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Pumpkins are more than just symbols of the spooky season. They are actually delicious members of the winter squash family, which also includes popular varieties like Butternut, Acorn, Crown Prince, and Kabocha. These versatile fruits are in season from October to December and come in various colours, shapes, and sizes. Choosing the Right Pumpkin or Squash This guide will help you select, prepare, and cook these seasonal treats in simple recipes. Large orange pumpkins and Butternut Squash: These firm-textured varieties pair well with warm spices. Try tossing the wedges with chilli and cumin. Acorn Squash: Smaller and dark green with orange-yellow flesh, Acorn squash is ideal for mashing or stuffing. Crown Prince Squash: Large pumpkins with bluish-grey skin and orange flesh, these have a firm texture and nutty taste. Roast them in chunks. Japanese Kabocha Squash: Dark green and flat-ish, Kabocha becomes fluffy when baked and is ideal for soups and stews. While most squashes can be used interchangeably in recipes, look for pumpkins and squash with smooth, unblemished skins and a heavy weight for their size. Store them in a cool, dark place for up to two months. Preparing Your Pumpkin or Squash To prepare your pumpkin or squash, place it on a chopping board with a damp tea towel underneath to prevent slipping. Trim off both ends, stand it on one end, and cut it in half lengthwise. Cut the squash into quarters or manageable wedges and scoop out the seeds with a large metal spoon. If the skin is not too thick, leave it on for a chewy texture. Otherwise, remove it with a Y-shaped speed peeler or after cooking.   Don't Forget the Seeds! Wash and dry the seeds, then sprinkle them with teriyaki sauce before roasting in the oven at a medium heat for 10 minutes. Use them as a topping for salads or as a snack. Cooking Tips for Pumpkins and Squash All winter squashes can be cooked in similar ways. Here are some ideas: Boiling: Cook with other vegetables in stock for soups. Mashing: Combine with cooked carrots or sweet potato for a healthy topping or side dish. Roasting: Caramelises the squash and brings out its sweetness. Curries and stews: Add chopped squash to your favourite recipes. Stuffing: Fill with rice pilaf or couscous and bake.

In celebration of Cheeseburger Day, there's no better time to sink your teeth into a truly unforgettable burger. Back in the Roaring Twenties, when flappers danced and jazz filled the air, the cheeseburger made its debut. Legend has it that a teenager named Lionel Sternberger—working at his father’s sandwich shop, The Rite Spot in Pasadena, California—decided to crown a juicy burger with a slice of American cheese.  And voilà, the cheeseburger was born!  This mouth-watering masterpiece is everything you crave - juicy, packed with flavour, and utterly satisfying. Whether you're enjoying it with friends or indulging solo, this burger will have you savouring every bite. Treat yourself to the ultimate cheeseburger experience, and make this special day one to remember!

In the dynamic realm of home design, one trend shines brightly: the resurgence of retro-style appliances. But this isn’t a mere trip down memory lane; it’s a reinvention. Today’s homeowners crave appliances that blend the vintage charm of yesteryear with cutting-edge functionality. Picture blenders evoking 1950s diners and ranges channeling the sleek lines of the 1960s. These appliances aren’t just throwbacks; they’re harmonious hybrids—bridging the allure of the past with the sophistication of the present. Timeless Charm: The Resurgence of Retro Appliances Step into a kitchen adorned with retro-style modern appliances, and suddenly, you’re a time traveler. It’s more than nostalgia; it’s a delightful fusion of enduring design and contemporary practicality. A Bridge Between Eras: These appliances aren’t mere machines; they’re emotional connectors. Picture it: a bridge spanning decades, linking the past to our bustling present.We’re not just chilling, cooking, or cleaning; we’re recapturing the essence of bygone days—the golden age of appliance design. The Iconic 1950s and 1960s: Bold colours, curvaceous forms, and distinctive styles—these eras left their mark. And today, modern appliances channel that spirit.They bring history home, evoking memories of grandparents’ kitchens or the classic American diner vibe. So, whether you’re brewing coffee or toasting bread, let these retro marvels infuse your space with timeless allure. It’s like having a vinyl record playing your favourite tune—a harmonious blend of then and now. We’ve explored the emotional pull and nostalgic design of retro appliances, but what else makes them irresistible? Let’s dive deeper. Design Versatility: Retro-style appliances are chameleons—they effortlessly adapt to any interior. Whether your kitchen rocks modern minimalism or a quirky mix of old and new, these appliances fit right in. Their classic lines and bold colours transform them from mere tools to statement pieces, elevating your entire space. They’re like the James Bonds of kitchen design—suave, versatile, and always in style. Timeless Elegance as a Lifestyle Choice: Opting for retro isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a lifestyle declaration. It says, “I appreciate enduring designs that outlast passing fads.” In a world of rapid style shifts, choosing timeless appeal speaks volumes about individuality and an eye for the classics. Picture This: Your retro toaster winks at you from the countertop, whispering, “I’ve seen decades, darling. Let’s toast to that.” Cheers to Timelessness! So, in this delightful fusion of past and present, retro-style appliances offer more than functionality—they infuse our homes with aesthetic magic and emotional depth. Feel free to explore this captivating world of retro chic; it’s a design journey worth savouring! The Timeless Fusion - Retro Appliances with Modern Flair Peel back the layers of retro appliances, and you’ll discover more than just vintage aesthetics. Beneath those nostalgic exteriors pulse the hearts of high-tech marvels. Let’s explore what makes them truly exceptional. Advanced Technology: Today’s retro-style appliances aren’t stuck in the past. They’re tech-savvy wizards. Picture smart home connectivity, digital temperature controls, and efficiency that rivals any contemporary design. Yes, you can have your vintage cake and eat it too—without sacrificing performance. Energy Efficiency: Unlike their actual vintage ancestors (who were energy guzzlers), these new models are eco-warriors. They conserve energy, shrink your carbon footprint, and keep utility bills in check. It’s like having a green conscience wrapped in retro chic. Enhanced Functionality: Imagine retro blenders with precision blades, toasters that heat uniformly, and kettles that save energy like it’s liquid gold. These appliances don’t just look good; they perform like Olympic athletes. Durability and Low-Maintenance Magic: Thanks to modern materials and construction, these appliances are built to endure. They marry the sturdiness of yesteryears with today’s innovation. Plus, they’re low-maintenance—because who has time for fussy appliances? The Future of Retro-Styled Appliances Tech Wizardry: Brace yourselves for even smarter retro appliances. Think AI-driven features, energy efficiency on steroids, and seamless integration with your smart home. These beauties won’t just look good; they’ll be tech trendsetters. Eco-Chic: Sustainability is the new black. Future retro appliances might sport eco-friendly materials and guilt-free production processes. Mother Earth approves. For Everyone: Retro style won’t be an exclusive club. These appliances will become more accessible, so everyone can sprinkle a little nostalgia into their homes. Custom Vibes: Personalized retro? Yes, please! Imagine choosing not just colours but also finishes, sizes, and features. Your kitchen, your rules.

A chafing dish is a culinary workhorse that keeps your food warm and inviting, perfect for buffets, parties, or any gathering. It's essentially a stylish food warmer, comprising a water pan, food pan, and a heat source. This clever setup uses indirect heat to gently warm your dishes, preserving their flavour and texture. Breaking Down the Chafing Dish To understand how this kitchen hero works, let’s dissect its components: Frame: The sturdy foundation that holds everything together. Water Pan: Filled with hot water, this creates a steam bath for your food. Food Pan: This is where the culinary magic happens. Your delicious dishes reside here. Cover/Lid: Locks in heat and moisture, keeping your food perfect. Fuel Holder/Burner: The powerhouse that heats the water, ensuring your food stays warm.   Together, these components create a microclimate of warmth, guaranteeing your guests enjoy every bite. Types of Chafing Dishes Not all chafing dishes are created equal. Let's explore the different styles to find the perfect one for your event: Stainless Steel Chafing Dishes: These durable and stylish workhorses are perfect for any occasion. Their sleek look and easy cleaning make them a caterer's favourite. Chafing Dishes with Glass Lids: Add a touch of elegance with these showstopping dishes. The glass lid lets guests admire your culinary creations before digging in. Setting Up and Using Your Chafing Dish Setting up a chafing dish is a breeze. Follow these simple steps: Place the Frame: Find a stable surface for your chafing dish. Fill the Water Pan: Add hot water, but don’t overfill. Light the Fuel: Carefully light the chafing fuel, following safety guidelines. Place the Food Pan: Position the food pan on the water pan and fill it with your delicious dishes. Cover and Enjoy: Secure the lid and let the chafing dish work its magic. Tips for Serving Success: Use appropriate serving utensils to avoid accidents. Keep an eye on food and water levels. Refill carefully to maintain heat and prevent spills. Guide your guests on how to use the chafing dish safely. With a little care, your chafing dish will be the star of your next event, ensuring your guests enjoy warm, delicious food from start to finish.

This is a stunner!  Prepare the polenta in advance, then garnish with baby tomatoes, burrata and a drizzle of olive oil for this effortless snack.

As the sun reaches its zenith and the air hums with the promise of lazy afternoons, there's no better way to transport yourself to a sun-soaked beach than with a classic Piña Colada. This iconic cocktail, blending creamy coconut, tangy pineapple and a hint of rum, epitomises relaxation and indulgence. Whether you're lounging by the pool or hosting a backyard barbecue, the Piña Colada is your ticket to tropical bliss. Piña Colada is more than just a cocktail—it's a taste of paradise in every sip. With this recipe, you can bring the essence of a tropical getaway into your own home. So, gather your ingredients, blend up a batch and let the Piña Colada whisk you away to the sunny shores of relaxation. Cheers to summer and the simple joy of a well-crafted cocktail!  

When it comes to salads, few can rival the timeless appeal of a Chicken Caesar Salad. It's a classic for a reason: the perfect combination of crisp romaine lettuce, savoury grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing and crunchy homemade croutons. If you're ready to elevate your salad game, this recipe will show you how to create the best Chicken Caesar Salad from scratch. This classic dish is perfect for a light lunch, a hearty dinner or as a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering. Bon appétit!  

This delightful stir-fry combines tender asparagus and crispy tofu, infused with the flavours of ginger, garlic and chilli oil. It’s versatile enough to serve as a side dish or as the star of a main course when paired with noodles or rice. Plus, it comes together in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or a light lunch option. For added convenience, you can even prepare the marinade the night before, ensuring a quick and flavourful meal on the day. Enjoy!  

