Aug 26 2008
Is it a space station, is it a laboratory — no, it’s a kitchen, an ultra-modern one. Here you’ll find the best of everything, the very latest technology. No room here for comfortable clutter — everything’s hidden from view, or displayed purely for its functional qualities. Small appliances sit in purpose- built cabinets, always close at hand — the message here is efficiency, speed and streamlining. Continue Reading »
Aug 23 2008
Cupboard storage ideas are only as limited as your imagination.
Aug 03 2008
The ultimate hangover cure or early-morning beverage! This is a customized recipe, but as the results will testify — well worth the effort.
Aug 03 2008
For those uninitiated in the ways of the Long Island Ice-tea here are some ground rules: Do not underestimate the power of an LIIT. One is normally more than enough, but inevitably leads to a second — very seldom a third. It contains all ‘white‘ liquors and is by far the most forgiving to the cocktail maker. Continue Reading »
Jul 25 2008
If you’d like to expand your knowledge of wine beyond where you get the best deal on Tassies, read on. If you remain firmly committed to the hops fraternity, you may want to skip to one of the other stupefyingly interesting sections. For instance, it is very dangerous handling heavy machinery in any shape, form or size after a wine tasting (a dedicated driver is a valuable asset) and a few other details that you may want to indulge us sharing with you. One thing is certain, if you do study this section you will know so much marvellous and interesting wine terminology, if you don’t impress anyone you’ll definitely confuse the pants off someone! Before we get serious — with wine, too, you only learn through experience. Take note of what exactly you’re drinking. Not all wines will cause your face to scrunch up as if someone has just poured a bottle of vinegar down your throat. If you’re lucky you may even find a wine that leaves you with a blissful little grin, like few other things in life ever will. Continue Reading »
Jul 13 2008
Formerly a full suite of glasses would contain anything from ten to twenty different shapes. Nowadays we make do with far fewer and the rules as to their use are less rigid. There are many different qualities and designs available and it is generally possible to find attractive glasses to suit your budget. There are two main kinds to be aware of, lead crystal and soda glass.
Lead crystal is the most expensive hand-made glass and it contains lead oxide. Because of its high light refraction it displays the contents to the finest advantage, and lends itself best to decorative cutting. Within this section there are several grades, so enquire carefully from the retailer the exact description of the high-quality glass to guide you on price. A printed price list should indicate the grades. Continue Reading »
Jul 13 2008
Among the ’special’ dishes or sets of dishes you might like to acquire are those for a particular food. The following are the most usual.
These round dishes, embossed with a raised design of artichoke leaves, have a circular depression in the centre for the artichoke and a dimple for melted butter or french dressing.
These come in exactly the right shape to hold half an avocado, and are made from glass or fine bone china embossed with leaves. Continue Reading »
Jun 24 2008
The best method of caring for all cutlery, whatever it is made from, is to wash and dry immediately after use. In this way all food residues are removed before staining can occur. No cutlery is totally stain-resistant, so do not leave it unwashed, wet or `in soak’ overnight — even in a dish washer. First rinse under cold running water to remove any traces of salt; salt plus hot water can cause staining and pitting. Next wash in clean, warm, soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly. Use soft dish pads or cloths and tea towels, and never add bleach to the water. Handle each piece separately; cutlery cluttered in a bowl may get scratched. When drying, knife blades (nowadays usually made from stainless steel) should not be wiped with an up-and-down movement, but in one direction only from neck to point until all the moisture is removed. This method is best for spoons and forks too. Continue Reading »
Apr 14 2008
Have you ever watched the precise and practised way in which professionals in a good hotel or restaurant set a big table for a five- or six-course meal? Lots of different glasses and table silver are placed in exactly the right spot without hesitation. The number of items involved in a setting may seem confusing to you.
However, there is a clear rule for everything.
Guests start with the cutlery furthest away from the plate and work inwards during the course of the meal. The same procedure applies to glasses. The drink which is served first is put into the glass which is furthest from the centre of the plate. There is often also a side plate, which is placed to the left of the setting.
These few rules are so basic and clear that they can become a matter of routine for any guest, so you nolonger have to worry about which knife, fork or spoon to use next during the meal. Continue Reading »
Apr 14 2008
This invention is older even than the ancient Romans, who prized the product of melting sand, limestone and soda, and the attractive shapes and practical containers which could be made from this refined material.
Glass is found today in almost all walks of life, and it is hard to imagine life without it. The range of drinking vessels extends nowadays from cheap moulded glass to hand-blown, engraved designer glasses.
The differences in quality depend on the composition of the glass as well as on the way in which it is produced. The use of different raw materials and the melting process are decisive in determining the quality of the glass. Good-quality glasses are usually hand-blown, the sides are engravedand they don’t have a seam. On the other hand, moulded glasses are rarely as clear as hand-made ones, they have a small bulge at the rim and usually have a seam on the stem or foot. However, they are much cheaper than blown glass, and therefore much more practical for many uses. Continue Reading »
Apr 07 2008
Adults can sustain bruises, grazes or scrapes and small children more serious knocks to the heads and eyes from sharp corners. Laminated work- tops can be obtained ready-made with smoothly rounded edges. Always ask for radius edges or post-formed worktops.
Hazards of food poisoning can be reduced by thoroughly scrubbing any wooden or tiled work surfaces after each use. Danger can lurk in the grouting. Likewise, joins in laminated worktops must be butted up tightly and evenly to minimise places where bacteria can accumulate.
Kitchen step stools should be well maintained and used rarely. If they are in constant use, consider rearranging cupboard contents to make things more accessible. Continue Reading »
Feb 02 2008
Tin trays are made from tinplate, litho printed. Each colour is separately stoved and the tray is finally given a protective coat of transparent varnish.
Trays should be wiped with a damp cloth and dried before putting away. Dunking them in hot washing up water will soften the protective varnish and the decoration will then get worn very quickly. Don’t use anything abrasive and avoid scratching with knives, etc.
Table glass is tough provided you follow a few simple rules:
Jan 31 2008
Tin trays are made from tinplate, litho printed. Each colour is separately stoved and the tray is finally given a protective coat of transparent varnish.
Trays should be wiped with a damp cloth and dried before putting away. Dunking them in hot washing up water will soften the protective varnish and the decoration will then get worn very quickly. Don’t use anything abrasive and avoid scratching with knives, etc.
Table glass is tough provided you follow a few simple rules:
Jan 26 2008
Natural textures with pale wood Shaker-styled units bring a fresh breeze into this seaside holiday home. The eclectic ’shabby chic’ look continues to be a popular choice in casual, formal or contemporary settings.
Muted pastels, slightly wilted roses, chipped paint and pure whites blend modern practicality with wistful, old-fashioned aesthetic appeal. Tall glazed wall units, generously wide pot drawers and wooden counter tops are a feature of the U-shaped kitchen, where the work triangle is displayed to its best advantage. The plain white scheme complements the white-washed wooden beams and chunky wooden counter tops that add warmth to the kitchen. The plate racks on the walls add character, and open shelves display colorful crockery and glass jars. The glass-fronted units give the room a lighter look compared to the solid doors on the units housing cookware and china. Stools pulled up to the counter top for casual dining have faded floral cushions for comfort. Continue Reading »
