These Country Cottage prints were launched for Spring Summer 2013 and feature on the Print Beadnell Jacket, Printed Summer Liddesdale Quilt, Printed Summer Liddesdale Gilet, and the Print Trim Summer Liddesdale to name a few. Below we’ll show you some of the other products these lovely patterns have been paired with.

Ladies Barbour Heart Tee in True (left) and Poppy (right)

Country Cottage print bags – to see the full range click here

Barbour Giselle Shirt (left), Printed Summer Liddesdale (centre), Sussex Rugby Jersey (right)

Barbour Printed Summer Liddesdale Gilet with ‘Water’ lining

Barbour Printed Summer Liddesdale Quilt and Ebony Shirt (left), Print Beadnell Wax jacket and Giselle Shirt (right)

These prints are great because they are so different from each other, giving a wider appeal to Barbour fans. For Autumn/Winter 2013 there will be a new set of patterns for the new collection – we’ve had a sneak peak and can’t decide which one we like best, but we can’t wait to show you later in the year.

Robert Welch Signature Knives are known for being some of the best in the world. Here we will look at a brief history of the company, what makes the knives so exceptional, and the different types of knives you can choose.

1955 – Robert Welch rented a room at the Old Silk Mill in Chipping Campden, after he graduated from the Royal College of Art, where he began designing products.

1969 – Welch believed that to understand what people want is to meet them, which is why he opened up his first shop in Chipping Campden.

1975 – Welch designed the famous Kitchen Devils Professional Knives.

2005 – the Robert Welch team set out to design the best knives in the world. These were launched in 2009 and have been rated in the top 1% for sharpness and sharpness retention.

• The Robert Welch Signature Knives have a lifetime guarantee
• Robert Welch knives are fully forged – this means they are made out of 1 piece of steel (see image above)
• A bolster provides added strength for tough cutting – this is the thicker piece of metal between the handle and the blade
• There is a full tang – this means that there is a full piece of steel in the handle
• The curved handle makes it easier when chopping/cutting: you don’t have to cut with the knife hanging over the counter because the handle won’t touch the surface as you use it, and you won’t hit your knuckles on the surface
• These knives won’t rust as they have been electro-polished (dipped in acid and given an electric charge)
• Robert Welch knives are dishwasher safe although hand washing is recommended
• The handheld knife sharpener is a big investment, it doesn’t grind off the knife like other sharpeners, but straightens the blade back out. The ceramic wheel of the sharpener is dishwasher safe and should last at least 3 years. The wheel can be easily replaced, and is sold separately
• Unlike Global knives which are designed for Asian style cooking, Robert Welch knives can be used for all types of food without any problems
• Robert Welch knives have been endorsed by the Craft Guild of Chefs, receiving their highest grade possible

Types of Knives

• Paring: for preparing, i.e. shallots, garlic etc. and can also be used for peeling. Sizes 8cm, 10cm
• Kitchen/Utility: great for salads, peppers, onion and meat such as chicken. Sizes 12cm, 14cm
• Cook: an all-rounder. Sizes 12cm (with a small handle – great for small hands) 14cm (their bestseller), 18cm
• Santoku: For Asian style cooking – slice, dice & chop. Bevelled to cut thinner and quicker, you can also keep the nib of the knife on the surface while in use. Sizes 14cm, 17cm
• Filleting: a flexible knife for filleting meat or fish. Size 16cm
• Serrated: used for sawing – pastry, bread, tomatoes or any food with a tough outer and soft inside. This knife never needs sharpening. Size 12cm
• Carving: for joints of meat. Size 23cm

To view the Robert Welch range, please click here

The Longford offers everything you’d expect from a Dubarry boot: waterproof, breathable and comfortable to wear. Made from Dubarry’s luxurious water resistant DryFast-DrySoft™ Leathers, and with a GORE-TEX® liner to ensure it is waterproof and breathable.

Although this boot has been made with technical features, you are just as likely to see it worn in towns and cities as you are in the country. It is an attractive and feminine boot with the added buckle detail and the way the leather seam curves up towards the calf. Designed to be multi-purpose, the sole is a direct inject moulded bi-compound sole which is ideal for both urban and country environments.