In the scorching heat of summer or during an adventurous outdoor trip, having a cooler box by your side can make all the difference. It's not just a simple accessory; it's a lifesaver in many situations. Whether you're heading to the beach, planning a picnic in the park, having a BBQ party in your garden or embarking on a camping expedition, SQ Professional Cooler Box Sets are your trusty companions. A cooler box serves as a handy, on-the-go refrigeration solution. Functioning like an insulated cooling case, it maintains a consistent internal temperature, unaffected by external conditions. With a cooler box, you can safely store your meals and snacks for future consumption, free from concerns about spoilage. Its advanced insulation, crafted from quality materials, shields the contents from contamination or staleness, ensuring freshness even in hot weather.   Let's delve into 5 compelling reasons why you absolutely need a cooler box in your life: 1. Ensures consistent cooling No matter if it's the peak of a blistering summer day or the heat of a scorching afternoon, a cooler box reliably chills all your beverages—from beer to water to soft drinks—and keeps food fresh. These portable cooler boxes, available in various options, effortlessly maintain food coolness and freshness, offering convenience for any outing. 2. Effortless portability Cooler boxes boast remarkable portability. Lightweight and compact, they occupy minimal space, rendering them an incredibly convenient accessory for any excursion or vacation. Whether you're camping, fishing, on a road trip or simply enjoying a family gathering at home, you can bring them along effortlessly. Versatile and adaptable, cooler boxes cater to all your cooling requirements, anytime, anywhere. 3. Wide range of styles Cooler boxes come in a wide array of colours, designs and sizes to cater to your preferences. Whether you prefer a sleek, understated look or a bold, vibrant colour, there's a cooler box to match your personal style and complement your travel gear. You have the flexibility of sizes that best fit your needs, as preferences vary from individual to individual. 4. Great affordability Given its modest price point, cooler box sets are accessible to most individuals. This means you can enjoy excellent value for your money when selecting from the range of cooler boxes available for purchase. 5. Built to last Cooler boxes boast a remarkable lifespan and resilience. They not only maintain the freshness of your food and drinks over extended periods but also ensure consistent insulation for years to come. Constructed with durability in mind, they withstand rough handling and remain unscathed, even during adventurous expeditions. Resistant to scratches and damage, they reliably preserve their insulating properties. 6. Incredibly versatile Cooler boxes aren't just for keeping drinks and snacks cold. They're also incredibly versatile. Need to transport fresh groceries from the store? A cooler box has you covered. Planning a fishing trip and need to keep your catch fresh? A cooler box is the perfect solution. From picnics to parties, camping trips to road trips, a cooler box is a versatile companion for any occasion.   From keeping your food fresh to providing a portable oasis of cold drinks on a hot day, the benefits of owning a cooler box are undeniable. Whether you're an avid outdoor enthusiast or simply enjoy spending time with family and friends, the SQ Professional Cooler Box Set is a must-have accessory for any occasion. So, the next time you're planning an adventure or heading out for a day of fun in the sun, don't forget to pack your cooler boxes and chill out in style.  

As the summer sun tempts, it's time to embark on exciting adventures and unforgettable journeys. Whether you're heading to the beach, exploring new cities or venturing into the great outdoors, packing efficiently is key to enjoying a stress-free holiday. To help you make the most of your upcoming summer travels, we've put together a comprehensive guide on how to pack your suitcase like a pro. Whether you opt for minimalist packing, desire extra room in your luggage or consistently find yourself packing unnecessary items for your travels, our comprehensive guide is your ultimate resource for mastering suitcase organisation. With foolproof strategies and detailed instructions, we empower you to select essentials wisely and pack with utmost efficiency. Embrace our guidance and say goodbye to packing blunders forever!   Digitise your travel documents Create digital duplicates of your identification and travel paperwork. We suggest storing them on a cloud platform, USB drive, smartphone or tablet. This practice allows you to reduce paper clutter and safeguard crucial data in case of luggage mishaps. Ensure to keep your USB drive apart from your checked-in luggage for added security. Make a checklist Simplify your travel preparations by creating a customisable checklist for your next journey. Consider using the free PackPoint app, which allows you to tailor pre-existing packing lists to suit the weather and activities of your destination. This handy tool saves you time and effort while ensuring you're well-prepared for your trip's specific needs. Get it all together Ensure you have plenty of space around you to organise your packing efficiently. Begin by gathering all items intended for your bag and sorting them into distinct categories: clothing (including shoes, tops, pants, jackets, outerwear, underwear and accessories), toiletries, electronic devices and miscellaneous equipment/gadgets. This methodical approach streamlines the packing process and helps prevent overlooking essential items. Minimise your devices Now, eliminate any items that can be substituted by another device specifically for this trip. For instance, if your intention is to capture casual photos, opt for a smartphone instead of a bulky camera. If your purpose is solely to access social media, a tablet or smartphone suffices instead of carrying a laptop. Furthermore, if your accommodation provides a Bluetooth-enabled speaker or stereo dock, you can ditch bringing a portable speaker. This selective approach helps lighten your load while ensuring you have the necessary tools for your trip. Power up! Next, assess your chargers. If all your devices utilise USB, you might only require one compatible charger, ensuring you pack all necessary cables. Alternatively, if your smartphone serves as your primary device, consider bringing a compact portable battery pack or charging case to ensure it remains powered throughout the day. This strategic approach minimises the number of chargers you need to carry while ensuring your devices remain functional throughout your trip. Tackle your toiletries If you're happy with using the toiletries offered at your accommodation, you can effortlessly trim down your packing list by omitting basic amenities. However, if you prefer using your own products, opt for screw-top containers to transfer liquids, gels and creams instead of carrying full-sized bottles. Pharmacies and supermarkets offer travel-sized versions of various essentials, including dry shampoo, hairspray, toothpaste and deodorant, as well as travel-friendly bottles and tubes. This approach allows you to streamline your toiletry selection without compromising on your personal care routine. Cutt the clothing Now comes the real challenge. The objective here is to cut each pile in half. Yes, that's correct – halve them (except for underwear!). Strategise your outfits to guarantee you're prepared for various weather conditions at your destination(s), as well as the social engagements and activities you'll partake in. Also, consider how often you'll have the opportunity to do your laundry. Hard decisions? Versatility, lightweight layers and a cohesive colour palette are crucial. Opt for clothing that can easily transition from casual to formal and layer effectively. It's advisable to stick to neutrals like black, white, grey or beige, with one or two complementary accent colours. Pay close attention when selecting heavier outerwear and footwear – opting for just one jacket or leaving behind a pair of shoes can significantly reduce weight. Miscellaneous In this pile, you might have items such as umbrellas, raincoats, books and pillows. If you're eager to lighten your load, contemplate alternatives or purchase these items upon arrival. For example, you could acquire an umbrella at your destination, pack a disposable poncho, read digitally on your tablet instead of bringing a book or grab a magazine at the airport. However, don't hesitate to bring along items that have proven their worth on previous trips – a neck pillow, for instance, could be indispensable for getting quality sleep during a long-haul flight or extended train journey. Pack like a pro Now, you can start packing with maximum efficiency and space-saving in mind (which leaves room for more shopping on your holiday!). Begin by placing the heaviest items closest to the bottom of your bag or suitcase, particularly at the end with the wheels. Many seasoned travellers swear by packing cubes: these cube-shaped organisers fit neatly inside suitcases, separating your clothing and keeping loose items contained (anyone who has experienced a Customs inspection can appreciate the convenience of this). Another useful space-saving technique is to tightly roll your clothing instead of folding and stacking it. Remember to roll up belts to prevent them from getting crushed, and fold shirts and clothing that can easily crease; place these items at the top of the case to keep them wrinkle-free. Steamer is your saviour Regardless of your packing method—rolling, folding, using cubes or being minimalist—your clothing will inevitably wrinkle during transit. That's why it's essential to always make room for a steamer. Invest in a travel-sized steamer. Nobody wants to deal with hauling out an iron and ironing board from the hotel closet, then spending 20 minutes smoothing out wrinkles in their clothes. The steamer is worth the extra space it occupies in your suitcase. Fill the gaps Utilise every inch of available space efficiently: fill any gaps with socks, underwear or T-shirts, and use socks to stuff inside shoes along with small, fragile items or jewellery (this also helps maintain the shape of the shoes). Safeguard delicate items by wrapping them in clothing and positioning them in the centre of your bag. Always place any potential leaky or soiling items in a zip-lock bag or securely sealed plastic bags to prevent any mishaps from ruining your clothing. Pack extra plastic bags Bring a separate, packable bag — even just a small plastic or trash bag — for dirty laundry. Carry medication in your purse While you may intend to bring your bag onboard, there's still a chance it could be checked at the gate. By keeping your medication in your purse, you'll have them handy even if overhead bin space is limited and you're required to check in your bag. Stay hydrated You can bring an empty reusable water bottle through airport security. Once inside the terminal, fill it up at a cafe or water station. It keeps you hydrated and is more eco-friendly than purchasing plastic bottles while sightseeing.  

Amidst an array of creamy milkshakes, the understated star of them all might very well be the classic homemade banana milkshake. All it takes is a few scoops of ice cream, a carton of milk and a ripe banana to blend up this timeless treat. Bananas reach their peak sweetness as they ripen, so opt for slightly speckled fruit to impart the richest banana flavour into your milkshake (leave the overly ripe ones for banana bread). Don't have fresh bananas? No problem: frozen ones work just as well. In fact, they lend an extra silky texture to your shake. This banana milkshake recipe comes together in a snap, but if you prefer to plan ahead, chill your glasses in the freezer for an extra frosty touch. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce, chocolate chips or sprinkles, and a dollop of whipped cream—or keep it understated with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg.  

In the hustle and bustle of life, there's something truly special about coming home to the aroma of a delicious, comforting meal. Today, we want to share with you a recipe that not only tantalises the taste buds but also warms the heart: Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots. This dish is a celebration of simplicity and flavour, perfect for cosy evenings spent with loved ones or for bringing a touch of warmth to any gathering.There's a certain magic in the kitchen when the oven is gently humming, filling the air with promises of something delightful. As you gather your ingredients, there's a sense of anticipation, knowing that with each step, you're creating not just a meal, but a moment to be cherished. The star of our culinary symphony today? Carrots – humble, yet incredibly versatile. With just a few simple additions, we transform them into a masterpiece of flavour and texture.Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a star attraction, this recipe is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. After all, isn't that what comfort food is all about?  

As Easter approaches, it's time to embrace the traditions that make this holiday special. One such tradition that brings joy to many households is the baking of Easter bread. Among the myriad of Easter bread recipes, the Easter bread wreath stands out as not only a delicious treat but also a beautiful centrepiece for your holiday table.As you prepare and enjoy this Easter bread wreath with your loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the meaning behind this timeless tradition. May it bring joy, warmth and a sense of togetherness to your Easter celebrations. Happy baking and Happy Easter!  

Easter is coming soon. Even though things are a bit different this year, many are excited about the usual egg-dyeing tradition. Instead of buying dye from the store, we have a fun idea: use food and plants to dye eggs naturally. It's something we've always wanted to try, and since times are changing, why not give it a shot? We'll show you some easy, eco-friendly options and encourage you to get creative!Below, we've listed the most common natural colourants. We'll explain how to achieve your desired colour shades. Before starting, it's recommended to clean the eggs with vinegar water. This helps them absorb the colour better.We'll be using the hot dyeing method. After following the procedures, you can filter the colour solution before boiling the eggs in it. You can achieve all colour variations not only with hot dyeing but also with a cooled solution that has steeped enough beforehand. This way, even kids won't burn their fingers. Simply pre-cook the eggs as usual, then leave them in the dye until you get the colour you want. GOLDEN-YELLOW with turmeric:Fresh turmeric or its powder can give a vibrant golden-yellow hue to your eggs. Cut fresh, peeled turmeric into pieces and boil them in plenty of hot water for 1-2 hours. If fresh turmeric isn't available, you can use turmeric powder instead, which also works well. RED-BROWN with onion skins and coffee:Onion skins have been a traditional dyeing method for ages. Soak about 2 handfuls of onion skins in 1-2L of boiling water for a few minutes. Coffee can also be used for brown tones. Boil about 50g of ground coffee for a maximum of 30 minutes. RED with beetroot:Beetroot provides a vibrant red colour, similar to turmeric. Boil the beetroot in just under 1L of water for about 15 minutes to create the dye solution. GREEN with parsley, spinach and nettle:For various shades of green, try boiling a bunch of parsley, spinach or stinging nettle in 1L of hot water for around 30 minutes. BLUE with red cabbage and blueberries:To achieve blue tones, use ingredients like red cabbage and blueberries. Boil about 1 cup of each in 1-2L of water for up to an hour, depending on the desired shade.Feel free to experiment with other foods and non-toxic plants to discover new shades. Let your creativity run wild!

