Kate on August 28, 2008 12:10 AM
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Who can resist stealing that sneaky taste of cookie dough when baking delicious kitchen treats? Now with the Fred Batter Finger you won't get in trouble for dipping your finger in the bowl. A brilliant example of Fred's ability to blend humour and charm into everything they do, the handy silicone spatula stirs, scrapes and makes frosting a breeze. A cheeky design that everyone will love, the Fred Batter Finger is £6.00 on Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on August 27, 2008 12:00 AM
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Rustic glamour may sound like a contradiction, but these Ceramic Oil Bottles by Emile Henry offer a sophisticated balance of farmhouse charm and chic style. Emile Henry has finished these traditional ceramic oil bottles in a gorgeous fig and creamy beige that follow today's tableware trends. The Emile Henry name rises faintly through the glaze, cast into the bottle itself. The gleaming glazes are tough and shock resistant, ensuring their beautiful finishes won't scratch. The easy-flow spout ensures both a continuous and controlled stream, while the ceramic protects your delicious oil from sunlight. Old world practicality mixed with modern convenience and glamour, the Emile Henry Ceramic Oil Bottle is £20 from John Lewis.
Fig Emile Henry Ceramic Oil Bottle - £20
Natural Emile Henry Ceramic Oil Bottle - £20
Posted by Kate on August 26, 2008 12:06 AM
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Batch cooking is a brilliant way to combine convenience and home cooked meals. On weekends or when you've extra time you can create double portions of delicious sauces and meals. Then, rather than cooking after a busy days work, you can simply defrost your own healthy dinners. Ice Cube Trays like this one from Mastrad are perfect for freezing sauces or purées in convenient sized portions. The Mastrad Ice Cube Tray features a soft silicone base under each pocket that releases the ice cube with a quick push, while the water-tight lid fits snuggly into the tray and is held in place by a silicone edge. Designed to be stacked, the trays nest together for a solid level base which prevents spills in your freezer. Proof that good design can improve even basic kitchen items, the Mastrad Easy-Pop Ice Cube Tray is £6.99 from Lakeland.
Continue reading "Mastrad Easy-Pop Ice Cube Tray" »
Posted by Kate on August 5, 2008 12:03 AM
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A new sophisticated collection of modern chef knives, the Robert Welch Signature Knives are a stylish choice for passionate cooks. With sweeping sculptural handles the Signature Knives are designed to fit comfortably in your hand. Developed with the help of professional chefs, the knives feature a full length tang and have high-quality, fully-forged, hardened steel blades. Each blade is carefully angled to minimise fatigue, creating alluring fluid profile. A brilliant contemporary knife collection, the Robert Welch Signature Knives are available from John Lewis.
Robert Welch Signature 8cm Vegetable Knife - £22
Robert Welch Signature 12cm Serrated Utility Knife - £27
Robert Welch Signature 14 cm Serrated Utility Knife - £28
Robert Welch Signature 14cm Kitchen Knife - £28
Robert Welch Signature 14cm Cooks Knife - £32
Robert Welch Signature 18cm Cooks Knife - £36
Robert Welch Signature 17cm Santoku Knife - £36
Robert Welch Signature Sharpening Steel - £29
Posted by Kate on August 1, 2008 12:04 AM
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Sometimes even the simplest object can bring a smile and brighten your day. The Yummi Spread Knife makes a whimsical and charming start to early mornings. With a bold graphic style, the Yummi features an adorable squirrel at the handle end. With large rounded corners and a plump form, this cheery character instantly appeals. The brightly coloured knife has a broad blade ideal for spreading jams and nutbutters is specifically designed to reach into those awkward jar corners. Available in vivid Blue, Orange, Red, Pink & Green, the Yummi Spread Knife is £3.10 from MadeInDesign.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on July 24, 2008 12:00 AM
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Combining convenience and modern style, Royal VKB has created these fabulous Squeeze Bottles for your dinner table. Great for home-made sauces and dressings or simply upgrading your commercial bottles, the VKB Squeeze Bottles are both practical and sophisticated. Inspired by the squeeze bottles in American dinners, VKB brings a modern style to these kitsch icons. Featuring a stainless steel cap over a polyethylene bottle, they move effortlessly from from fridge to table. A great way to make even ketchup look glamorous, the Royal VKB Squeeze Bottle is £15 from FunktionAlley.
