On The Hob

Welcome to our weekly look at new cookery programs on British TV.  For the week of 23rd March – 29th March 2009.  Here we look at new Cookery programs on Terrestrial and Freeview TV (No repeats are listed).

Monday 23rd March 2009

Taste The Nation ITV1 17:00 to 18:00 (1 hour long)

Nick Hancock hosts the cookery show that pits county against county in a nationwide cook-off amongst amateurs coached by celebrity chefs. Today, Perthshire takes on Leicestershire and Rutland in an incredibly close competition. The judges must decide which of the mouth-watering offerings, including roast loin of Perthshire lamb, prosciutto wrapped saddle of rabbit, and plum bread and butter pudding with spiced pink champagne sorbet, is the worthy winner.

Click here to go to ITV’s Taste the Nation website, catch up on the program with the ITV player, find out more about the chef’s and judges and download the recipes.

Tuesday 24th March 2009

Taste The Nation ITV1 17:00 to 18:00 (1 hour long)

Nick Hancock hosts the county vs county cookery competition, in which amateurs are mentored by celebrity chefs. Today Cheshire competes with Wiltshire, and the menus include an exciting mix of traditional fare like Cheshire cheese and apple cake and ham hock cakes, alongside more contemporary dishes such as venison carpaccio and burnt custard with poached pears. Will everything go to plan for our amateurs?

Click here to go to ITV’s Taste the Nation website, catch up on the program with the ITV player, find out more about the chef’s and judges and download the recipes.

Heston’s Roman Feast Channel 4 21:00 to 22:00 (1 hour long)

Heston Blumenthal is on a mission to use myth, science and history to create the greatest feasts ever known. Ancient Roman cuisine meant theatrical, devious and orgasmic food. The Romans had few boundaries and unusual appetites, eating everything from flamingos to parrot tongues and jellyfish.

Click here to go to Channel 4′s All about Heston’s Feasts website, read his blog, get the reciepes and more

Wednesday 25th March 2009

Gastronuts BBC 1 16:05 to 16:35 (30 minutes long)

Can We Eat The Same Food As Animals?.
Food fanatic Stefan Gates and his intrepid Gastronuts go on wild culinary adventures to discover the truth about how we eat, what we eat and where it comes from. Stefan and the Gastronuts find out what animals from dogs to lions, and penguins to pythons eat in their diet. They try their hands at eating the same things, sampling the fare of dogs, penguins and the king of the jungle.

Taste The Nation ITV1 17:00 to 18:00 (1 hour long)

County takes on county in the cookery competition where amateur chefs are tutored by celebrity captains. Today, it is Surrey v Suffolk, and regional ingredients feature strongly in dishes like Tillingbourne trout and Suffolk cure bacon. But judges Henrietta Greene, Richard Johnson and William Sitwell are divided. Nick Hancock hosts.

Click here to go to ITV’s Taste the Nation website, catch up on the program with the ITV player, find out more about the chef’s and judges and download the recipes.

Thursday 26th March 2009

Taste The Nation ITV1 17:00 to 18:00 (1 hour long)

Nick Hancock presents the cookery competition which pits county against county, each captained by a celebrity chef. Today is the last chance this week to reach Friday’s cook off, and Graham Tinsley leads Carmarthenshire against Rosemary Shrager’s Northumberland team. Tempting the judge’s taste buds will be a cheese souffle, Northumberland lamb, and a cream liqueur chocolate tart.

Click here to go to ITV’s Taste the Nation website, catch up on the program with the ITV player, find out more about the chef’s and judges and download the recipes.

Friday 27th March 2009

Taste The Nation ITV1 17:00 to 18:00 (1 hour long)

Nick Hancock presents the cookery competition that pits county against county, each captained by a celebrity chef. We reach another Friday gourmet feast as the week’s eight teams are whittled down to four. Today the amateur chefs must come up with their own recipes, and the judges are replaced by a team of inspectors. The menus feature hare, loin of pork, wild duck and venison. Only two counties will go through to the next round.

Click here to go to ITV’s Taste the Nation website, catch up on the program with the ITV player, find out more about the chef’s and judges and download the recipes.

Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA Channel 4 21:00 to 22:00 (1 hour long)

Black Pearl.
Gordon Ramsay visits a struggling seafood restaurant in Manhattan. The Black Pearl is hampered by debts, and the problems in the kitchen are multiplied by three different owners: Brian, David and Gregg, all of whom are trying to run things. The result is chaos and confusion, above all for the staff trying their best to make sense of it all.