In the culinary tapestry of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, few dishes hold as much significance as Daal (or dal) and its flavourful companion, Tarka (or tadka). Whether enjoyed in the bustling streets of Mumbai or the serene mountains of Nepal, the essence of this humble yet satisfying dish remains constant - a comforting blend of lentils, spices and aromatic seasonings.What truly elevates this dish is the Tarka - a fragrant mixture of aromatics, vegetables and spices that dance tantalizingly atop the Daal. As the Tarka is spooned over the Daal, it releases a burst of flavours – chilli, garlic, ginger, cumin and kasuri methi - infusing the dish with layers of complexity and depth. Each ingredient in the Tarka plays a vital role, adding its unique essence to the symphony of flavours.  

As Mother's Day approaches, what better way to celebrate the woman who fills our lives with love and sweetness than with a decadent dessert crafted with care? This year, let's elevate the celebration with a divine treat that perfectly embodies the essence of love and indulgence: White Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Berries. Delicate, creamy and adorned with vibrant berries, this dessert is a testament to the sweetness of maternal affection.This Mother's Day, let's celebrate Mum in style with a dessert fit for a queen. White Chocolate Cheesecake with Fresh Berries is more than just a sweet treat - it's a heartfelt expression of love, gratitude and admiration for the extraordinary woman. Cheers to Mom, the true embodiment of love and sweetness!  

There are few culinary traditions as iconic and satisfying as the Full English Breakfast. A hearty, indulgent spread that has graced tables across Britain for centuries, this morning meal is more than just sustenance; it's a ritual, a celebration of flavours and a testament to culinary heritage.The foundation of any Full English Breakfast is, of course, the star of the show: the hearty selection of meats. Traditionally, this includes bacon, sausages and sometimes black pudding. The bacon, with its crispy edges and savoury depth, sets the tone for the meal, while the sausages provide a juicy, flavourful counterpart. Black pudding, a divisive yet integral component made from blood and oatmeal, adds a rich and robust element that rounds out the savoury profile.In a world of fast-paced living and convenience foods, the Full English Breakfast stands as a testament to the joys of slow, indulgent dining. From its humble origins to its status as a cultural icon, this morning feast continues to captivate hearts and tantalise taste buds with its rich flavours and hearty components. So, the next time you find yourself in need of a truly satisfying meal, why not treat yourself to the full English experience?  

Welcome to the world of fluffy Japanese pancakes, where each bite is like a taste of heaven. These iconic pancakes have taken the culinary world by storm with their dreamy texture and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Join us on a journey to discover the secrets behind creating these pillowy delights and how you can enjoy them right in the comfort of your own kitchen.Japanese pancakes, known as "souffle pancakes" or "fuwa fuwa pancakes" in Japan, are renowned for their incredibly light and fluffy texture. Unlike traditional pancakes, which are thin and dense, Japanese pancakes are like little clouds on a plate. The secret lies in the batter and cooking technique, which we'll explore in detail.  

In the realm of sweet treats, few delights can match the heavenly goodness of Paczki, the Polish doughnuts that have captured the hearts and taste buds of pastry enthusiasts around the world.Paczki, with their deep-rooted history and heavenly taste, has become more than just a pastry; they're a symbol of joy, indulgence and the celebration of life's sweet moments. Whether you're a fan of the classic rosehip filling or an adventurous explorer of new flavour combinations, Paczki’s are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. So, why not treat yourself to the magic of Paczki and savour a piece of Polish culinary heritage?  

Indulge in the exquisite tenderness and rich flavour of our grilled sirloin steak recipe, complemented by a delectable peppercorn whisky sauce. The steak is expertly seasoned with just the right amount of salt and pepper, achieving a perfect sear for a golden crust on the outside. Inside, revel in the juicy perfection of medium-rare beef. Accompanying it all is a robust whisky peppercorn sauce, transforming your kitchen into a personal steakhouse experience.  

There's something undeniably comforting about the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter. While store-bought varieties are convenient, there's a whole new world waiting to be explored in your own kitchen. Making homemade peanut butter is not only a delightful culinary experience but also allows you to control the ingredients, flavours and textures to suit your taste buds. Join us on a nutty adventure as we explore the art of crafting your very own, irresistibly delicious homemade peanut butter.Crafting homemade peanut butter is not just about making a spread; it's a journey into the world of flavours and textures. Experiment with different nuts, oils and sweeteners to find your perfect blend. Whether you spread it on toast, use it in recipes or enjoy it by the spoonful, homemade peanut butter is a delightful and customisable treat that adds a personal touch to your kitchen creations. So, put on your apron and embark on this nutty adventure – your taste buds will thank you!  

In today's fast-paced world, maintaining a robust immune system is crucial for overall well-being. One effective way to support your immune system is by incorporating nutrient-packed green juices into your daily routine. This recipe will show you a simple and quick creation of a delicious and immune-boosting green juice that will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. One whole pear brings sweetness and juiciness, cucumbers add freshness and celery stalks and flat-leaf parsley ensure depth of flavour and attractive green colour. Fresh ginger offers a wonderful aroma and gives the juice a pep, but perhaps the most surprising addition is the two orange wedges, rinds left on. With this vibrant and versatile recipe, you can't go wrong ? and it's never been easier to drink your greens.  

First and foremost, the best way to enjoy a really good cup of British tea is by using loose tea leaves. Loose leaves give the tea a special taste and smell that you can't get with other methods. But, for many of us, our busy lives don't leave much time for making tea this way, especially when we want a comforting cup two or three times a day. British tea holds a special place in the cultural fabric of the United Kingdom, representing a cherished tradition that spans centuries. Renowned for its role in daily life, the afternoon tea ritual is a quintessentially British practice that has become iconic worldwide. Typically served with milk and often accompanied by biscuits or scones, British tea is a comforting and social affair. The British have a preference for robust black teas, such as the classic English Breakfast or the slightly more assertive Earl Grey, often flavoured with bergamot. Tea is not merely a beverage; it is a symbol of hospitality, civility and a means to pause and connect in the midst of a hectic day. Whether enjoyed at home or in elegant tearooms, British tea embodies a cultural legacy that transcends its simple, soothing brew. Remember, the key to a good British cuppa lies in the balance between the strength of the tea, the addition of milk, and the choice of accompaniments. Whether you prefer a strong builder's tea or a delicate Earl Grey, sipping British tea is about creating a moment of comfort and connection. From choosing the right tea to mastering the delicate balance of milk and sugar, join us as we show you how to create your perfect British cuppa.  

This Vegan Green Olive Tapenade recipe bursts with an array of flavours created by the blend of olives, capers and fresh garlic! It brings a savoury depth, a hint of spiciness and a zesty kick to every meal. Green olive tapenade is a delightful addition to any kitchen, offering an explosion of Mediterranean flavours in every bite. It's not just a condiment; it's a culinary experience that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Experiment with your own tapenade recipe and let your taste buds embark on a flavourful journey through the Mediterranean. So, why not make a batch of green olive tapenade and start exploring its irresistible allure today? Your taste buds will thank you.  

Indulge in the extraordinary with this exquisite dish ? Pasta in a Black Truffle Cream Sauce. Experience the rich essence of truffles embraced by a velvety parmigiano cream sauce, all enveloped in flawlessly cooked al dente pasta. Luxurious and achievable, this gourmet delight can be prepared in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or intimate home date nights. Buon appetito!  

Kick up classic guacamole with a little jalapeno and crushed red chili flakes in this 15-minute dish. Guacamole is a beloved and classic dip that has earned its place in the hearts and appetites of people all around the world. Creamy, tangy and packed with healthy fats, guacamole is not only delicious but also nutritious. While traditional guacamole is already fantastic, why not kick it up a notch with some spicy flair? In this blog, we'll guide you through the steps to create the ultimate spicy guacamole that will take your taste buds on a fiery adventure. Let's dive in!  

When it comes to indulgent and satisfying desserts, few treats can rival the charm of a perfectly baked bundt cake. Today, we're excited to introduce you to a dessert that not only tastes heavenly but also looks like a work of art: the Butterscotch and Honeycomb Bundt Cake. This delightful creation combines the rich and buttery flavours of butterscotch with the irresistible crunch of homemade honeycomb. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this recipe is a must-try. This stunning centrepiece is bound to leave a lasting impression on your guests. You can prepare your bundt cake up to three days in advance and then enhance it with a delightful combination of chocolate, caramel drizzle and handcrafted honeycomb shards.  

Gulab Jamun Stuffed Malai Matka Kulfi - A Creative Fusion Dessert Delight! This unique Indian ice cream masterpiece is a cherished holiday treat, blending the delectable flavours of gulab jamun and kulfi into one delightful dessert. Crafted with simplicity and speed, it's a sweet sensation worth savouring. Have you ever been in a situation where you are unable to decide which dessert to have, especially when all of them look so good? This recipe is just for people like us! It's got two of our favourite desserts infused into one! If you have never tried it, it is a very popular Indian dessert! Gulab Jamun is fried, golf ball-sized balls, made with flour, that are then soaked in rose-flavoured sugar syrup. They are soft and spongy in texture. Kulfi is an Indian ice cream that resembles a popsicle! It is creamier in texture because it's made with milk and other milk products. That's why it's also called Malai Kulfi. This recipe beautifully combines these two delicacies, offering a visually striking and mouthwatering dessert that's sure to captivate your senses! The fusion of Gulab Jamun with creamy Kulfi ice cream elevates the indulgence factor of this classic Indian sweet to new heights. Fusion creations are crowd-pleasers at gatherings and this Gulab Jamun Matka Kulfi perfectly fits the bill with its unique and innovative approach to satisfying sweet cravings.  

To finish off this Halloween week and end the spooky season, we have a special treat for you. This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating these frighteningly tasty treats. Whether you're planning a spooky soirée, a kid-friendly lunch or just a quirky snack, these monstrously delicious rolls are a must-try.  

You are not ready to let go of the spooky season just yet? It's the perfect time to indulge in this spook-tacular dessert then. This Vegan Spooky Apple Pie is not only delicious but also perfect for the season, making it an ideal treat for vegans and non-vegans alike. Bursting with the flavours of autumn and adorned with eerie decorations, this cruelty-free delight is perfect for indulging your sweet tooth while staying true to your vegan principles. Let's embark on a kitchen adventure and conjure up a dessert that's not only wickedly delicious but also eerily enchanting.  