Posted by Kate on July 9, 2008 12:00 AM
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Who says that kitchen knives need to be serious and boring? The Pure Komachi Knifes add bright colour for easy identification and an exciting vibrancy. These distinctive stainless-steel knives feature a coloured non-stick blade that runs right through the handle. The translucence grips reveal simple images of food, stamped through the tang of the blade. A great set for beginner chefs, the silhouette images remind the user what each knife is best used for. Available individually or as a set, the pink 16½cm chefs knife is for meat, the green 16½cm Santoku knife is for veg, the 11cm blue knife is for fish, while the bread knife is a warm golden colour. Available in the UK for £25.99 each from corvusweb.co.uk or $19.99 each from Amazon.com in the US.
Pure Komachi 16½cm Chefs Knife - £25.99
Pure Komachi 11cm Fish Knife - £25.99
Pure Komachi 16½cm Santoku Knife - £25.99
Pure Komachi 21cm Patented Scallop Edge Bread Knife - £31.99
Pure Komachi Four Piece Chefs Knife Set - £89.99
Pure Komachi 6½ in Chefs Knife - $19.99
Pure Komachi 4½ in Fish Knife - $19.99
Pure Komachi 6½ in Santoku Knife - $19.99
Pure Komachi 8in Patented Scallop Edge Bread Knife - $20.99
Pure Komachi Four Piece Chefs Knife Set - $79.99
Posted by Kate on July 8, 2008 12:23 AM
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When looking for ways to store sharp knives there are surprisingly few options. If you like clear counters or have curious youngsters around the house it's easy to see why traditional knife blocks might not appeal, but the Wave Knife Tray makes a great alternative. Perfect for tucking in a handy drawer, the oiled ash tray can hold five large kitchen knives in the bottom row and six pairing of table knives in the top row. A compact design that keeps knives tidy and safe, the Wave Knife Tray from The Cotswold Company is £44.95.
Posted by Kate on June 25, 2008 12:03 AM
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Continuing their compact and clever kitchen designs, Joseph Joseph have released the new 'Chop & Rinse' which combines several bulky items into a single sleek design. Available from the end of June, the 'Chop and Rinse' acts as a single unit for preparing fruits and veg. The hinged chopping board allows you to quickly cut your vegetables, and then transforms into a triangular chute. The closed end features a perforated surface that acts as a colander as you wash your food then when finished the chute neatly tips everything into your bowl. Dishwasher-safe and featuring a non-slip rubber edge, the 'Chop& Rinse' is a fabulous gift for University students or those starting off in their first flat. Available in green, white, red and grey the Joseph Joseph 'Chop and Rinse' is £14.95 from PrezzyBox.
Posted by Kate on June 24, 2008 12:13 AM
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It drives me mad when kitchen items are purely designed to be functional. It might be a simple and basic item, but there's no reason for raw edges, ugly welds and general lazy planning. This stainless steel Jam Funnel is a fabulous example of how to design basic tools well. The funnel has a lovely deep bowl shape and the obvious wide spout. With subtle details like the thick band and flared edge around the top and a neat and sturdy side handle, the jam funnel achieves a simple traditional style. Proof that good design doesn't have to cost the world, John Lewis sell this Jam Funnel for £7.
Posted by Kate on June 17, 2008 12:09 AM
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I've been searching for a good garlic press for ages, it seems they either never work properly in the first place or they soon break. We discovered the Anolon Stainless-Steel Garlic Press while visiting Dan's brother. We were hugely impressed with the solid construction and how well it crushed garlic in a single press. So a few weeks before the wedding when our can opener exploded, we decided to continue with the Anolon line. So far the Anolon Can Opener is living up to expectations, and we anticipate it's quality and durability will last. Each tool is made from strong solid steel and features an ergonomic SureGrip. The brightly polished stainless steel paired with the grey silicon rubber grips creates a clean modern look. A brilliant addition to your kitchen arsenal, the Anolon Stainless-Steel Can Opener & Anolon Stainless-Steel Garlic Press are both available from Amazon.co.uk.