Click here to go to Channel 4′s Kitchen Nightmares website, find the recipes and learn with Gordon’s training videos

Saturday 28th March 2009

Saturday Kitchen BBC 1 10:00 to 11:35 (1 hour and 35 minutes long)

James Martin presents another menu of mouth-watering recipes, great chefs and celebrity guests, including top chef Bryn Williams and West End musical star Lee Mead, who faces his food heaven and hell. Plus helpings of the Hairy Bikers, Rick Stein and Keith Floyd, another dramatic omelette challenge and more top wine choices from Olly Smith.

Click here for the Saturday Kitchen Website and fin out what’s cooking

Rachel Allen: Bake! BBC 1 11:35 to 12:00 (25 minutes long)

Recipes and cooking tips with Rachel Allen. Rachel makes a wonderfully rich baked cheesecake with blueberries, and visits virtuoso pastry chef Gerhard Jenne who shows her the spellbinding secrets behind his magic cakes. The cookery school students get to grips with choux pastry to make the ultimate teatime treat: eclairs.

Click here for the BBC’s Rachel Allen Bake Website, see whats coming up or rewatch episodes on the Iplayer

Sunday 29th March 2009

Come Dine with Me Channel 4 20:00 to 21:00 (1 hour long)

Four competitive cooks from Huddersfield take it in turns to host their idea of the perfect dinner party over four nights. When kitchen designer Neil Hemingway invites his prized pooch to sit at the table it puts hair salon owner Christine Wright, who hates dogs, off her food.

Click here for Channel 4′s Come Dine with me website.

Shop at the BBC Shop for all your favourite chef’s cookery books, dvds and more, or subscribe there to BBC Good Food and never be lost for Kitchen ideas.  Click here for the BBC Shop

Vintage kitchenware is very on trend at the moment, particularly creamy light colours.  Many of the major kitchen brands have jumped onto this trend which means you don’t have to compromise on quality to make your kitchen looking great.  John Lewis have featured cream kitchen electricals in their latest home brochure.  Below we have featured some of the key lines which will make your kitchen stand out!

Dualit 72402 Kettle in Cream

It has a concealed element for easy cleaning, twin water indicator gauge so you’ll always know when a trip to the tap is required – which thanks to the hinged lid won’t prove too much of a chore. The washable limescale filter ensures debris-free beverages. For left- or right-hand use. Dualit’s retro-look stainless-steel kettle is cordless and sits firmly on its electric base.  Click here to buy the Dualit 72402 Kettle from John Lewis

Magimix Le Duo XL Juice Extractor, 14251, Cream

The Magimix Le Duo XL juice extractor and citrus press, pours delicious, nutritious fresh fruit and vegetable juices straight into your glass. The Le Duo XL has an extra large feed tube, which will take whole or large pieces of fruit. It has a large free flow spout and ‘feeder’ hopper for small fruit and vegetables. There’s also a citrus press attachment for thicker juices, purees and preparing baby’s first food. Cleaning your Magimix juicer is easy too, as all parts, other than the motor, are dishwasher-safe. With shaped spatula for easy pulp removal, small and large cones, and full colour instruction and recipe book.  Click here to buy the Magimix Le Duo from John Lewis

Kenwood kMix HM792 Hand Mixer, Almond

With 400 watts of power packed into its curved almond and grey body, the Kenwood kMix Hand Mixer certainly cuts a dash around the kitchen – and the mixing bowl.Perfect for smaller mixing tasks such as whisking, there are 5 speeds and a rubber grip handle so you’re always in control. A compact grey base acts as a stand for the hand mixer and a storage area for the stainless steel whisks and dough hooks, when not in use. And thanks to the integral cord wrap, you won’t see any untidy cable either. Click here to buy the Kenwood KMiz HM792 from John Lewis

Dualit Espressivo 84202 Coffee Machine, Cream

Coffee enthusiasts will love the Dualit Espressivo 84202 coffee machine. It’s designed with every element crafted to deliver the ultimate coffee; from a smooth espresso to a dense velvety latté.Ready to go in less than 40 seconds, it’s packed with user-friendly features, such as the 15-bar pump delivering the ideal pressure for the perfect ‘crema’, and the Thermobloc water heating system providing hot water and steam instantly.

Even the steaming and milk-frother is easy to use, making perfect foam for your cappuccino every time with the minimum of fuss. The water tank is removable for convenience, while a useful accessory holder keeps your ESE pods and froth nozzle to hand.  With a 3 year guarantee.  Click here to buy the Dualit Espressivo from John Lewis

Kenwood kMix BLX52 Blender, Almond

Combining good looks with simple, yet powerful controls, the Kenwood kMix BLX52 blender will make a chic addition to any kitchen.The kMix comprises a 1L calibrated glass goblet, stainless steel blades and metal body, with a profiled pouring spout and ergonomic handle. The goblet also drops onto the base unit, making it easy to align before blending begins. Its 4 pre-set programmes also make the most of its 800W motor, so you don’t need to guess which speed to use, whether you’re making soup or crushing ice for a cocktail.

