Category Archives: Cookware
The Best Choice of Roasting Tin
The Best Roasting Tin for Sunday Success!
To cook the best Sunday Roast for your family whether it’s topside of beef, crackling pork, tasty chicken or delicious lamb, a good roasting tin is essential.
| A traditional British Sunday Roast can’t be beaten. It’s the one meal of the week that is guaranteed to bring the whole family together. A roast can also be very economical with a good joint stretching a long way, often to Monday dinner and a slow cook in the oven allows cheaper cuts to be just as tasty. The essential piece of cookware needed is a really good quality roasting tin or dish. It doesn’t matter if your prefer stainless steel or non stick roasting tins but it is certainly worth investing in the best roaster you can afford. |  |
When do you use a Roasting Tin?
Home cooks across the UK love a good roast and it tends to be the meal of choice for many. Typically however roast dinners celebrate special occasions and important days. There are a few occasions where you will definitely need a roasting tin,
• Christmas Day – this is traditionally the biggest celebration of the year and often requires the biggest meal ! You will need a roasting tin large enough to comfortably a very large turkey together with roast potatoes, parsnips, and pigs in blankets.
• Easter – this is another event that will call for a roasting tin. Many people celebrate Easter with a traditional roast dinner of spring lamb fresh from the roasting tin.
• Any Sunday – whilst any occasion is suitable for a roast dinner the tradition that still endures is the Sunday roast. Throw a selection of root vegetables into the roasting tin, sprinkle with oil or syrup for a fabulous feast for friends or family!
Our Best Buy recommendations for Roasting Tins
We are often asked by our customers for help with purchasing the best cookware, including roasting tins. Our customers don’t just want any old cookware – they want the best they can get for their money – and we are happy to provide a little advice when needed.
We offer a wide range of top brand cookware but you can be sure that we have carefully selected every product ourselves – we research the products and pass the information on to you, the consumer. We use our experience to ensure every one of the products we sell meets our high standards and we are happy to stand behind our recommendations!
1st Choice: Le Creuset 3-ply Roasting Tin
| A Brilliant Roasting Pan! This tin comes with 3 ply technology! You get even heat distribution throughout the entire pan for easy cooking/browning.It’s a large tin (35cm x 25cm) ideal for higher heat roasting and searing of meat and vegetables. Use for roasting, baking, poaching and bain-marie cooking.Suitable for oven use up to 220°C/Gas mark 7, dishwasher safe and Lifetime guarantee. PRICE GUIDE : £120 – £140
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2nd Choice: Stellar 6000 Hard Anodised Roasting Tin with Rack
| Quality Hard Anodised Choice! This Stellar 6000 roasting pan is finished in traditional matt grey hard anodised finish with polished stainless steel handles and includes a rack.Excellent heat conduction ensures even cooking on traditional hob types.They are oven and dishwasher safe and come with a Stellar lifetime pan guarantee and 10 year non-stick guarantee on the Teflon Platinum Pro triple layer coating. PRICE GUIDE : £70 – £80
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3rd Choice : Prestige Professional Roast ‘n’ Rack
Unbeatable Value and our Best seller Year after Year!The roasting pan has a durable, three coat non-stick exterior and the rack is also non stick for easier cleaning.It also features safe, riveted cast handles, which add to the durability of this pan. Oven safe up to 240°C/475°F/gas mark 9 and suitable for all cooker types, EXCEPT induction. Comes with a Prestige Lifetime Guarantee. Size: 36cm by 26cm, height: 8cm (pan), 14cm (rack). PRICE GUIDE : £25 – £50 |
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James ‘Leeds’ us into temptation…
I think most of us know that James spends most of his Saturday mornings preparing food Heaven and Hells on the ever popular ‘Saturday Kitchen’. The show smashed TV records in January 2011 when 3.4 million viewers tuned in, making it the highest rated percentage show watched over the whole weekend!
This month marks a new chapter in James’ book, as he sets to open his first restaurant in the UK for over 10 years – ‘The Leeds Kitchen’.
Situated on Clarence Dock, in the prestigious Alea Casino in Leeds, James has transformed the previous ground floor restaurant, ‘The Fig’, into a beautiful, contemporary, fine dining establishment.
As one of Britain’s best chefs, James is working hard to ensure that not only the produce, but the suppliers are locally sourced, including Leeds based interior designer Carolyn Parker. Local people and foodies might have long wait though, as the eatery is already booked up into May!
In addition to the restaurant, James’ team will be offering ‘The Leeds Kitchen’ catering expertise for all functions and events throughout the casino. No matter how big or small, they can add that extra sparkle to any event.
Expressing his excitement, James said:
“As I’m a born and bred Yorkshire man, I have been searching for the right location for some time and Alea and Clarence Dock have everything I am looking for. I can’t wait to open shortly, and deliver – along with my team – some of the best of British cooking Leeds has experienced.”
And if you like his cooking, you’re bound to love his cookware!
There’s no doubting James Martin’s credentials, therefore you can be sure of the quality of the James Martin Cookware Range by Stellar.