Spook Up Your Halloween Party with Jack-O’-Lantern Oranges! Halloween is all about creativity and it's not just about costumes and decorations. Even your snacks can get in on the Halloween spirit! One fantastic and healthy idea to try this year is transforming ordinary oranges into adorable, edible Jack-O’-Lanterns. Yes, you read that right - Jack-O’-Lantern Oranges. They're easy, fun and perfect for Halloween decor or parties. Let's dive into this spooktacular idea! All you need is mandarin oranges, regular oranges and cute clementines. You can use any variety you prefer or have on hand. The smaller citrus fruits work great for this project.And Edible Black Marker or Food-Safe Paint: You can find these at your local craft or baking store, and they're perfect for drawing on your orange pumpkins. This DIY Halloween project is as simple as it gets, making it a fun activity for kids and adults alike. The idea is to turn these little fruits into miniature Jack-O’-Lanterns. Here's how you do it: Select Your Oranges: Start by picking out the citrus fruits you want to transform. The smaller ones work best as they mimic the size of a pumpkin. Prep Your Workstation: Lay out your oranges, markers and get ready to have some Halloween-themed fun.Draw Your Faces: Using the edible black marker, draw on some spooky pumpkin faces. Classic Jack-O’-Lantern faces with triangle eyes, a wicked grin and perhaps a couple of missing teeth are always a hit. Get creative - no two pumpkins need to be the same! Drying Time: Give your creations a little time to dry if needed, especially if you've used food-safe paint instead of markers. While waiting, you can prepare other spooky treats for your Halloween party. As mentioned, you can go beyond the classic pumpkin face. Want to get extra creative? Here are a couple of alternative ideas to try: Jack Skellington Oranges: If you're a fan of "The Nightmare Before Christmas," then you can draw Jack Skellington's face on your oranges. The iconic white face with black eyes and a stitched-up smile will be a hit at any Halloween gathering. Ghostly Oranges: Keep it simple by turning your oranges into little edible ghosts. Cover them in a thin layer of white food-safe paint and add some cute ghostly faces. Now that you've created your Jack-O'-Lantern Oranges, it's time to show them off! You can arrange them in a spooky fruit bowl alongside other Halloween treats. These mini pumpkins are not only adorable but also a much healthier option compared to many other sugary snacks during the holiday. Halloween is all about the fun and turning ordinary oranges into Jack-O'-Lantern is a creative way to celebrate the season. Whether you're hosting a Halloween party, looking for a fun family activity or just want a unique and healthy treat, Jack-O?-Lantern Oranges are sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces. So, grab your edible markers, let your imagination run wild and enjoy a spooktacular Halloween!

Simple vegan sausage rolls: crafted with vegan sausages, puff pastry and baked to absolute perfection. A delightful recipe for kid-friendly baking adventures! Add edible eyes for that extra spooky Halloween vibe. Discover the straightforward process to whip up these effortless Halloween sausages with just four simple steps. Every Halloween, we engage in a delightful tradition of creating Halloween-themed treats with kids for their parties. The sausage mummies consistently emerge as the top choice for the little ones. In particular, these incredibly simple sausage rolls demand just 10 minutes of prep time and rely on two key ingredients, along with the edible eyes: Sausages and Puff Pastry!  

Our delightful vegan pumpkin soup recipe offers a cosy solution for those cool autumn nights. A spookily delicious concoction, our simple vegan pumpkin soup is a delightful treat suitable for the entire family. Whether you're celebrating Halloween or simply seeking a nutritious and comforting lunch, our scrumptious pumpkin soup recipe is the answer you've been searching for. Curious about preparing pumpkin soup? Our pumpkin soup recipe offers simplicity and remarkable adaptability. To discover your ideal pumpkin soup flavour, experiment with various toppings like coriander, chilli flakes or toasted pumpkin seeds. Moreover, if you're craving a heartier accompaniment, savour your Halloween pumpkin soup with a side of crusty bread ? one or two slices will do.  

Our adorable Rice Krispie Pumpkins take 15 minutes to make and require no baking! Kids will love helping to make these no-bake treats and they are an excellent activity if you're hosting a spooky party. Alternatively, you can have the mallow pumpkins made ahead and let little ones decorate faces onto them with some writing icing pens or even some edible eyes.  

As the leaves begin to change and a chill creeps into the air, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a Pumpkin Spice Latte to signal the arrival of fall. This beloved seasonal drink has become an iconic symbol of autumn, and it's a favourite for many as they embrace the cosy vibes of the season. Rather than enduring long queues at Starbucks, try whipping up this delightful Starbucks-inspired pumpkin spice latte replica. Plus, you can prepare it in dairy-free or paleo variations.  

In search of pumpkin-infused breakfast ideas? Give this delectable Autumn-inspired Roasted Pumpkin Toast a try, adorned with luscious cream cheese, crunchy toasted pecans and drizzled with maple syrup. This breakfast gem not only dazzles the taste buds but also showcases the finest seasonal ingredients, making it a must-try for the fall season. The Roasted Pumpkin on Toast recipe is a simple yet delightful way to infuse your autumn breakfast or brunch spread with vibrant autumn hues.  

When it comes to embracing a healthy lifestyle, few things can compare to the delicious simplicity of a homemade smoothie. With an array of flavours and ingredients at our disposal, the possibilities are endless. Today, let's dive into a vibrant and nutrient-packed concoction that's sure to become your new favourite: the Banana, Berry & Beet Smoothie. The Benefits This vibrant blend is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a nutritional powerhouse.Here's what you can look forward to: Antioxidants Galore: Berries and beets are loaded with antioxidants that help combat free radicals and reduce inflammation in the body. Heart Health: Beets are renowned for their ability to lower blood pressure and improve heart health, thanks to their nitrates. Digestive Support: The fibre in this smoothie aids digestion and keeps your gut happy. Energy Boost: The natural sugars in the banana provide a quick energy boost without the crash associated with refined sugars. Post-Workout Recovery: The combination of protein from yoghurt and natural sugars from fruit makes this smoothie an excellent choice for post-workout recovery.  

Welcome to our kitchen, where we're about to transform your weeknight dinners with a fantastic one-pot rice cooker fried rice recipe! If you're tired of spending hours in the kitchen after a long day, this recipe is your new best friend. Get ready to enjoy the incredible flavours of stir-fry without the hassle of multiple pans and complicated steps. Let's dive in!  

This crispy pan-fried sesame garlic tofu is going to change your mind about tofu almost instantly! It's a great source of protein and low in fat. It's so tender too and it soaks up all the flavour of the dish. It's a great blank slate and super versatile. Think of it like the vegetarian's chicken.  

How to make the perfect tender, juicy, double cheeseburger with easy burger sauce on a lightly toasted brioche bun? Listen up.We know you know how to make a cheeseburger … but as it turns out, we have some tips you might find useful!  

This classic lemon meringue pie will never fail to impress your guests. With crisp pastry, tart lemon curd and towering fluffy meringue, this is the ultimate dinner party dessert. Lemon Meringue Pie is more than just a dessert; it's a labour of love that brings together the tanginess of lemons, the sweetness of the meringue and the satisfying crunch of a buttery crust. As you embark on your culinary journey to create this delectable treat, remember that practice makes perfect. Each step, from crafting the crust to whipping up the meringue, contributes to the overall masterpiece. So, put on your apron, embrace the art of baking, and savour the delight of a perfectly executed Lemon Meringue Pie. Your taste buds will thank you!  

Camping is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the British countryside. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a first-timer, having the right essentials can make your outdoor experience more enjoyable and comfortable. In this blog, we'll explore the must-have camping essentials to ensure you're well-prepared for your next great British adventure. 1. Durane Gas Burner Cooking over an open fire might sound romantic, but a portable gas burner is a more reliable and convenient option. Look for a compact and easy-to-use gas burner. It will allow you to prepare hot meals and brew a comforting cuppa, no matter where you set up camp. 2. Cookware and Utensils Pack lightweight and durable cookware, such as a pot, pan, whistle kettle and some utensils like a spatula and tongs. Don't forget a mug and plate.  3. Camping Chairs Round foldable chairs are the epitome of convenience. They collapse into a compact size, making them easy to carry and store in your camping gear. Lightweight, compact and easy to set up, these chairs are a camper's dream come true. 4. Ice Chests Keep your camping cool and fresh with reliable ice chests! Designed to withstand rugged adventures, ice chests are the perfect companions for storing food, drinks and snacks.   Conclusion: With the right camping essentials in tow, you're all set for an unforgettable adventure in the stunning British outdoors. Embrace the natural beauty, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the tranquillity that camping offers. Happy camping!

This ultra cosy Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup stars fennel, fire-roasted tomatoes and lentils: it's an easy vegetarian meal that everyone will love! Can you make soup in a Pressure Cooker? Absolutely. This Pressure Cooker Lentil Soup recipe is the perfect intro to pressure cooker soups! It's easy to make and full of nutritious ingredients. Lentils load it with plant-based protein and it's bright red from fire-roasted tomatoes. The star ingredient: fresh fennel, which adds a smoky undertone. This recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, gluten-free and dairy-free.  

Savour a timeless delight with this Strawberry Daiquiri recipe, creating a classic and invigorating drink that you can enjoy at any time of the year. It boasts a delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess, with just the right amount of rum to give it a subtle kick. The best part about Strawberry Daiquiris? They're a breeze to make! A Strawberry daiquiri is a revitalising cocktail crafted from frozen strawberries, lime juice, white rum and sugar. It is occasionally adorned with a succulent strawberry or presented in an ornate glass rimmed with sugar. Strawberry daiquiris epitomise the quintessential summer beverage, yet we relish them throughout the year.  

Your toaster is one of the simpler appliances in the kitchen, but we still find ways to use it incorrectly. Here are some common toaster mistakes to avoid.   1. Toasting back-to-back without adjusting Do you know how you preheat your oven before baking? You can't do that with a toaster, but that doesn't mean the toaster doesn't stay hot once you've toasted the first batch of bread. Take that residual heat into account before you start your next batch of toast or you'll find that bread gets a whole lot crispier in the same amount of time. 2. Never cleaning the crumb tray Most toasters come with a built-in crumb tray, which is a small, removable tray at the bottom of the toaster that's made to catch crumbs. It's great for keeping the toaster clean, but you still have to remember to clean the actual tray itself or it will get loaded over time and cause crumbs to build up at the bottom of your toaster. 3. Never cleaning the toaster … at all You should be giving your toaster a good deep cleaning every few months or so. The crumb tray won't be able to catch every fallen piece from your favourite toast recipes, so get in there with cleaning brushes and microfiber cloths (and please, don't clean it while it's still plugged in). 4. Sticking silverware in your toaster Don't worry, we've all been there! Whether you're nudging your toast out with a knife or digging out that large crumb with a fork, it's tempting to stick silverware in your toaster. But please - don't, and especially keep that knife away while the toaster is still warm or plugged in. Sticking silverware in a toaster allows the electricity in the toaster to flow through the knife and then to your hand, which can lead to shock (and disappointment). Instead, wait for your toaster to cool down completely, then clean it with a brush tool that won't conduct electricity. 5. Making gooey stuff (like grilled cheese) It doesn't get better than a fresh grilled cheese, just make sure you're using the right kitchen tools. Hint: It's not your toaster. It's possible to make gooey dishes in your toaster, but that leads to sticky messes and fire hazards, especially once foods start dripping and melting on the toaster's wires. 6. Using the toaster on its side Can you turn your toaster on its side and still use it? Yes. Should you? No. Much like how you should leave grilled cheeses out of your toaster, you should avoid making any sandwiches that require turning your toaster. Toasters are not meant to be turned, so when you do this, you change how the appliances heat and cook, leading to unevenly browned sandwiches and heightened fire risks. 7. Shoving too much food in If you've got thick bagels or large slices of bread to toast, it's best to shave them down until they're slim enough to fit. If you shove them in your toaster, you'll end up with extra crumbs and poor heating. The toaster's wires become completely eclipsed when you shove too much food in, which means the side touching the wires will burn, while the rest of your toast stays cool. 8. Never adjusting the settings Some toasters have three settings and others have thirty. Whether you've got a simple toaster or a complex one, ignoring these settings altogether is one of the greatest toaster mistakes you can make. Toaster settings are made to help you get the most out of your appliance - you should absolutely play with them to find your perfect bread setting, but be sure to adjust your settings depending on what you're making. 9. Unplugging your toaster improperly As with any appliance, you should never grab its cord and yank it from the wall. This could lead to stripped cords and electrical mishaps - and a broken toaster. Play it safe and always grab the cord by its wall base. And always unplug your toaster after using it! 10. Loading your toaster wrong There's nothing better than a toasted bagel. And there's nothing sadder than a bagel that's been toasted wrong. Make the most of your toaster's bagel settings by loading the bagel slices facing inward - the wires get hottest in the middle, so the insides of your bagel will get deliciously browned while the outsides stay chewy. 11. Using the wrong toaster for your needs If you find yourself toasting more than two slices of bread at a time, it may be time to invest in a four-slice toaster that can handle more bread per cycle. Investing in the right toaster can save you time in the long run, especially if you find yourself frequently frustrated with your standard toaster. If you're a bagel aficionado, check out a toaster with robust bagel settings. FYI: It's also possible to make toast without a toaster. 12. Toasting when you should be grilling At the end of the day, the biggest toaster mistake you could be making is… using a toaster. Some dishes are best made with other appliances with toasting abilities. Garlic bread, for example, should be left in the oven. Grilled cheese should be made with a skillet, while bagel sandwiches are really better in a toaster oven. Examine what you're really toasting each day, and pick up the appliance best suited to your tastes.