Keeping your kMix blender in tip-top condition’s easy as well: the blades, goblet and base can all be dismantled for easy cleaning.  Click here to buy the Kenwood kMix from John Lewis

Kitchenaid is a USA brand which specialises in the manufacture of small kitchen electricals.  Their products are known for there quality workmanship and long life.  They won’t just work well in your kitchen.  They’ll also look good.  Each of their products is available in a range of stunning colours.

KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer

The Kitchenaid Artisan Stand mixer is a solid metal mixer with a 300 watt direct drive motor.  A direct drive motor means that it is quieter than a standard mixer as their are less moving parts than a normal “belt / gearbox motor” .  It also means it is more reliable and longer lasting.  The 5 quart bowl has been ergonomically designed with a easy to hold handle.  The mixer itself has a tilt back head allowing full access to the bowl and easy changing of attachments.  Kitchenaid mixers are assembled by hand to give you a quality product and peace of mind.

The classic design is by Egmont Arens and dates back to 1937 and forms part of Kitchenaid’s Artisan collection.  The products in this collection have a stylish retro look with solid knobs and buttons, and smooth curves.

The mixer includes

and is available in the following colours – Click on the colour to find out more and purchase

• Red
• Cream
• Black
• Pearl Metallic
• Brushed Nickel
• White
• Blue
• Apple Green
• Yellow
• Boysenberry
• Pink

But that’s not all!  A Kitchenaid Artisan mixer isn’t just a mixer!  You can also purchase optional attachments to extend versatility of the machine into other areas.

KitchenAid Mixer Attachment Pack. Grinder/ Mincer, Slicer/ Shredder, Fruit & Vegetable Strainer

The Kitchenaid mixer pack aims to make your life easier by grinding, mincing, slicing, shredding and straining for you.  Click here for more information and to buy.

Here’s a short video showing the strainer in use.

Click here for more information and to buy.

KitchenAid KPRA pasta attachment

The Kitchenaid pasta attachment set contains three attachments so that you can roll and cut perfect pasta.  The roller attachment allows you to roll pasta up to 140mm wide.  This would be perfect for lasange, there are also two cutters which cut at different widths for either tagitelle or linguine.  Click here for more information and to buy the Pasta attachment set.

The following video from KitchenAid shows how to use your KitchenAid mixer and pasta attachments to make great pasta.

Click here for more information and to buy the Pasta attachment

A raviolli atttachment is also available here

KitchenAid JE citrus juicer

The KitchenAid Juicer attachment helps you get the most out of your citrus fruits.  Complete with strainer to catch the excess pulp and seeds.  Click here to find out more and buy the Juicer attachment

This video shows the KitchenAid juicer attachment in action.

Click here to find out more and buy the Juicer attachment

KitchenAid SSA sausage stuffer

Have you ever wanted to make your own sausages?  Perhaps create your own inventive flavours.  With the KitchenAid sausage stuffer it’s easy.  Click here to find out more and buy the Kitchenaid sausage stuffer.

If you’ve bought a Kitchenaid mixer the opportunities are endless leave a comment and let us know what you like best about your’s or any tips and tricks to share with our readers.

Rather than hiding away your Tea, Coffee and more in the cupboards why not get a set of canisters to store them in. Not only functional and air tight they also will add a great finishing touch to the look of your kitchen. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which set to buy. Here are a few of the options available.

Typhoon Vintage Kitchen Cream Canisters

Inspired by the kitchens of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s, Typhoon has designed and developed a fabulous range of quality enamelled Kitchenware in a delicate soft cream.  These canisters have an airtight seal and are made of a strong metal.  Click here to buy Typhoon Vintage Kitchen Cream Canisters

Big Tomato Tea Storage

Big Tomato have created a range of quirky sayings on creamware such as “not for all the tea in china” or “use your loaf”.  The range includes storage jars, mugs, butter dishes and more.  It would make the perfect witty gift for a friend.  Click here to shop at John Lewis

John Lewis Acrylic Storage Canisters, Clear

These acrylic storage canisters have metal clip fastenings to keep them completely airtight.  These simple canisters will preserve the life of your food and as they’re clear you can see the food instantly, if you like spices or chutneys this could give a range of bright colours along your kitchen counters.  Click here to shop at John Lewis

Emma Ball Farmyard Designer Canisters

These cute farmyard canisters have been designed by Emma Ball from a range which also includes biscuit barrels and storage tins.  Emma graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Graphic design.  She specailises in watercolours.  Click here to see more of her designs and buy.