Launched in 2003, 21st century technology meets the creativity of the Celebrity Chef in the outstanding Stellar Lamina collection.
James Martin’s practical knowledge as a working chef has been combined with Lamina’s tri-metal stainless steel and aluminium sandwich to give unprecedented thermal efficiency. They are specified to professional preferences and gives outstanding performance and economy on all hob types, including induction. The pans are dishwasher and oven safe, and carry the Stellar Lifetime guarantee.
The sculptured cast stainless steel handles are unique to the range and add real style to any kitchen.
Le Creuset Stoneware
Stoneware Sweet Hearts – set of 2 Heart Ramekins with lid in colours Cassis & Rose
Use this set of 2 Heart Ramekins to create tantalising starters, mouth-watering puddings or simply to serve spicy dips. The 0.18L capacity makes it the perfect partner for individual portions, and the lid makes it practical for heating up sauces in the microwave or keeping desserts fresh in the refrigerator. For a special occasion such as Valentine’s Day pull out all the stops and prepare a decadent dessert for two for your nearest and dearest such as the very yummy Dark Chocolate Mousse with French Raspberry Liqueur.
Stoneware Sweet Heart Ramekins set: £25.00
Stoneware Heart Mini’s – set of 3 mini Heart Ramekins with lid in colours Cerise, Cassis & Rose
These new pint-sized heart shape Ramekins, in complementary colours Cerise, Cassis and Rose, are quite possibly the prettiest pieces of cookware to be found. As adorable as they are useful, this new size is smaller than the original Heart Ramekin and has a capacity of 0.1L making it best suited for mini puddings. So rather than having just the one pudding, why not make three petite puddings to share, the more the merrier! To really impress, prepare a trio of moreish delights, you can’t go wrong with a trio of White Chocolate Blueberry Cake with Blueberry Sauce, Vanilla Raspberry Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce and Passion Cakes with Passion Fruit Frosting. Not just for Valentine’s Day, this set is the perfect accessory to transform your afternoon tea into a special occasion with a scrumptious spread of fondants, cupcakes and mini chocolate pots.
Stoneware Mini Heart Ramekins set: £30.00
Stoneware Glamour Mini’s – set of 3 Petite Casseroles
For all of those who have fallen in love with the Petite Casserole, Le Creuset presents two new trio sets to appeal to fans of this diminutive dish. Perfect for a party, this purple hued trio set will add a glamorous pop of colour to any table setting. Le Creuset’s very cute and eminently versatile Petite Casserole is just the right size for individual portions, and works equally well with savoury and sweet recipes. Dinner guests will be amazed at the possibilities offered by this practical dish with the lid making it handy for heating up sauces in the microwave or keeping snacks fresh.
Stoneware Glamour Mini’s set: £42.00
Stoneware Pearlescent Blue Mini’s – set of 3 Petite Casseroles
For a more classic look, choose the blue hued trio set of Petite Casseroles, a colourway that will blend easily with any table setting. This charming set features a pretty pearlescent finish that will shimmer beautifully under candlelight and is certain to dazzle dinner party guests. Ideal for a whole host of recipes with a capacity of 0.25L, try individual gratins, soufflés, sponge cakes, or crumbles or use to accent the table with dips, condiments, cheeses, and salsas.
Stoneware Pearlescent Mini’s set: £42.00
Stoneware Tea for Two – set includes a Classic Teapot and 2 Mugs in Cerise
An early morning brew is the best way to start the day, so prepare a nice cuppa for your loved one this Valentine’s Day using Le Creuset’s Tea for Two set. Featuring a Classic Teapot, and set of two Mugs in romantic Cerise red, this set boasts all of the qualities you would expect from a Le Creuset range. The Tea for Two set is full of clever design details, from the anti-drip spout on the teapot to easy-grip handles on the mug, to make the whole experience of tea drinking both hassle-free and enjoyable. The 0.7L capacity of the teapot is just right to serve two mugs.
Stoneware Tea for Two set: £35.00
As functional as it is good-looking, Le Creuset Stoneware is made with today’s needs in mind, each product is oven, microwave, grill, freezer and dishwasher safe and comes with a 5-year guarantee. So add something special to a Valentine’s or Mother’s Day dinner, or simply use all year round, either way, these new Stoneware sets will make any meal a memorable one.
Latest Tefal TV Ads
The latest Tefal TV adverts started showing in the UK last month – there’s a non-stick cookware advert and one for the ingenious Actifry, Tefal’s low fat fryer.
The Tefal non-stick ranges include the best selling Jamie Oliver and Preference cookware ranges, which feature the Thermo-Spot heat indicator that tells you when your pan has reached the optimum temperature to seal in the flavour.
The other product featured in Tefal’s advertising campaign is the superb Actifry low fat fryer. The Actifry allows you to cook enough chips to feed a family of four with just one spoonful of oil and only 3% fat! This makes it much more economical to run, as well as safer and easier to clean. And not only can it cook chips, but also a whole range of other meals including stir-fried vegetables, meat, fish and even pudding! It’s a surprisingly versatile product and we’ve been impressed enough to install one in our canteen, as well as giving a couple away in a recent prize draws.
