Some lovely things we’ve tried recently…
From top:
Lékué, a Spanish brand of high quality silicone kitchenware and baking moulds have given me some homework to keep me busy… I have already utilised the mini brownie mould in my Gran Luchito brownies, it’s thicker than most siliconeware and guaranteed for longer: 10 years compared to 5 years for John Lewis own brand. Stockists vary for each piece but the Silicone Bread Maker recently featured by Choclette is available from Lakeland (as is a jolly interesting looking breadstick mould) and there’s a bigger Lékué selection on Amazon. Say hi to them on Twitter @lekue
Chikas are the new producers of West African “luxurious small savories” such as unpopped corn, plaintain and sweet potato crisps. We snaffled some bags of their hand toasted peanuts and not expecting much from a humble peanut were blown away by how tasty they were despite the absence of excess oil and salt. In 45g bags you can stop yourself before you get carried away too. Say hi to them on Twitter @chikasfoods
Natvia is a new natural sweetener brand perking up puds for diabetics and the health conscious alike. 100% made from natural ingredients, Natvia is a stevia leaf product free from aspartame, sugar or saccharine. They’re an Australian brand and their stick sachets are a common site in cafes down under. They’ve just launched in the UK and are on sale via Wholefoods, Amazon and Planet Organic. I have been sprinkling it on porridge saving 20 calories a day compared to my usual glug of agave nectar. It’s available in tubs or sticks for just over a fiver and apparently you can bake with it too. I will report back when I manage this. Say hi to them on Twitter at @natviaUK
Thomas J Fudges is the new name for rebranded Fudges biscuits and various varieties of crackers and were the highlight of our Christmas cheeseboard – not to mention lingering on into January and tempting us from new leaves. My top recommendations from the range are the earthy beetroot and horseradish shards (deep purple pointy triangles of crispy dunkability) and the firey and flavoursome Jalapeno melts. These biscuits were a terrible influence and I mean that as a sincere compliment. Say hi to them on Twitter @thomasjfudges
Maison Blanc window shopping is a favourite sport of mine, for a few seconds peeping through the glass of their Holland Park branch I would imagine myself to be in France wowed by beautiful patisseries. With love officially in the air this week, Maison Blanc claim starry eyed couples are increasingly going on dates in their branches. And a jolly good thing too, it’s far classier than the horrible places I was taken by beaus before the husband but that sounds like a whole other post – heck – e-book chapter even. Ted and I devoured this chocolate mousse heart between us and hid the evidence from my husband who doesn’t read this blog much and will probably never know. Say hi to them on Twitter @maisonblancuk and golly it was hard to type that without saying @maisoncupcake by mistake.
Delicious Magazine have done something that seems incredibly obvious and no doubt other publications will follow. They now publish in “real time” that is to say, January recipes in January and February recipes in February. So no more Valentines stuff on the shelves before Christmas – I must admit I was slightly panicked when my February issue didn’t turn up mid January but right on cue, it arrived on Feb 1st. One of my favourite new features is “roast of the month” as roast dinners are something I’m somewhat pedestrian at and I did my own version of food editor Lizzie’s sprout gratin (shown above, before baking). They even quoted ME on the letters page of the February issue saying of their real time publishing that whether it was “radically sensible or sensibly radical I love it” and that my readers is the first and probably the last time I’ll ever be featured in their hallowed pages. Say hi to Delicious on Twitter @deliciousmag or @deliciouslizzie
Lakeland Valentines and new Mary Berry range
On my recent visit to Westfield I came face to face with a larger than life poster of Mary Berry – I know this because I’ve seen her in the flesh and she’s tiny. Lakeland are stocking a new Mary Berry range of baking items including the apron and cake stand above with perfect timing for Valentine’s and Mother’s Day gifts alike. Also instore, a selection of heart shaped goodies such as this purple silicone mould and selection of coloured heart cutters. Say hi to Lakeland on Twitter @lakelanduk
Brita Boost at The Corinthian
It’s hard to be high maintenance when you’re allergic to virtually every cosmetic and beauty product there is so it’s not for lack of interest that spa visits are low on my agenda.
So when my blogging buddy Helen asked me to join her for a day’s pampering at The Corinthian Spa I said “yes please but they won’t touch my face will they”. Helen has been working with the Brita water filter brand in January as part of a promotion to highlight reasons why people drink alcohol and encouraging them to drink more water natch instead.
Once in the magical surroundings of this hotel spa we endured – for it is such terrible hard work – pedicures (I will save you the toe polish shots but suffice to say they are still bringing a smile to my face on the removal of each sock a fortnight later), facials, massages, dunkings in the gigantic jacuzzi pool with fearsome neck massaging water jets. Then lunch. Being me I couldn’t resist ordering a burger, even if it was low fat venison without the faintest whiff of mayonnaise or cheese. I’m surprised they allowed carby bread really. Helen was much more virtuous selecting sole with samphire.
