3Kitchens

Archive for October, 2010

I have discovered a nifty little gadget for the kitchen. I really struggle with boiled eggs and never seem to get them right. I can’t ever decide on the correct technique, do you boil the water then add egg or start from cold.  This gadget could be my saviour.  Introducing the Beepegg. Whatever your technique you put the Beepegg in the at the same time as your eggs and whether you want hard boiled or a soft centre the Beepegg will let you know when your egg is ready. At £14.99 it is a pretty reasonable buy. It does have to live with your eggs though so be careful when you throw out the out of date ones!!!

I often use discount vouchers for meals out or clothing shops but I have never thought about using a code for kitchen appliances! But after needing to look for new work tops I found some great vouchers for well known kitchen makers. I think these are great. It is very hard to buy a house at the moment and after all that thinking about shelling out more money for a good looking kitchen can be brutal but these vouchers would definitely help. So I suggest you do your research and nab a bargain where you can. You can get money off washing machines, fridges, small appliances, cookers, ranges – allsorts!

If you are a new home owner and you are currently in the process of renovating your house/flat into something that resembles yours then the kitchen can be one of your biggest costs out goings. Therefore this time of year is best for you. Getting a kitchen designed and installed can be very expensive and most people opt for changing a few things at a time, for example, changing the flooring, then the work tops and cupboards. Often this way can work out cheaper. However Christmas and New Year sales are starting earlier and earlier every year – this is when you should strike.  You can get a whole new kitchen at a fraction of the price that it would usually be, I suggest you go out now and ear mark a couple of versions you would be happy with and then you know where and what to target come the sales.

The Slow cooker is a great invention. When you are seriously struggling for something to cook or you are stuck for time when you have finished work the slow cooker is your saviour. You can prepare everything the night before, stick it all in the slow cooker then set the timer to turn on the next day. By the time you get home a delicious meal is waiting. I usually combo my meal with a jacket potato wizzed in the microwave with some melted butter on.
You can buy whole cook books now for the slow cooker – one of my favourites is pork and apple with cider or beef with shallots, carrots and thick gravy. My  mum makes some great soups in her slow cooker.

Coming back to the point about Modern verses Traditional – I went to a large chain supermarket last night as my tin opener has broken. But when I got there all I could find was a £20 electric one. I have difficulties as it is with tin openers and have to have those ones that look like they were invented in the Blitz! But this new electrical one puzzled me. So I had a better look – no intending to buy one as I don’t think you should have to spend over £5 on a tin opener! And all you do is attach it to the tin and press a button – you haven’t got to do anything else! Not sure if I approve or not. I most definitely prefer the old version, but how long will these stay in existence?