Dubarry has added an elasticated heel panel to assist with foot entry and for an elegant boot silhouette; there are also finger pulls inside the boot leg for ease of entry.

Available in Walnut or Black, the Longford is already proving popular. Similar in style to the Clare in terms of shape and fit, this is an updated version with a slightly more modern feel. It should be mentioned that both the Longford and the Clare offer a slightly more slim fitting than other Dubarry boots such as the Galway, which is what makes them both attractive ladies boots which can be worn practically anywhere.

To view the Longford click here, or to see our entire Dubarry range, please click here

Founded in 1925 in France, Le Creuset history is steeped in their cast iron heritage, for which they are most well-known. Combining the expertise of the Industrialist founders, Le Creuset was born.

When you think of Le Creuset you most likely image an orange casserole pot; Volcanic Orange was the original colour Le Creuset manufactured, and it remains one of the most popular colours today. Using recycled steel, Le Creuset cast iron is still manufactured in France and each piece is unique. For each Le Creuset piece which is cast, a sand mould is made which creates the shape of the cast iron piece. Once it has been cast the sand mould is broken and the sand is recycled.

Le Creuset offers a lifetime guarantee with their cast iron which covers manufacturing and material defects, which are rare. The cast iron has glazed enamel inside the cookware making it non-stick (apart from the Satin Black finish which we’ll come to later). The great thing about cast iron is that it spreads heat quickly and evenly, making it energy efficient. Because of the properties of the cast iron it allows for flavour and nutrient retention – it can also be used on the hob, in the oven, and even kept in the fridge or freezer. It is important that cast iron isn’t subjected to thermo-shock, i.e. it can’t go from the freezer, or any cold environment straight into the oven as it may crack. Similarly, cast iron straight from the oven or hob should never be placed in a sink of cold water for the same reasons.

One thing you may notice about Le Creuset cast iron is that some have black phenolic knobs while others have stainless steel knobs. Although there isn’t a huge amount of difference between the two, if your Le Creuset has a phenolic knob the maximum temperature for cooking is 190˚c, while the stainless steel knob has a maximum cooking temperature of 260˚c.

Although Le Creuset is dishwasher safe it is best handwashed, so it is not subjected to harsh dishwasher tablets or water. Le Creuset also has a cast iron cleaner which they sell separately to keep it looking as good as new. It is not recommended to use steel scourers when cleaning cast iron, or metal utensils when cooking, and there are many plastic, silicone or wooden utensils available instead.

When it comes to choosing which piece of cast iron is for you, there are a few things to consider. First is the shape – Le Creuset cast iron casserole dishes come in oval, round or shallow (pictured above) and in a range of different sizes. The round is possibly the most recognisable shape and sizes go from 18-30 cms. The oval shape is great for cooking joints of meat, while the shallow is highly versatile whether you use it to fry, bake, sauté or anything else. Over the years Le Creuset has added new colours to their cast iron ranging from blues and reds, to purples and greens.

It’s not just what’s on the outside that’s important, the inside of Le Creuset cast iron will affect your cooking, as their cast iron pieces come with either a glazed enamel or satin black finish. The glazed enamel is easy to clean, as its smooth construction makes it very difficult for food to get stuck or burnt onto it. The satin black finish has a ‘rougher’ feel but is more resistant to higher heat surfaces, and is great for any budding chefs looking to create caramalisation in their cooking. Because of the nature of the satin black finish you may need to soak your pot (once cooled) to clean it.

Le Creuset don’t just do cast iron however, they have also been producing stoneware for the last 40-50 years, manufactured to complement their cast iron range. The appeal of Le Creuset stoneware is wider than cast iron due to it being much cheaper to buy. This doesn’t mean it is of a lower quality, they are just two different types of product, and is also chip resistant. Le Creuset stoneware comes with a 5 year guarantee against manufacturing or material defects. The great thing is that it is oven, microwave, fridge and freezer safe, although it can’t be used on a hob. When used in an oven it is best to be placed in the middle, at a maximum temperature of 260˚c. The stoneware range comes in a wide selection of colours as well as the individual products – from mugs, ramekins, to flan/pie dishes, as well as square, rectangular and oval dishes.