One of the greatest appeals of hard flooring is how easy it is to clean. Floors made of materials like tile, wood, and concrete make you feel like you can just wipe and go. Sometimes, though, you may encounter more stubborn spots or delicate materials that merit a little extra attention. Before you get started, make sure you know what your floor is made of and research what you can and can't clean it with. Don't use abrasive brushes on soft materials like cork, too much water on wood floors or too much vinegar on sensitive materials like marble and granite. You'll also want to do a spot test somewhere inconspicuous to make sure your new cleaner doesn't damage or discolour the floor. We also encourage you to sweep or vacuum (if compatible with your flooring) before using a liquid cleaner to make sure any solid debris is picked up and well out of the way rather than left to disintegrate into a pile of soggy mush. We recommend mopping floors in high-traffic areas like your kitchen once a week, while those with less activity (or less grime potential) can get a swab every other week or once a month depending on the neatness of your household. We scanned through some of our favourite sites to find these tips for cleaning your floors naturally. Just a few simple household ingredients are all it takes to clean your floors naturally. Here are some of the most effective DIY options. Water + Vinegar The classic household hero, white vinegar, strikes again. One common ratio is half a cup of white vinegar per gallon of water, though other sources recommend equal parts of each - the decision will hinge on how your specific floor material handles the acid in vinegar. Just dump the two in a bucket, adding a few drops of a colourless essential oil for scent if you so choose, then happily mop away. Water + Vinegar + Vegetable Oil If you're working with a wood floor, try adding half a cup of white vinegar and one teaspoon of vegetable oil to a cup of water. Mix the components together and rub them on the floor with a cleaning rag, either covering the whole surface or just going for the occasional spot. You'll want to go over it again with a different, clean rag to avoid leaving any household-sabotaging slippery spots. You can also create the mixture in a spray bottle for more specific spot-cleaning potential. Water + Vinegar + Dish Soap + Rubbing Alcohol Its individual ingredients' properties allow it to work on a variety of flooring materials. Rubbing alcohol, for example, helps speed up evaporation time to avoid floor streaks and also helps both disinfect and degrease the floors, while dish soap will dissolve the bond between the dirt and floor while it degreases and cleans. You specifically want a simple, straightforward dish soap for this mixture; avoid additions like moisturisers or antibacterial ingredients. Their ratio of two cups of warm water, half a cup of vinegar, a quarter cup of isopropyl alcohol and just an eighth teaspoon of liquid dish soap also cuts the acidity of the vinegar so that it won't damage sensitive floors. Water + Vinegar + Washing Soda Washing soda is also a popular additive to floor solutions. Though it's primarily used for laundry (as you may have guessed from the name), its grease- and stain-fighting abilities mean it's easily adapted for general floor use. A mixture of 4.5L of hot water, two tablespoons of white vinegar, two tablespoons of washing soda and one and a half teaspoons of liquid dish soap (see our notes on liquid dish soap above). Make sure the water is hot since high temperatures are necessary for the washing soda to properly dissolve. This one is best mixed in a bucket and used for mopping. Water + Vinegar + Olive Oil Another wood floor tip: Adding olive oil to a wood-floor-cleaning mix helps shine up your floors even after the mixture dries. Add three-quarters of a cup of olive oil and half a cup of lemon juice to a gallon of hot water, mix them together and apply to the floors with a well-wrung-out mop. Water + Vinegar + Baking Soda We return once more to the land of science fair volcanoes, but this time on your tile floor. While you can use a baking soda and vinegar combo as a general floor cleaner, they may be even more useful as a grout cleaner for your pesky tile-line grime. You don't need to do this regularly, but it's an excellent refresher every few months. Combine equal parts baking soda and warm water to form a thick paste. Spread this paste on your grout, then take a spray bottle of vinegar and spray it over the paste-covered areas. Let the vinegar sit for about 15 minutes to get all the benefits of that fun fizzing reaction, then use a brush (an old toothbrush will suffice) to scrub. Rinse with warm water once you're finished.

This Spanish Seafood Paella is a traditional rice dish filled with shrimp, shellfish, smoked sausage and colourful veggies. Best of all, this incredible meal is super easy to make at home! Comforting, healthy and full of flavour, paella might just be the ultimate seafood dish. Originating in Valencia, Spain, it's a very old peasant dish that can be made in many different ways depending on the meats and veggies that are in season. But, no matter how you make it, paella almost always features fragrant saffron and tender, short-grain rice cooked to perfection with plenty of spices and seasonings. If you feel a little intimidated by making paella, don't be! This dish is pretty simple to make and comes together all in one pan. But before we begin, let us warn you - you might just be blown away by the absolute deliciousness of this recipe! Let's dive in - quick before our mouth starts watering again.  

This is an easy ravioli dish with cooked asparagus and walnuts tossed in a light and flavourful butter lemon sauce. A quick and delicious dinner that only takes 15 minutes to make. Fresh store-bought ravioli with asparagus in simple butter and lemon sauce. A little bit of grated parmesan cheese, minced parsley and crunchy walnuts are added at the end - just give it a toss and you're ready to eat.  

No juicer is needed to make this gorgeous fuschia red juice! All you need is a blender, a nut milk bag (cheesecloth or kitchen towel) and fresh produce! This Blender Beet Juice is made with beets, strawberries, carrots, green apples, clementine, lemon and ginger for a healthy homemade juice the whole family will enjoy with no added sugar! If you haven't used your blender in a while, go ahead and dust it off and give this homemade juice a try! For the savoury side, we have added beets and carrots. And for the sweet side, we choose green apples, strawberries and clementine. For a little spice and tang, we added some lemon juice and a small piece of fresh ginger. When blended all together, it's totally fabulous!  

One of the most delicious weeks of the year - British Pie Week - falls in the first week of March. Pies have been in existence since about 2000 B.C. and have been loved by the British since the 12th century. It's the perfect opportunity to indulge in your favourite pie without worrying about the cost or the calories. Pick up your fork and dig in. A British classic, our best shepherd's pie recipe has a rich lamb or beef filling and fluffy potato topping that the whole family will love.  

Veggie Month is celebrated in March in the U.K. every year. No, this is not a time to start judging yourself for eating more meat than you eat plants. This is a time to appreciate vegetables and the wonders they do to promote healthy living. Vegetables have a variety of health benefits ranging from helping to maintain a healthy weight to the prevention of heart diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. They also help prevent cancers. What veggies do for your skin cannot go without mentioning. They are a must in every person's diet! Add this creamy, comforting, flavourful vegetable risotto to your kitchen repertoire - it's the perfect way to use up all those leftovers hanging out in your fridge for a romantic dish to serve. In this version, savoury mushrooms, bright bell peppers, and sweet green peas pair together extremely well - but feel free to use whatever vegetables are available and in season. Made in 30 minutes or less, you can easily throw it together for a quick weeknight dinner or last-minute side dish. For an even more well-rounded meal, serve your risotto with some extra plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh or chickpeas. While not exactly a traditional recipe (no butter or parmesan cheese here), this plant-based version of risotto contains zero cholesterol or saturated fats. Plus, it's loaded with vegetables that are high in vitamins and minerals essential to a healthy diet!  

Get yourself a mouth-watering stack toward heaven because yesterday was National Pancake Day! We have some fun facts and a delicious buttermilk pancake recipe just for you. The full ranking of the most popular types of pancakes:#1: Buttermilk (33%) #2: Blueberry (19%) #3: Chocolate chip (18%) #4: Original/plain (15%) #5: Banana (8%) #6: Cinnamon (5%) #7: Wheat (2%) #8: Whole oat (1%) Full ranking of the most popular pancake toppings:#1: Maple syrup (62%) #2: Butter (10%) #3: Fresh fruit (8%) #4: Fruit sauce (4%) #5: Peanut butter (4%) #6: Nutella (4%) #7: Chocolate syrup (3%) #8: Honey (2%) #9: Jelly/jam (2%) #10: Apple butter (2%) Buttermilk is a key ingredient in this recipe for light fluffy pancakes. We like to serve these warm with a little butter and fresh strawberries but you could choose lemon and sugar or simply drizzle them with maple syrup.  

Valentine's Day is around the corner and we have the best recipe for you. With layers of vanilla cake, Earl Grey custard and raspberry jelly, this ultra-kitsch heart cake is the perfect Valentine's Day treat!  

This vegan mac and cheese recipe is incredibly creamy and remarkably cheese-like! You won't believe how delicious dairy-free mac and cheese can be. Nutritional yeast is key, in addition to the grated potato. It offers some cheesy flavour and colour. Vegans, dairy-free friends and cheese lovers who crave a more redeeming mac and cheese recipe, this recipe is for you.  

If you're looking for the BEST Chocolate Cake recipe, look no further … THIS IS IT! Rich in chocolate flavour with a tender-moist crumb and fluffy with the perfect amount of sweetness. This is what chocolate dreams are made of! That's 4 times the chocolate.Chocolate cake. Chocolate buttercream. Chocolate ganache. Chocolate shards. This chocolate chocolate cake is perfect for pairing with a glass of milk. Pairing it with a glass of chocolate milk might be too much. We draw the line there.  

Say hello to National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week! It is National Fresh Squeezed Juice Week, and what is better than making a different juice and enjoying one each day? Pick your favourite fruits and start squeezing. Juice is one of the tastiest treats, filled with vitamins and minerals. Feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to go with this vibrant juice recipe, made with just three ingredients.  