Pantone Canisters

Pantone colours are the latest kitchen craze.  This bold range includes canisters, mugs, tea towels, salt and pepper shakers.  Click here to see more and to buy.

This year Denby are celebrating their 200th birthday.  In 1809 production of salt glazed pottery begun using clay from a local seam discovered in 1806.  In the late 1800′s Denby diversified into more Kitchenwares and the richly coloured glazes which are now their trademark.  Today Denby is still a major producer of quality pottery focusing on Dining ranges.

These are a few of their most popular sets available today.

Denby Imperial Blue 16 Piece Boxed Tableware Set

Denby Imperial Blue has vibrant blues and crisp whites making the perfect combination. A modern classic, both bold and confident, if you want to make a statement then Imperial Blue is the tableware for you.  Click here for more information and to buy

Jet Black 16 Piece Boxed Tableware Set

the Jet collection combines matt and gloss finishes for a contemporary look with timeless appeal. Whether serving coffee or hosting a dinner party, Denby Jet adds eye catching style. Click here for more information and to buy

Denby Caramel Stripes 16 Piece Boxed Tableware Dining Set

The Caramal Stripes range is good enough to eat, Caramel by Denby is the ultimate feel-good range, available in a selection of drinking, eating, serving and cooking pieces. Add a dash of Caramel Stripes to create an appetising look for any dining table.  Click here for more information and to buy

If you want to find out more about Denby the book Denby Pottery 1809 – 1997 is a great resource to discover the history of the company and more about the ranges.  Click here for more information and to buy.

Denby Pottery 1809-1997: Dynasties and Designers

Joseph Joseph ever conscious of the space restrictions imposed by modern urban living, masters of form and function they have focused their design talents on food preparation. Specialising in contemporary kitchenware, the company is now internationally recognised for producing some of the most stylish and technically innovative products on the market.

Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

The Joseph Joseph 8 Piece Bowl with Food Preparation Set Multi Coloured is a must have in every kitchen.

The ultimate collection of practical kitchenware, includes all the everyday essentials, from non-slip mixing bowls to juicer and measuring cups, all of which nest together, therefore commandeering minimal space.

Features

• Nest is a range of mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Small mixing bowl
• A sieve
• A colander and a large mixing bowl
• All sit neatly together as one unit.Made of ABS plastc
• The sieve is the only item that is not dishwasher safe, all other items are
• 32.5x26cmx13.5cm

Click here to buy Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

Click here to buy Joseph Joseph Nest 8 Mixing Bowls, Multi Colour

The Scotts of Stow Sale has begun.  What’s more they are offering free delivery until January 24th (On all purchases over £40).

Scotts of Stow are a department store based in the heart of the Cotswolds and as well as selling online offer a catalogue too!

They have many great offers across all their departments so you can restock your Kitchen, Dining room and the whole home!

Christmas will soon be upon us.  Struggling to find the perfect present for someone?  Kitchen gifts are always well received and needed.  Below we’ve run down some of the top Christmas gifts of 2008 for the Kitchen.

Under £20

Culinare One Touch Automatic Jar Opener

The Culinare One Touch Automatic Jar Opener is a really useful gift to give or receive this Christmas.  Many people both young and old can have trouble opening jars.  This does it for you.  We featured the One Touch Automatic Jar Opener previously On The Hob, Click here to read the article

Ginger Cat Crumb Pet Novelty Tabletop Vacuum Cleaner

The Ginger Cat tabletop vacuum cleaner is a fun gift perfect for an office secret Santa falling just under the £5 mark.  Also practical too as it vacuums up left over crumbs to keep your surfaces clear!

Screwpull By Le Creuset Waiter Friend

The Waiters friend by Screwpull and Le Creuset is a must have for any wine enthusiast.  Small enough to fit in your pocket but also big enough to open any bottle this is a great gift for the home wine lover or for the professional waiter.

Bialetti Moka Express Espresso Maker

Bialetti are leaders in the Manufacturing of Stovetop Espresso makers.  The Moka Express Espresso maker comes in different sizes.  A stovetop espresso maker is a gift that keeps giving as there’s nothing like a freshly made coffee in the morning.

Under £50

Ken Hom 31cm Traditional Carbon Steel 10 Pce Wok Set

The Ken Hom 31cm Traditional Carbon Steel 10 Pce Wok Set is perfect for anyone who wants to prepare good food quickly.  With this 10 piece set they can be enjoying stir frys in no time.