Another range Le Creuset has expanded into is bakeware. They use a heavy gauge carbon steel, which makes it strong, non-stick and means it won’t warp in the oven. It is even metal utensil friendly. All bakeware comes with a lifetime guarantee, and it is at a great price meaning you can have a high quality product for low cost.

Le Creuset has proven themselves to be more than just casserole dishes, and  while the ranges keep on growing, you will get the same great quality you’d expect from cast iron.

Over the summer months you will find us at the following show:

CLA Gamefair: 19th-21st July at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. For more information or to buy tickets please visit their website here

Chatsworth Country Fair: 31st August-2nd September at Chatsworth in Derbyshire. To view their website click here

Midland Game Fair: 14th-15th September at Weston Park, Shropshire. For more details please click here

We hope to see you there, and for anyone unable to attend we will be posting news and photos after each show.

From classic to kitsch, her patterns are instantly recognisable and very desirable! We’ve started our collection with the Polka Dot range, from serving bowls to cake stands, and mugs to egg cups so you can kit out your kitchen in style. Everything is designed and produced in the UK too, making this a truly British brand.

Once it is available online we will let you know, but if you’re local to Hereford, or fancy a day trip, pop in and see us, and the new range too!

]]> http://blog.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/emma-bridgewater/feed/ 0 http://blog.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/the-anatomy-of-a-kitchenaid/ http://blog.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/the-anatomy-of-a-kitchenaid/#comments Thu, 11 Apr 2013 10:19:50 +0000 pmblogadm http://blog.philipmorrisdirect.co.uk/?p=1914

You’ve been thinking about buying a KitchenAid but you’re just not sure.  Here we will take a look at what really makes a KitchenAid a kitchen aid.

Firstly KitchenAid Stand Mixers are made from cast zinc with a baked enamel coating – this is good for two reasons: firstly, the solid metal construction means that your KitchenAid won’t move across the work surface, and the enamel coating is extremely unlikely to chip because it is baked on. The KitchenAid has a 300w motor, giving enough power to knead 1kg of bread dough. The motor is at the top of the mixer, rather than in the base, meaning that no power is lost while the mixer is in use.

One of the features which set KitchenAid apart from other stand mixers is that it was the first mixer to use planetary action for mixing. This means that while the attachment turns one way, the mixer head turns in the opposite direction to allow for maximum mixing. It’s a bit like if you’ve ever been on a waltzer at a fairground and you are spun one way, while the ride moves in the opposite direction – without the sickness!

The KitchenAid Stand Mixer can just as easily whisk one egg as it can 10, as the bowl and each attachment have been made to fit together perfectly. You will notice that while the wire whisk is made from stainless steel, the dough hook and cake mixers are stainless steel and nylon coated.

Although the KitchenAid Stand Mixer might seem a bit intimidating at first it is actually incredibly simple to use. There are 6 different speed settings which work on a ratchet so you don’t accidentally knock the speed while in use. There is no on or off button, just moving the speed from 0 will start the mixer. When changing the attachment there is a lock to keep the mixer head in place – all you have to do is make sure you have the right attachment on when you use it!

Some of the most popular attachments (purchased separately) include the Pasta sheet roller and cutter set which allows you to make sheets of pasta, or cut spaghetti or tagliatelle.

Once your pasta has been made, you can hang it on the KitchenAid Pasta Drying Stand which has a handy wand allowing you to easily move the pasta from mixer to stand. If you do a lot of cooking or baking, you may wish to purchase an extra bowl, such as the Glass Bowl 4.8L pictured above. The great thing about this is that it comes with a silicone lid, which is handy for when you need to store anything in the fridge. It has a pouring spout for ease of use, and metric and imperial measurements on the side of the bowl. It is also freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe making it incredibly versatile.

One little extra KitchenAid offer is a free cookbook when you send your guarantee off to them. It is a hardback cookbook with loads of recipes in for every occasion, and a great added touch from KitchenAid.