Anolon Stainless-Steel Can Opener - £9.98
Anolon Stainless-Steel Garlic Press - £9.98
Continue reading " Anolon Stainless-Steel Can Opener & Garlic Press" »
Posted by Kate on June 5, 2008 12:01 AM
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The second item brought over from North America was our knives. As my father is a metallurgist, it seemed reasonable to send him out looking for good quality knives at a bargain price. The result is the Calphalon Contemporary Cutlery. Hand-forged from premium quality high carbon, no-stain German steel, each knife features a full tang, which means that the metal of the blade continues to run all the way through the handle. A full Tang provides better balance and strength, and less chance of your knives breaking. The Contemporary handle is sculpted to fit comfortably in your hand, and unlike similarly styled knives on the market, the black grip isn't made from silicone or rubber so there is no risk of it distorting over time. My favourite feature though is the knife name etched on the end of each handle. It means you instantly know what knife your selecting before you pull it from the block. A sleek modern design that is comfortable and easy to use, the Calphalon Contemporary Knives stay sharp in both blade and style. Available in a wide range of knife sets, the Calphalon Contemporary Knives are available from Amazon.com, we chose:
Calphalon Contemporary 8-Inch Chef's Knife - $29.95
Calphalon Contemporary 2-Piece Asian Knife Set (includes: 7" Santoku 4.5" parer) - $21.00
Calphalon Contemporary 2-Piece Fruit/Vegetable Set (includes: 6" Utility & 3.5" Parer) - $29.95
Posted by Kate on June 4, 2008 12:07 AM
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Posted by Kate on May 15, 2008 12:18 AM
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Functional and elegant, Michael Graves creates designer utensils at an amazingly affordable price. Available from John Lewis, the Graves Ice Cream Scoop is a prime example of form following function. The plump handle offers a firm comfortable grip, while the sculpted spoon cuts easily into frozen treats. With a simple form, the ice cream scoop achieves a sophistication and beauty despite being a simple tool. Proof that design can transform any tool into a functional work of art, the Michael Graves utensil collection is a feast of vision and style. Exclusively at John Lewis, the Michael Graves Ice Cream Scoop is £10.
Posted by Kate on May 7, 2008 12:32 AM
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That final sprinkle of nutmeg, cinnamon and ginger is often what transforms a basic dish into something extraordinary. Unfortunately getting out a large box grater or fiddly spice grater can put you off these small touches. The Microplane Grate-N-Shake solves this by creating a handy unit that keeps everything easily together. Simply grate the spice against the patented surgical grade steel blades and the ground spice collects in the clear compartment. When finished you just turn the container over and the blade acts as a grill that gently sprinkles flavour across you drinks and desserts. The second black compartment features a sliding lid, ideal for storing unground spices. A clever complete unit, the Microplane Grate-N-Shake ensures fresh grated flavour is always at your finger tips. A great addition to your home coffee bar, the Microplane Grate-N-Shake is available for £9.95 from both Kitchenaria
and Amazon.co.uk
.
Posted by Kate on April 28, 2008 12:07 AM
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It's amazing how mixing textures and materials can transform basic tools into beautiful and sensual designs. In their new range of kitchen designs, Mono blends natural woods with industrial metals. The Jardino Cast Iron Pestle & Mortar features a cast iron mortar which rests in a beech wood base. For the pestle, the head is formed by polished steel while the beech is used again for its handle. Created by Craftsmen in Germany, the Mono Jardino Cast Iron Pestle & Mortar brings an elegance and industrial beauty to your kitchen. Available from SilverNutmeg, the Mono Jardino Cast Iron Pestle & Mortar offers dramatic style for £74.95.
Posted by Kate on April 23, 2008 12:02 AM
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Distinctive knife blocks are a quick way to make a designer statement in your kitchen. Modern designs like the Redonde Knife Block from Viners bring a sophistication with it's soft turned form. Accented with long steel fins, the wood and metal are blended into a single dramatic design. The elegant sculpted knives are arranged in a radial pattern, which emphasises the cylindrical form. Rather than taking up extra counterspace, the compact Redonde stands straight and tall. A part of the Viners Professional Collection, the stainless steel knives offer a ten year guarantee and are dishwasher safe. The set includes seven knives: a 20cm chef's knife, a 20cm bread knife, a 20cm carving knife, an 11cm utility knife, a 9cm paring knife, a 15cm boning knife, a 14cm small chef's knife and a 14cm carving fork. Available from the Viners online store, the Redonde Knife Block is currently on sale for £51.00 (RRP £85.00).
Posted by Kate on April 16, 2008 12:16 AM
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Add a sensual splash of colour to your table with the new Typhoon Drizzlers. Featuring hand-made flasks in beautiful rich colours. Available in a fabulous smokey blue, ruby red and olive green you can accent everything from holiday tables to kitchen counters. Each glass flask is then topped with a black silicone stopper that allows you to adjust the flow of oil. Great for drizzling oil on salads or in the kitchen for cooking, each flask can hold 300ml of your favourite oil. Colourful gems on your table or counter, the Typhoon Drizzlers are £8.00 from Typhoon Europe.