George Foreman Next Grilleration Health Grill

The George Foreman Next Grilleration Health Grill is the perfect gift for anyone interested in healthy eating.  Its two grill plates cooking both sides of the food half cooking time.  The sloped grill also lets fat drain off creating a healthy dish.  Even better once you have finished eating no hard cleaning as the grill plates are removable and dishwasher safe.

Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8 Pce Block Set

Kitchen Knives are often forgotten but good knives make a real difference to you in the Kitchen.  Help someone start the new year with the Henckels International Fine Edge Pro 8 piece Knife block set.  These knives have unique hardened flexible corrosion resistant stainless steel blades and man made riveted handles for comfort and cleanliness.

Under £100

Marco Pierre White, Green Pan and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set, 5 Pieces,

Marco Pierre White, Green Pan and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set, 5 Pieces. There’s nothing better than having a complete set of Saucepans.  We have already featured this amazing set of 5 Hard Anodised Marco Pierre White pans On the Hob, Click here to read the article

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser

Panasonic SD255 Breadmaker with Raisin/Nut Dispenser.  There’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread and with this bread maker you can bring that to your home!  Once you taste your own bread you won’t want to go back to the supermarkets!

Morphy Richards 48780 Intellisteam Steamer

The Morphy Richards 48780 Intellisteam Steamer features 4 compartments which you can set at different heats.  Steamers are great gifts as by steaming the food rather than boiling the flavour isn’t lost into the water, giving you all the goodness from the vegetables and flavour you didn’t think was possible.

Over £100

Tefal ActiFry Low Fat Electric Fryer

The Tefal ActiFry Low Fat Electric Fryer is a revolutionary deep fat fryer.  When frying the the Actifry gently turns the food allowing healthy frying by using the minimum amount of oil.  Just one spoonful is needed for 1kg of chips!

Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino

The Magimix Nespresso M100 Coffee Maker & Aeroccino uses the Nespresso pod system to give you a fresh tasting perfect cup of coffee every time.  This is the perfect gift set as it includes the Aeroccino allowing you to froth milk for the perfect cappuccino or Latte.

De'Longhi Prima Donna Bean to Cup Coffee Maker

The De’Longhi Prima Donna Bean to Cup Coffee Maker is the king of Delonghi coffee makers.  This machine does everything!  It will operate with Beans (internal burr grinder) or ground coffee.  It also has a milk jug and can create the perfect Cappuccino at just one press of a button.

Those are our choices of perfect presents for the Kitchen this year but what are yours?  Have you bought a kitchen gift for a friend?  have you asked for one?  Let us know what your perfect Kitchen Christmas Present is by leaving us a comment – Just click comments at the top of this article.

A set of six measuring spoons by Nigella Lawson, handily connected on a ring so you won’t lose them.

Nigella Measuring Spoons

The size spoon sizes are

• Pinch
• 0.25 teaspoon
• 0.5 teaspoon
• 1 teaspoon
• 1 dessert spoon
• 1 tablespoon

Click here to buy Nigella Lawson Living Kitchen Measuring Spoons

Marco Pierre White has teamed up with leading kitchen brand Russell Hobbs to create a range of professionally inspired products,  perfect for both  the ‘at home chef’, or anyone who needs a helping hand in the kitchen.

Marco Pierre White, and Russell Hobbs Hard Anodised Cookware Set

“I have worked closely with Russell Hobbs to design and develop a range of professionally inspired small domestic appliances to help make life easier for you in the kitchen and create your ideal dishes. When you try them I am confident you’ll notice the difference” - Marco Pierre White

Contents

• 14 cm double lipped milk pan with cast handle
• 16 cm saucepan with metal lid and cast handle
• 18 cm saucepan with metal lid and cast handle
• 20 cm sauce pan with metal lid and cast handle
• 24 cm forged frying pan (5mm) with cast handle

The Technology

• Thermolon is a Polymer hybrid nano-composite non-stick coating
• Worlds first in non-stick technology
• Durable and highly scratch resistant
• Quick and even heat distribution
• It does not contain PTFE which is a 60 year old non-stick technology
• It does not contain PFOA which is used to make PTFE.
• Thermolon non-stick is high resistant up to 450 degrees centigrade
• Thermolon uses significantly less C02 (Up to 50%) less at the point of application than other non-sticks
• Thermolon does not release Green House gases into the atmosphere
• No toxic fumes are released if overheated
• Oven safe
• Suitable for all hobs except induction

Click here to buy Marco Pierre White Hard Anodised Cookware Set