Rosie in our sales department had this to say: ’I was very sceptical about the Actifry when I first saw it. Imagined it was just another gadget that was kept in the kitchen cupboard to cover in dust. However, I absolutely love this machine!
Chips aside, even sausages are easy to cook. No need to stand by the grill constantly turning them over, you just place them in the Actifry and switch it on for about 12 minutes. The Actifry does all the turning for you and you can add other ingredients to make a sausage casserole. I also like to make crumbles and didn’t realise that this machine can also cook fruit. Now I just put the fruit in and let the machine do the work while I make the topping and there is no mess!
The Actifry is extremely easy to clean. The bowl just lifts out and as there is very little oil, all it takes is a quick run round with a cloth. Love it! This is definitely staying on my kitchen counter!’
Steve, our Operations Manager, is also a convert: ‘After winning my Tefal Actifry I must admit I was quite sceptical… after all, who wants healthy chips?!? Christmas present for mum I thought, but having got it home and placed the box in the kitchen, every time I walked past it kept on whispering to me “try me… try me”. My will power not being what it used to be, I have to shamefully admit I caved in, peeled some spuds, cut the chips and added 1 spoon of oil as stated. Turned on the Actifry and then left my chips to “healthily” cook for 40 mins. I know… 40 mins for a job that would take me 10 in my deep fat fryer… Ah well, time for a game or two of Call of Duty!
40 minutes later I went to check on my chips and they were done, which is a good job because as you can imagine I was beginning to waste away. I sat down and began to eat …….. SHOCKED!!! The chips were done to perfection, crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle, but most importantly they tasted just like chips that had been done in the fryer! Superb!!! At last, a healthy chip that doesn’t need to be cooked in the oven.
Since then I’ve tried various things in my Actifry: from sausages – pierce well and don’t put in too much oil, as the actify will healthily drain all the fat from your sausages – to making chilli con carne from scratch.
I must admit for a sceptic I’m now sold and converted. It really is a multi purpose machine, simple to clean, easy to use and no having to drain out dirty oil and dispose of. Oh and needless to say, mum will be getting my old deep fat fryer for Christmas instead!’
The Student Kitchen – Do’s and Don’ts
1. DO – Learn to cook, even if it is just the basics like lasagne, casseroles, and soups. You will save masses of cash and be healthier for it.
DON’T – Attempt to survive on a diet of pizza, chips, Indian, Chinese and kebabs. It is not good for your wallet or your well being.
Recommendations – Get a recipe book, or have a look at our Pots and Pans Recipes page.
2. DO – Buy at least a couple of decent saucepans. They last longer and are easier to cook with than budget pans – try cooking and then cleaning rice off a cheap saucepan and you will understand this entirely. Stainless steel pans are great, as even if people use metal utensils on them (which they will), your pans will survive.
DON’T – allow a flatmate to use saucepans as a drum kit. It may not hurt your pans, but it never sounds as good as he thinks it does.
Recommendations – See our Stellar 1000 and Judge Vista pages for great value pan sets.
3. DO – Buy at least one decent quality sharp knife. A blunt knife will slip and you are far more likely to cut yourself. Unless your house is organised, it will then take you twenty minutes to find a bandage. When purchasing your knife, please don’t be offended if the staff request to see ID. You must be 18 to purchase a knife, and many stores operate a think 21 policy.
DON’T – Allow any of your flatmates to use your knives for the following; to have an impromptu swordfight, open a tin of any kind, open a coconut.
Recommendations – We have a good range of James Martin Knives, and some novel designs from Voodoo Knives.
4. DO – Buy a wok. It is an extremely versatile piece of cookware, and will allow you to not only cook stir fries (which are economic and healthy), but is also good for frying, steaming and making sauces.
DON’T – leave your wok in the garden to be cleaned by the rain, as this will cause it to rust.
Recommendations – See our Ken Hom Woks, designed with input from the master of oriental cooking.
5. DO – Buy more than one piece of cutlery and tableware. Within ten minutes of being in your flat, you will have ‘lost’ something. Do buy knives, as well as forks and spoons, as you will host more impromptu dinner parties than you realise.
DON’T – buy cheap, thin cutlery, you will bend all of your spoons on your first tub of Ben and Jerry’s.
Recommendations – We have great offers on Monogram Cutlery and Stellar Cutlery sets.
6. DO – Learn to bake. There is no better way to make friends with you neighbours than with muffins and bread. This will serve you well when your house parties run late.
DON’T – allow your flatmates to combine every unwanted foodstuff in your kitchen, to make a ‘cake mix’. The results are not pretty and definitely not edible.
Recommendations – Raymond Blanc Bakeware and Master Class Bakeware are our best selling ranges of baking equipment.
AND FINALLY – do wash all your kitchen ware thoroughly after each use, it will last you far longer, and you won’t have to buy it all again the next year. Remember, it’s food you’re trying to create, not new life forms!
Based loosely on the life of a St Andrews graduate