One of the yummiest days, National Curried Chicken Day or National Chicken Curry Day, is on January 12. This fantastic dish has been filling our bellies in the Western world since the 1800s and has existed long before then. We have India to thank for providing us with this delicious recipe, which has since spread worldwide, reaching the United Kingdom, America, and the Caribbean. When you are unsure what to make for dinner, creamy Coconut Curry Chicken always comes through. It's fast, flavourful and healthy! Coconut Chicken Curry is packed with delicious flavours and is an easy one-pot meal. This curry can be made in 30 minutes or less, making it the perfect weeknight dinner!  

Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed - whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East, an Arab trade-route delicacy, or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century, we can all agree that a cold night with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is a balm for the soul. So, join us on January 4th as we celebrate National Spaghetti Day with this amazing and easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe! Make this traditional and hearty Spaghetti Bolognese from scratch! This simple homemade pasta meal has rich and flavourful meat sauce made with a secret ingredient! It will become your family's favourite Sunday dinner recipe!  

It's time to honour the humble chestnut on Roast Chestnuts Day, December 14. As it's the season to be jolly, Roast Chestnuts Day comes at a perfect time for the holiday season. Roasted chestnuts often fill the air with their earthy scent as they're cooked by street vendors during December. Not only this, but the delicious snack keeps the cold away for those in the northern hemisphere. While the day is a relatively new celebration, the tradition of roasting chestnuts has been around for a long time. When they are roasted, the natural sweetness of the nut is revealed, delighting our taste buds! Not everyone has the ability to make a bonfire and roast the chestnuts on an open fire. This is why we have decided to create the perfect recipe that you can make in your own home in the oven. Perfect, isn't it? Make a batch of roast chestnuts for a festive Christmas treat to share with guests. Try our easy method and make the most of these seasonal bites.  

It's getting closer to the time to prepare for this holiday associated with so many traditions. One of those traditions is the baking of gingerbread. What child hasn?t dreamed of baking, building and decorating an entire gingerbread house, that could then be inhabited by a colourful little gingerbread family? Gingerbread Decorating Day is here to help all kids, from ages 1 to 92, get as much fun out of the season as possible! Gingerbread Decorating Day has been created so that we all have the perfect opportunity to practice the fun festive past-time of decorating a gingerbread house. Of course, you don't have to create a gingerbread house on this date. You may want to make gingerbread in the shape of Santa or a reindeer and decorate these instead. The choice is yours! Needless to say, the best way to celebrate Gingerbread Decorating Day is to make your very own gingerbread cookies and then proceed to decorate them. This allows lots of room for creativity and can be fun for the whole family! It can be the most fun when each member of the family makes, bakes and decorates his or her own gingerbread man. Gingerbread can be decorated with many different things, from simple icing made from just water and icing sugar to more creative icing, like lemon or buttercream icing. Gingerbread men can also be made into cookie sandwiches, with delectable fillings made with vanilla or lemon cream, orange buttercream, or even ice cream! If you're feeling particularly ambitious and confident, you could decide to make a gingerbread house. Gingerbread houses really allow for a lot of creativity, as they can be decorated with virtually anything that strikes your fancy, like gumdrops, candy canes, or peppermints, to name but a few. You could even host a gingerbread house competition among your loved ones. After all, there is nothing wrong with a bit of friendly competition, is there? You can set up a station with gingerbread house pieces, lots of colourful candy, frosting, and much more. It is a fun way to get all of the people you love together and really get that festive feeling. What you can use for decoration:1. Icing 2. Sprinkles 3. Sweets 4. Dr. Oetker Coloured Gel

This healthy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is made from scratch with the most savoury, hearty and simple ingredients! Carrots, celery, tender chicken, egg noodles, fragrant fresh herbs and rich chicken broth are tasty and add so much flavour to this easy noodle soup. Homemade chicken noodle soup with egg noodles is incredibly easy to make and is a super flavourful soup loaded with delicious chicken, veggies, herbs and parmesan. The incredible flavours are even better by using homemade chicken broth which is always better than store-bought broth and soups. This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is versatile and, in a pinch, you can use a good quality storebought, low-sodium broth. One-pot chicken soup with pasta noodles is any day great for dinners at home, light meals with salads, savoury bread or even quick lunches. The leftovers of this soup are incredible with flavour the next day and so easy to reheat.  

Add a touch of sophistication to your kitchen with the new member of the K-Mojo family, the K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender & Grinder! K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender & Grinder allows you to create refreshing slushes, crushed ice cocktails, indulgent milkshakes, vitamin-packed smoothies, hearty soups, sauces and more. K-Mojo BlueSteel can help you create a healthy and filling meal in minutes without resorting to unhealthy fast-food options. All you need is K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender, some essential ingredients and a little bit of creativity. If you are a parent, you know that it can be challenging to get kids to eat healthy foods, significantly when growing up. K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender is the perfect solution if you want them to get the proper nutrition that their bodies require without resorting to store-bought snacks and other processed, unhealthy items. For your kids to eat healthier snacks such as fruit smoothies, milkshakes or custard, which can be made using a blender, you will need K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender. These healthy snacks will help your kids get the nutrition they need and be great for their overall growth and development. Everyone loves a good bowl of piping hot soup, but sometimes the chunks or bits of vegetables in the soup can be a bit off-putting. Using K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender is among the ways to prepare foods to get the most ingredients. So, get yourself a K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender & Grinder if you want to create perfectly blended soups every time without having to spend hours stirring them on the stovetop. If you are trying to eat healthier by making your butter or other spreads at home, having K-Mojo BlueSteel Blender will help immensely. K-Mojo BlueSteel will mix the ingredients smoothly and evenly, ensuring a consistent final product. This will help prevent the butter or spread from becoming lumpy and uneven. K-Mojo BlueSteel Grinder can help grind spices into a fine powder and even easily turn them into a paste. It is an excellent addition to your kitchen arsenal if you enjoy cooking spicy dishes and want to make the process a little bit easier on yourself. You can also grind your favourite coffee beans for your morning breakfast cuppa with K-Mojo BlueSteel Grinder. K-Mojo BlueSteel is a high-tech blender & grinder manufactured with premium stainless steel, with a generous 1.5L capacity that will allow you to blend large amounts of fruits, vegetables and much more. Whip up soups, purees and batter mix quicker than ever before! Its powerful 1200W motor will make all blending tasks quick and efficient. For jobs that require a finer processed product, the grinder mill attachment with approximately 100g capacity, will ensure to get satisfying results, time and time again. K-Mojo BlueSteel is provided with full safety interlocks and anti-slip rubber suction feet that give the appliance stability and security, making it perfect for any busy kitchen. With variable speed and pulse settings, as well as smoothie and ice crush options, this modern blender and grinder perform at a professional level and will give you excellent results every time. Easy to clean with dishwasher-safe removable parts, K-Mojo BlueSteel is the perfect addition to your kitchen and will make your life healthier! Features- High-quality stainless steel blades - Powerful 1200W motor - 4 programs - Brushed stainless steel body - Equipped with safety micro-locks - Blue LED indicator light - 1.5m mains cable - 1.5L jug made of thick glass with ergonomic handle and pouring spout - Measuring scale - Airtight lid with silicone seal, large opening and lid tab for easy removal - 50ml lid cap - Grinding mill attachment with large 240ml capacity, see-through lid, made of BPA-free plastic - Air-tight silicone seal grinding mill base with safety lock system   Want to know more?For more about K-Mojo BlueSteel click here. Contact our sales representatives:01992 716 070sales@sqprofessional.comto find out more about our prices.

What comes to mind when you hear “baklava”? Greek festivals, sweet pastry, honey and nuts? This Mediterranean confection has been enjoyed for centuries. Tomorrow, November 17., we celebrate National Baklava Day. Baklava is the perfect make-ahead dessert because it is even better the next day! Our baklava recipe combines layers of honey-soaked crisp phyllo pastry and a cinnamon-scented nut mixture with pistachios, walnuts and hazelnuts. It is all you want in a dessert.  

November is National Roasting Month, which means that we have the perfect excuse to throw a roast party every day. Buckle up because we have the perfect and the best roast beef dinner recipe you have seen. It can take a little planning to ensure everything is on the table simultaneously, but nothing can beat a home-cooked roast beef dinner! One of the tricky things about cooking roast beef, Yorkshires, roast potatoes and cauliflower cheese, is that they all need the oven - and some of those at different temperatures! But we are going to give the beef a long resting time (don't worry - it will stay warm and the extra resting times means that it will be lovely and juicy), so the roasties and Yorkshires have enough time to get crispy and the cauliflower cheese has the time to turn golden and bubbly.  

Spooky season is here! Halloween is definitely the time to go all in on your baking and sweets. This year we have decided to do a fun group of spooky/cute cupcakes. The goal is to have a wow factor which is not overly complicated or time-consuming. These adorable Halloween cupcakes are easy to make and are a great spooky addition to your Halloween treat table. We have included a delicious chocolate cupcake recipe, but you can use any cupcake recipe or even boxed mix that you like. All of these cupcakes are pretty kid-friendly so if you're looking for an easy holiday project this just might be it! Also, they taste delicious! They will be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.  

Want a deliciously spooky Halloween pasta recipe? This linguine is coated in a delicious beetroot, cumin and garlic sauce, which dyes the pasta bright red, then dressed with walnut "brains" and mozzarella-olive eyeballs. In researching and testing different methods to dye the pasta naturally red, beetroot was the obvious choice. From there, there are three options:1. Make the pasta dough from scratch, introducing beetroot with the eggs so that the dough is dyed.2. Boil the beetroot with the pasta in order to release its pigment into the water to be absorbed by the spaghetti, or3. Make a sauce by sweating grated beetroot to release the pigment and flavour, which can then be folded through the spaghetti. Making a beetroot sauce (option 3!) was the clear winner as not only is it the least messy, but it is also the best in terms of retaining nutrients, fibre, pigment and flavour. So, it is a beetroot sauce we will use in this recipe and the results are incredible!  

National Curry Week is celebrated every year in October. This year, it is held from October 10 to 16. It is a week that is observed nationally for three main reasons and these are as follows: It is used to celebrate the rising Indian restaurant industry, honour the country's favourite cuisine and help to raise money for poverty-focused charities. The holiday brings light to the spicy Indian dish, a stew with ginger, garlic and turmeric as its primary ingredients. It was founded by a journalist named Peter Grove who fell in love with the delicious dish and decided to have fun promoting it while bringing attention to Indian culinary arts. Did you know?It is estimated that an average Britain will spend about £30,000 on curry in their lifetime. Shocking, right? This coconut chicken curry is a 30-minute dream dinner. This dish is a rich tomato and onion base with creamy coconut milk and tender chunks of chicken. This recipe is easy, packed with flavour and so comforting that you will probably make it every week. Like we said ... easy!  

National Noodle Day is today and we are getting ready to celebrate it by doing the best thing possible with noodles … eating them! Can you believe that noodles have been around for over 4,000 years? Noodles are popular all over the world and range in shape from flat, to round, to twisted, to sheets, to tubes and many more. They can be made from rice, buckwheat, wheat, with or without eggs and even now, from zucchini. To celebrate this perfect national noodle day, we have prepared a TREAT for you. These spicy garlic wok noodles are UN-REAL. Seriously. It's super quick and you will have it on the table in less than 40 mins from start to finish! It is loaded with veggies and is an ultra-flexible recipe. Change up the veggies based on what you have in the fridge - green beans, cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, or bean sprouts - they all work great!  