Would I spend £300+ on such a day myself? Well before this day, unless as an imminent bride-to-be, most definitely not. Having done it though, I can see the attaction of a total day winding down, being primped and preened maybe once every year. And actually January seems a darned good time of year to schedule such a pick me up. Say hi to Brita on Twitter @brita_water
Valentines £20 meal deal with Tesco Finest
Finally, this week being Valentine’s, Tesco are running a £20 Tesco Finest meal deal Valentines offer and yours truly managed to try it out first.
For £20 you get two mains, two sides, two desserts and fizz or wine or Belgian chocolates.*
We selected their lamb shanks with roasted vegetables, green vegetable trio, a bottle of Spanish Tempranillo red wine and pair of chocolate souffles. Actually the souffles are not in the final offer but even more amazing sounding desserts are: eclairs with white icing pen to write “personalised ” – ahem – messages, Swiss chocolate pots, a raspberry heart or even Tesco Finest cheese to finish off. Well with all the rain we’re having, why bother leaving the house? Say hi to Tesco on Twitter @tesco or @tescorealfood
*Available in selected stores only. (Extras and other big branches in more frou frou areas are a good bet).
With thanks to Lekue, Chikas, Natvia, Thomas J Fudges, Maison Blanc, Brita and Tesco for sample products and spa visit.
monicamacaron says
It all looks very delicious and indulgent, perfect for Valentine’s Day. Especially the Chocolate Mousse Heart from Maison Blanc, my mouth is watering just looking at it. Too bad there isn’t a Maison Blanc over here in East London.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
True, although I’m surprised Stoke Newington hasn’t acquired one yet!
Michelle says
Ooooh, I could do with a bit of pampering. Great round-up!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
Thanks – makes me realise I ought to pamper myself more often!
recipesfromapantry says
I am running off to check out chikas
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
I should have looked up where the stockists were *heads off to google* – press release doesn’t say.
Fiona Maclean says
You know I really did think you were something to do with maison blanc when I started blogging…
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
That’s funny, my husband was convinced they’d try to sue me or something!
glamorous glutton says
How great to get quoted on the pages of Delicious Magazine. I’m sure it won’t be the last time. GG
Heidi Roberts says
Wow what a lot of subjects in one post. The Lekue silicone look fun. I could buy so much at Lakeland but you have to stop somewhere!!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
It’s hard to walk out of Lakeland without buying anything!
Deena Kakaya says
Sarah, your posts about shopping and pampering are really making me miss my former self! you have some great tips and I didnt even know that Mary Berry had a range x
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
Thanks – the Mary Berry range is brand new.
Nazima says
a busy month. Rather lovely spa trip in there amongst all the items! I saw your mention in Delicious. mag too!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
Thanks, it was a lovely surprise as I often wonder how they pick people for that section.
driftingtraveller says
What a lovely February! It was a treat to read your post.
Erika Holt (Eclectic Enchantments) says
Wow! Looks like an amazing time at the Spa. The food all looks delicious!
Ren Behan says
Lots to explore here – The Corinthian Spa is meant to be one of the finest in the country. Would love to go there! xx
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
I can see why, it was other worldly.
Choclette says
Gosh so many goodies and a spa trip too. Look forward to your Lekua reviews – thanks for the mention. The Natvia sounds interesting and would be worth trying. I’m not a fan of Truvia as it leaves a rather unpleasant taste in the mouth.
HedgeComber says
What a great round up, and I bet you two had such fun at the spa!
Janie x
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
It was great. I felt 21 again!!
Gemma Button says
Now I’m craving chocolate cake shaped like a heart, think Ill be baking this weekend 🙂
Jac -Tinned Tomatoes (@tinnedtoms) says
Fab! I love these kind of posts. Looking at all the different ideas and thinking I want that and that and that!
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
Yes – and you really need a Maison Blanc mousse cake. Maybe I can take you for a visit when you’re down here in June?
Morgan @ Peaches, Please says
That’s a neat roundup of odds and ends. and congrats on being in the magazine!
Sylvia says
I love the stuff from Lekue and Lakeland range! Good for me I’m out of budget for some time, otherwise I would be bancrupt by now!
Madeleine Morrow says
Oh just love those silicon moulds. Been meaning to buy some for ages especially when I dust off my rusting tin ones from time to time.Bought some Madeleine moulds in Paris but have I used them??
Don’t get me started on Fudges! Have a slight addiction to their charcoal crackers. Fab with a smidgen of goats cheese.
Tina @ The Spicy Pear says
Fantastic round up. The spa day looks perfect for my current aches and pains! I’ve not heard of Lekue must check it out.
Janice says
That’s a fab round up, so many fun things around. I’m a bit of a spa junkie, so am now ultra jealous!