Smokey Blue Drizzler
Ruby Red Drizzler
Olive Green Drizzler
Posted by Kate on April 3, 2008 12:03 AM
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Lovely beech utensils accented with trendy green silicone, the Grip-It collection blend traditional hand carved quality with modern design and materials. With lovely smooth curves, the Grip-It collection is comfortable as well as beautiful, while the silicone rings ensures you a firm grip and precise control. A brilliant new collection with a splash of spring, the Typhoon Grip-it Utensils are an affordable way to update tired old tools. The entire collection is available online from Typhoon, but for those pictured the prices are:
Grip-It Honey Dipper - £4.00
Grip-It Garlic Crusher - £4.00
Grip-It Pastry Brush -£3.00
Posted by Kate on March 24, 2008 12:12 AM
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Bright and whimsical, the French Bull Utensil Set is both practical & decorative. Created by Jackie Shapiro, the French Bull Utensil Set includes six kitchen tools and a storage pitcher. Perfect to display on you kitchen counter, your tools will always be in easy reach. Made of melamine, the French Bull Utensil Set is dishwasher safe, heat resistant and shatterproof. A fabulous design that captures contemporary colour, the French Bull Utensil Set is £22.95 from Kitchenaria.
Posted by Kate on March 18, 2008 12:02 AM
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So ingenious, you'll wonder why no one invented the Sleek Jar Spoon sooner...but it turns out they did. The Sleek Jar Spoon was originally designed by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni in 1962 as a promotional item for Kraft, but it took another thirty-four years before Alessi added the handy utensil to its collection in 1996. Designed to get even the last scrapings of jam, mayo or peanut butter, the Sleek Jar Spoon has both a handy curved side and straight edge so you can reach into every corner. A great design at an affordable price, the Alessi Sleek Jar Spoon is £4.00 from UtilityDesign or £3.50 from Amazon.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on March 17, 2008 12:11 AM
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Nothing is as simple a wooden spoon, but even such a basic utensil can have a touch of luxury. Olivewood spoons and spatulas have a silky smooth texture and feel wonderful in the hand. Simply a pleasure to use, Olivewood Utensils add a touch of luxury to your daily cooking. Cotwold Company offers four piece sets of both their Olivewood Spoons or Spatulas for £19.95 each.
Four Piece Olivewood Spoons - £19.95
Four Piece Olivewood Spatulas - £19.95
Posted by Kate on March 5, 2008 12:09 AM
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Why spend so much money on jars and jars of baby food, when you can easily make it yourself. This simple tray allows you to freeze home-made baby food into nine easy portions. Making your own baby food is great way to be sure exactly what you are feeding you child, ensuring there are no fillers or additives. With the Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray you can easily make months worth of food in a single day. Made from Silicone rather than plastic, the 'food' ice cubes are easier to release and the tray is easier to clean. Safe in everything from the dishwasher, to the microwave and even the oven silicone also resists stains and odours. An easy way to offer your baby healthy home cooking, the Silicone Baby Food Freezer Tray is just £3.99 from DeCuisine.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on February 28, 2008 12:04 AM
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Ever feel like your kitchen is a circus? Inspired by the infamous 1938 'Wheel of Death', the Throwzini's Knife Block will bring excitement and personality to your kitchen. Featuring a bright red figure strapped to the front, your kitchen knives slot in safely around him. With slots to hold five knives, the blades go straight through the 'wheel' and are then protected by clear plastic sheaths behind. To capture the excitement of the original stunt the Throwzini's Knife Block spins freely, while each knife is safely secured by magnets in the block. A knife block that exudes character, the Throwzini's Knife Block includes 5 professional stainless steel chef knives for £59.99 from Find-Me-a-Gift.co.uk.
Posted by Kate on February 15, 2008 12:00 AM
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Another space saving solution that transforms the bulky kitchen colander into a slim kitchen gadget, the Joseph Joseph Folding Colander is like an origami puzzle. Designed from a single flat piece of polypropylene, the Folding Colander bends and turns to create a lovely deep bowl with two large handles. Featuring 12 live hinges, Joseph Joseph have created an innovative and clever solution. Available in a sophisticated black, trendy green, baby blue, vibrant pink and pristine white the Joseph Joseph Folding Colander is £14.00.
Posted by Kate on February 12, 2008 12:06 AM
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