If you want a quick and delicious meal, look no further than a one-pot rice cooker meal. Super easy and incredibly tasty one-pot rice cooker meal that you can prepare with the best Blitz rice cooker 3.6L. It is a great way to pack in those vegetables and protein in your diet and also use up any produce that you have left. You are free to use any vegetables or protein, making it your own perfect one-pot rice cooker meal. You will be surprised at how easy it is to make and it is all thanks to the handy rice cooker.  

It is really hard to beat a steaming bowl of spicy, smoky chilli con carne. This amazing chilli con carne recipe has to be one of the best dishes to serve your friends for a casual get-together. This dish is simple to make and can be tailored to your taste. You can add as much or as little spice as you like and substitute ground beef for pork, chicken, or turkey. It also freezes well so, is perfect for batch-cook. Chilli con carne, meaning "chilli with meat", is a spicy stew containing chilli peppers, meat, tomatoes, kidney beans and spices. The dish originated in northern Mexico or southern Texas. So what are you waiting for, start cooking now!  

These energy bites are no-bake, super easy to make and take less than 10 minutes to put together. They are loaded with protein, fibre and healthy fats to keep you full and loaded with energy throughout the day. The best thing about this energy bites recipe is that they are super versatile. If you do not have some of the ingredients, you can always experiment and add something else. You can add shredded coconut, cranberries or cocoa powder. Oatmeal Peanut Butter Energy Bars are the perfect on-the-go snack to give you energy throughout the day. These energy bars quickly and easily come together in the food processor with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, chia seeds, dried fruit, peanut butter, and honey!  

Is there any sandwich that fills the soul like a Cuban sandwich? Probably not. While most people will enjoy the tasty treat on a semi-frequent basis, National Cuban Sandwich Day is the perfect time for hungry participants to show the humble, yet heroic creation the love and attention it deserves - and there are a lot of reasons to love it. The Cuban sandwich is truly one of those magical foods that can be enjoyed by anyone (dietary needs aside) at any time. Whether it is a budget-friendly lunchtime meal for labourers or an evening treat for a business owner, there is never a bad time to enjoy the sandwich. However, there is the best time to appreciate it and that is National Cuban Sandwich Day. If you are a pork lover, no sandwich can compete with the almighty Cubano sandwich. Roast pork layered with ham (yes, that is two kinds of pig), Swiss cheese, pickles and yellow mustard make for an addictive combo on its own, but when you heat it up, it becomes a pressed sandwich like no other. The sweet ham and crusty bread become addictive when smothered with tangy mustard and loaded with pickles. If you are planning to have just one half, you may want to reconsider, because once you start, you won't be able to stop.  

This Saturday, the 13th of August, we celebrate National Filet Mignon Day! This is an occasion that celebrates the creation of the delicious filet mignon. This is because the meat of a filet mignon just melts in the mouth and is a pure definition of decadence and magnificence in the world of cooking. Filet mignon is a tender and expensive cut of beef. It is considered the king of steaks because of its melt-in-your-mouth texture. Although this beef cut can be quite costly when dining out, it is much less expensive to make at home, especially if you purchase a whole tenderloin. It is not a surprise that the dish is so delicious and one of the top favourites in every home or restaurant. As part of the celebration, we have prepared a delicious and flavoursome Filet Mignon with Mustard and Mushrooms recipe just for you. Celebrate in style and Bon appétit!  

Are you deciding whether you need to add a blender to your kitchen arsenal? Don't know how to use this appliance or what for? Don't worry, we got you covered. We are going to tell you everything you need to know about a blender and how to maximize its culinary potential. With a variety of blade types, settings, sizes and other features, blenders can be intimidating to use. It might be daunting, and you may think it's too complicated for you. In this blog, we'll look at how to get the most out of your blender so that when you unleash its culinary potential, creating meals becomes more fun and exciting. Blenders are multifunctional. You won't believe what a blender is capable of. Be prepared to be surprised. A blender is the top choice for liquidising foods such as smoothies, pancake batter, hot soups and sauces, salad dressings, ice cream, or fruit popsicles. The gravity-fed device and razor-sharp blades produce the smoothest and creamiest results. Sauces, dips, dressings, frozen desserts, vegetable rice, drinks, nut butter, purees, grinding meat, grains, cereals, powdered sugar, batter, and so on can all be made with a blender. Don't worry, we'll explain everything in more detail. Why should you get a blender? You might be thinking, "Why do I need a blender?" It's not often that you see people with blenders in their kitchen. If you are trying to live a healthier lifestyle, but have struggled to make healthy choices in your diet, then it may be time for you to purchase a blender. ⏰ Speed: Did you know that recipes can be turned into super smooth purees in minutes with a blender!🍴 Versatility: A variety of food options can be made with a blender, like: drinks, savoury appetizers, frozen desserts, snacks, sauces, dressing and hot soups can be made in a blender. The newer models have preset programs to take the guesswork out of processing time and parameters.❤️ ️Health: You can also break down whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, and softer meats to create nourishing meals for any mealtime. How to use a blender correctly? Operating your countertop blender is easy. Follow along with this step-by-step guide to learn how to use a blender. 1. First you can start with cutting solid foods into little pieces so it makes blending much easier and faster. 2. Before using the blender always make sure to double-check that the lid is fastened tightly. 3. Remember to start off with the slowest speed setting and build it up as it may be necessary for the dish that you're making. 4. Don't forget to watch out for the blender while using it because the lid can blow off! 5. Also remember to keep a towel on hand to cover the lid when adding liquids, like oil, to a hot puree gradually because steam and splattering could happen. 6. Leave room to expand; no liquid or solids should be in the upper third of the blender jug. 7. If the mixture stops flowing, remove the lip plug and use the tamper to stir or push down the ingredients. 8. If there is an air bubble, pause the process, stir the ingredients with a spatula and then restart the blender. 9. If you need to add liquid to thin a thick mixture and produce a smooth result, remember to add it always gently. 10. If you notice that the cup starts getting extremely warm take breaks in between, and let the blender cool down or unplug it. 11. Remember! To avoid the danger of receiving an electrical shock, never submerge the base in water. Instead, clean it with a smooth sponge or a moist towel. How to layer ingredients correctly? Avoid a stuck blender when making your morning smoothie or refreshing frozen dessert with these tricks. The way the ingredients are layered has a big impact on how the drink, sauce, dip or anything else is processed and its final texture. Fill the jar with your ingredients in this order: 1. Liquids 2. Powders 3. Softer ingredients4. Hard or frozen ingredients 5. Top it off with ice, if using. If a blend is too cold, cavitation can result. This is when an air pocket forms around the blade. Be sure to keep a good balance between ice (or any frozen food) and liquid. These easy steps will help ensure that your blended masterpiece will be as smooth and delicious as possible. What can you prepare with a blender? If you're in the habit of only using your blender to make smoothies in the morning, you're missing out on all the soups, sauces and desserts you can make with this multitasking appliance. Sauces, Dip, and Dressings: Pesto, mayonnaise, hummus, spreads, salsas, vinaigrettes…Frozen Desserts: Ice cream, sherbets, sorbet and fruit-based treats…Vegetable Rice: Low-carb sides like broccoli rice…Beverages: Smoothies, frozen drinks, blended alcohol drinks… Nuts: Homemade nut butter like almond or peanut…Purees: Baby food and hot or cold soups such as gazpacho, black bean soup, curried cauliflower, apple soup…Grinding meat: Only for less fibrous proteins like shrimp or fish. Grains and Cereals: Breadcrumbs, cookie crumbs, oat flour, almond flour.Sugar: Powder sugar made in seconds. Batter: Pancakes and muffins. Things to avoid: Kneading dough, grinding tough meat like beef, making mashed potatoes and extracting juice from vegetables or fruit without the proper setting. The more solid something is, the more it will likely overheat the unit and belong in a food processor or a heavy-duty appliance. How to clean and maintain your blender? If you love smoothies, purees, or juices, your blender probably sees a lot of use. But how much cleaning does it see? If your answer is "not enough," you're not alone. Cleaning a blender is a little more involved than scrubbing a saucepan or tossing something in the dishwasher. A good, thorough cleaning is important to maintaining the appliance. 1. Rinse down with warm water. 2. Fill the container halfway with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap. 3. Secure the lid with the lid plug on the cup. 4. Start and gradually increase the speed to the highest setting. 5. Run the blender and clean for 30 to 60 seconds. 6. Turn the speed down to low, and then stop. 7. Rinse all parts with hot water, drain and allow to completely dry on a towel or dish rack. If needed, use a cleaning brush to scrub under the blades, making sure not to touch the blade with your fingers! Most blender jugs, lids and tampers can be washed in a dishwasher, however, check the instructional manual. Our best-selling blender: Powerful, elegant and modern, the SQ Professional Gems Luminate dual-function blender will beautifully complement any fun and contemporary kitchen. Housing a high-torque 500W pure copper motor, capable of handling tough blending, from crushing ice to making delicious smoothies, the Gems Luminate Blender delivers consistently smooth results fast! Constructed with a stunning heavy brushed steel base, 1.5L glass blender jug and grinder attachment, this vibrant new look is perfect for every trend-setting kitchen. Designed with you in mind, the appliance is easy to clean, with dishwasher-safe removable parts. Comes in 6 stunning colours.

Chicken fingers or tenders have been an all-time favourite for families over the past 20 years. As a quick and easy way to enjoy chicken, chicken tenders can have so many varieties in flavour and quality, that the possibilities are endless. Satisfy your fast-food cravings and celebrate National Chicken Finger Day with us today. We have prepared a finger-licking KFC-style Chicken Tenders recipe, just for you. National Chicken Finger Day was founded by Raising Cane's, a Louisiana-based fast-food chain that produces southern chicken fingers. Throughout the day, people take this time to enjoy the salty, crunchy taste of chicken tenders and fried chicken and enjoy being a part of the Southern tradition.  

Pamper your loved ones with this finger-licking BBQ Chicken. Featuring the perfect seared chicken drumsticks and thighs brushed and spooned over with tangy and sweet BBQ sauce prepared with tomato, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and ketchup. This BBQ chicken will become a hit at your table!  