Still not sure? KitchenAid Stand Mixers come in 26 different colours, from classics such as Almond Cream to the brighter Candy Apple, Cranberry or simple Onyx Black. To view our full range of KitchenAid, click here.

Le Chameau Cérès Jersey Boot

Michelin are known for being experts at managing contact with the ground, so it is no surprise that they have created a sole for Le Chameau. If you’re wondering about the name, Cérès is Latin for agriculture, harvests and the fecundity goddess, which is appropriate for the purpose of the boot!

In terms of what it can offer, the Le Chameau Cérès Jersey Boot is light, made from natural rubber, with a comfortable Jersey lining. The sole offers pneumatic-like grip for high performance, grip, longevity and comfort so that you can be sure they are built to last. Le Chameau boots are handmade which means that each boot is unique.

With two strong, French brands on board, Michelin and Le Chameau have created a beast of a boot in terms of look and usability. This is not a boot you would expect to see anyone wearing casually around town, or when out for a stroll, but for anyone working in the countryside, it is definitely a revolution in terms of performance. To view this boot, or for more information, click here.

First up we have some New Season ladies Barbour. From left to right is the Daisy Crew Neck Sweater made from 100% Prima cotton and comes in Summer Rose (pictured) or Fuchsia. The Ladies Peak Jacket is a lightweight casual jacket, perfect for the coming spring/summer months, and a detachable hood makes it very practical as well as stylish. The ladies Elm Shirt comes in this lovely Blackcurrant colour and is made from 100% cotton. Finally the Morris Utility Wax Jacket comes with new William Morris linings in a lightweight 4oz wax, in Navy (pictured) or Olive.

Dubarry are know for their boots, and not least these, the Dubarry Galway boots. These are waterproof boots which are GORE-TEX® lined, and incredibly comfortable to wear. Anyone already with a pair will know how good they are, and you will see them worn all year round. Dubarry even have a range of footwear cleaning and protecting products, to ensure they last as long as possible. To see their aftercare range, click here.

The Barbour Floral Print Tote Bag on the left features this lovely poppy design from Barbour’s Country Cottage floral print designs, and comes with real leather trim. In the middle is the Dubarry Dalkey leather handbag which comes in Walnut (pictured) or black. With pockets inside and outside you won’t get anything lost in this bag. On the right is the Barbour Mini Floral Print Beaufort shoulder bag which is great for evenings or when you don’t need to take much out.

Hunter boots come in all shapes, sizes and colours. Here we have a sample of their popular gloss range in Fuchsia, Sovereign Purple and Violet. Other colour and styles are available on our website.

In cold weather we can’t live without our welly socks, and these ones from Hunter are perfect for keeping warm. From left to right we have Red, Ivory, Grizzly and Lagoon Green and to see the others we have available, please click here.

Every year you can always rely on classic gifts to be appreciated on Mother’s Day. These Cath Kidston mugs are known for their range of patterns, large size and made from 100% fine china. To view our range, click here. In the middle we have the Sophie Conran Cake Knife and Cake Server. These have been made for Arthur Price and are made with 18/10 stainless steel and are dishwasher safe. They even have a 50 year guarantee!

We hope we have given you some ideas, but there’s still plenty of other options on our website which you may like. To have a look please click here.

More than just a mixer, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer will whisk, beat, and knead, and if you add one of the attachments (purchased separately) you can make pasta, stuff sausages, slice, dice, shred, juice, grind, and strain! There is also an attachment which works as a grain mill, a can opener attachment, and an ice-cream maker. Wow.

But it’s not just what the KitchenAid mixer can do which makes it an ever popular kitchen accessory, it also comes in a staggering 26 different colours. KitchenAid say they have created so many colours because they are ‘deepening the emotional connection between our products and our customers.’ Everyone has a favourite colour so it stands to reason you may want your mixer in a certain colour: to match your kitchen, your life, or your personality.

Buying a KitchenAid Stand Mixer is an investment, and one that you would expect to use quite a lot, if you do a lot of cooking and baking. But once you get one, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.