Grill, fry, roast, bake and steam all in one pan with Nea and Durane Magic Pans, a fantastic alternative to a traditional electric griddle. Its fantastic non-stick surface transfers heat evenly. In today's blog, we would like to share a few useful tips on how to take care of your magic pans that will help you preserve their non-stick coating for longer. 1. Before first use Remove the clip from the hinge at the back of the pan. Separate the pans, check that the gasket is securely fitted then wash both pans with warm soapy water to remove factory dust. 2. Seasoning The non-stick coating of the Magic Pan does not require seasoning however, after a while you may wish to refresh it, especially if using the dishwasher on a regular basis. Ensure the pans are clean and dry. Using a soft paper towel or a brush lightly coat the cooking surface with a little vegetable oil. 3. Cooking To pre-heat, ensure that the magic pan has been moistened using a paper towel with a little bit of vegetable oil. Close the pans and place them in a gas cooker, as Nea and Durane magic pans are suitable for gas hobs only. Always cook on low to medium heat and use silicone, wooden, or plastic utensils to avoid scratching the surface. Do not leave an empty pan on high heat. The heat inside the pan will produce some steam and moisture which will escape from the vent on the back of the pan therefore always use only a small amount of additional liquids or oils. Before flipping the pan open it and drain any excess liquids or oils. Ensure that the pan is securely closed before turning it. 4. Cleaning Always use a soft sponge or non-abrasive dishcloth. Dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel. Do not use steel wool, metal harsh scourers or abrasive detergents to avoid damage to the non-stick coating. To remove stuck-on residue on the collector at the back of the pan and hinges use a small dishwashing brush. 5. Care Never cut food with a knife inside the pan to prevent ruining the non-stick surface. Only use silicone, wooden, or heat-resistant plastic utensils. Immediately after cooking place the pan on a heat-proof surface and let it completely cool down. Never pour cold water on the hot pan to cool it down. Once cool, separate the pans and wash them with warm soapy water. Burnt-on food can be softened by pouring hot water into each pan and leaving it to soak for about an hour. Rinse well and dry immediately before storing. 6. Storage Ensure your Magic pan is clean before storing it. When stacking use pan protectors or paper napkins between pans, to avoid scratching the coating. 7. Caution Take care not to place the handle over the direct heat or naked flame and ensure that it's always turned away from the edge of the stove, safe from the child's reach. To prevent overbalancing, always place the pan centrally on the trivet. 8. Gasket replacement Remove the old gasket and clean the groove in the rim of the pan with a small brush. Dry thoroughly before inserting a new gasket. Never stretch the gasket to prevent it from changing its shape. Do not use the Magic Pan without the correctly fitted gasket.

July the 7th is the celebration of “World Chocolate Day”, an ingredient that was once considered more valuable than gold dust and that today is the delight of adults and kids. To commemorate, we share this summery milkshake prepared with delicious ice cream and chocolate ganache. If you do not have chocolate ganache around, just mix melted chocolate with cream to create your own with your preferred thickness.  

Colourful cookware is having a moment, and gone are the days when traditional kitchen red, black, or navy-blue that-almost-passes-for-black cookware were the only options to choose from. Like other products in the kitchen and home, people love to find cookware that brings some personality to the kitchen, especially since it is a statement-making product that can sit on top of the stovetop or countertop and also make for a great presentation on the dinner table. It can go straight from the burner or oven to the dining table to serve your guests in style. Not only does this eliminate the need to transfer a hot dish from the cookware to a serving bowl, but it will leave the host with half as many dishes afterwards, as well. Colourful cookware makes cooking more enjoyable. Some people love to cook, live to cook and are always ready to whip something up, but some are not those people and therefore need a little motivation if they are going to cook for themselves. Well-designed colourful and fun cookware motivates people to cook more often, especially after Covid lockdowns there are many people that have been cooking much more at home than they used to do. Colour can carry important meaning and can have an important impact on people's affect, cognition, and behaviour. Colour can also affect different people in different ways, but if it brings you joy, why not bring that joy into the kitchen with you? Whether you are someone who already loves colour or someone just toying with the idea of adding a small pop of colour to your décor, implementing colourful cookware is a new way to stretch the traditional kitchen aesthetic.   While we are fans of colourful cookware, we understand that it is not for everyone. That is why SQ Professional also offers neutral tones such as cream with our brand Nea Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc, Nea Marbell Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc and white colour with our brand Caia Die-Cast Stockpot Set 3pc.   For the lovers of traditional colour pallets like black and grey, our brand Nea Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc is available in nera black, Nea Marbell Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc is available in black and grigio neutral grey, Nea Marbell Square Stockpot Set 4pc is available in nera black, Caia Die-Cast Stockpot Set 3pc is available in black, Nessa Granum Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc is available in serizzo grey, Gems Stainless Steel Stockpot Set 3pc and 4pc Set are available in onyx black and traditional quartz colour.   For the adventurous ones, we have one of the most colourful cookware sets on the market including: Nea Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc This induction cookware set has a die-cast aluminium body that distributes heat evenly and preserves energy. The interior is reinforced with a three-layered coating providing abrasion resistance and exceptional non-stick performance. The stock pots come in the following range of sizes and capacities: 20cm (2.1L), 24cm (4.2L), 28cm (6.3L), 30cm (78L 7.8L) and 32cm (9.3L). Nea stockpots are suitable for most hob types, including induction, and can be put in the oven without the lid, up to a maximum temperature of 500°C. This set is available in five colours. Aeris Copper Non Stick Casserole Set 3pc Manufactured from high-quality, durable aluminium these robust pans have a ceramic non-stick coating which reduces the need for excessive fat during cooking and makes them easy to clean and maintain. This casserole pan set is suitable for most hob types including induction. They are oven-safe and can be transferred from hob to oven for additional toasting, browning and cooking. Aeris eco-friendly set has a safe non-stick coating FREE from PFOA, LEAD and CADIUM to protect people's health and the environment. Metallic Die-Cast Stockpot Set 5pc The SQ Professional Metallic Die Cast 5pc Stockpot Sets are finished in elegant metallic colours to bring a unique and stunning look to your hob or dining table. Specially crafted from premium-grade materials, these stock pots not only look incredible but are designed to deliver exceptional, professional-standard, cooking results. The stockpots come in five different sizes and capacities:20cm (2.3L), 24cm (3.8L), 28cm (6.0L), 30cm (7.0L) and 32cm (9.5L). Available in seven beautiful colours to choose from, there is one for every taste. Gems Stainless Steel Stockpot Sets This beautifully crafted, high-quality stainless cookware has been manufactured using materials that will achieve outstanding cooking results, ensuring that no substances or metallic properties are leached into the food and preserving the flavour and quality of the ingredients. Crafted from premium 18/20 aluminium stainless steel, each stock pot is fitted with a durable, transparent tempered glass lid with a steam vent and high-quality riveted handles and knob. The stockpots come in three different sizes and capacities:26cm (7.4L), 28cm (8.9L) and 30cm (11.1L) and are available in five colours.

Celebrate the great tradition of picnicking a British summer staple that pretty much everybody loves. Much cheaper than dining out and a great way to catch up with friends and family outdoors, dining alfresco has never been more exciting. With the best picnicware packed and loaded, you are guaranteed a good time, even if the British weather betrays us. There is no limit to what the perfect picnic must contain, as long as you carry it, let it come! To fully maximise the potential of your picnic you will need to prepare ahead of time. With just a few picnic essentials, you will have what you need to always enjoy your time outside. In today's blog, we are going to mention a selection of our favourite picnic essentials ready to pop straight into your basket for your next picnic. Make sure you do not leave the house without these picnic essentials. Insulated Casseroles Elegantly designed to create the perfect serving dish, attractive to look at and feature-rich, the SQ Professional insulated casseroles are the ideal choice for everyday use, parties, barbeques, and picnics. These thermal casseroles are unknown to some but well known in Asian culture and are forged from high-quality 100% food-grade materials and special P.U insulation to retain heat for up to six hours and keep food cold and chilled to the correct temperature. The superior material used is both hygienic and odourless preserving the quality and flavour of your food. They are easy to transport, hygienic, and odourless, their superior stainless-steel liner retains moisture and flavour, allowing food to taste freshly cooked hours after preparation. SQ Professional's insulated casseroles are available in different materials including stainless steel and plastic, as singles, sets, or lunch boxes, and in colourful and attractive colours. Bottles and travel mugs The SQ Professional's Plastic Sports Bottles are the perfect picnic, long walks, and hike solution. Made from BPA and toxin-free plastic, its wide finger loops have been incorporated into the design, making the drink bottles easy to carry. They are available in attractive colours and eye-catching patterns. To complement our drinkware portfolio, we offer good quality travel mugs from the Durane brand, an ideal accessory for life on the go. Its double-wall vacuum insulation and plastic interior will keep drinks hot. Premium partyware SQ Professional partyware selection includes a wide range of reusable cutlery and single-use items including disposable plates, plastic glasses, and napkins to mention some. Our products are ideal for picnics, garden parties, and much more. Browse the Durane catalogue from pages 89 to 95 and discover more. Our prices are suited to every budget and aesthetic.

For the lovers of Spanish Cuisine, the 16th of June is the celebration of World Tapas Day! To celebrate, we share this classic tapa recipe which is fried bechamel sauce fritters. It can also be made with chicken, spinach, mushrooms, or your favourite veggies. If you are on a Halal diet, you can replace the serrano ham with the Halal version or just prepare it with vegetables.  

The highly anticipated K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer, this Summer's must-have has finally arrived! The K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer is the number one accompaniment for this year's BBQs and parties of any occasion. This eye-catching, easy-to-use digital juicer means that you can also get the family involved too! Children love juice, ice lollies, and jelly, especially in the sunshine. So simple to use everyone can join in and all can be made at ease with the K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer. What makes this even better is that the kids won't even realise that they've had part of their 5 a day. Be assured that anybody enjoying a drink made from the K-Mojo DigiExtract knows that it is fresh, additive-free, and made at home! The K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer is also great for grownups! Quickly and easily you will be able to make drinks to help you detox, health-aiding juices, diet juices, and even vitamin-focused juices to keep your body healthy! This juicer has arrived just in time for the holiday season and will help you get the beach body you want. If it's party time then why not impress your friends by adding a splash of prosecco or gin for an amazing, fresh-tasting, cool cocktail which will make you the talk of all your friends! All so easy, cost-effective, and satisfying to know exactly what's in there. Made to your very own tastes and desires this product is a must-have for any kitchen! Our digital juicer has been created to address your need for an easy-to-use juicer that gives you optimum nutrition of endless combinations of hard and soft fruits and vegetables that you're having a hard time incorporating into your daily diet. It also makes cleaning super easy with its easy-to-clean and stylish design. Health buffs, juice enthusiasts, and even people curious about juicing have all been searching for a perfect digital juicer and it's finally here. Powerful 1000 Motor 1L Jug - 2.4L Removable Container Digital Interface - LCD Display Non-slip feet Extra Large Feeding Chute Stainless Steel Filter Easy to Clean   K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer is the perfect addition to your kitchen and will make your life healthier. For more about K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer click here. To watch a video about K-Mojo DigiExtract Digital Juicer click here.

This delicious summery drink is made with the tropical flavours of coconut milk, coconut water, green lemon, sugar, and ice. There are many versions of this recipe and it can be made watery or like a smoothie just using a blender and ice depending on what your personal preference is! This drink should be consumed immediately, as the lemon will produce a bitter taste if not drunk immediately.  

If you are looking for a tasty BBQ marinade recipe then look no further. This easy-to-make marinade gives a fantastic taste to any meat. This recipe has few ingredients which ensures that it is as simple as blending the ingredients until smooth. This marinade can be used on beef, chicken, pork, lamb, and fish. If you want a more intense flavour then we recommend leaving it marinading overnight.  

On the 27th is National Fish and Chips Day! A day that commemorates this fundamental meal of the working class throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. To celebrate we share this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. This recipe is best using Haddock because it has a slight sweetness that pairs well with the buttery flavour of the batter. If preferred you can also use cod or pollock instead which will also make an amazing meal! We recommend seasoning the fish before cooking as this will help the fish to stay nice and firm meaning the batter will stay crispy.  

For all of the baking enthusiasts, tomorrow is National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day! To celebrate National Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Day, we share this classic favourite "Pineapple upside-down cake". This cake is moist, tangy and easy to make. It features a sweet caramel topping and the tropical flavours of pineapple. It is a great dessert that can be made in advance and can be served with ice cream, custard or a dollop of whipped cream.  

Today is International Hummus Day and we are going to share a classic hummus recipe! This receipt is versatile, creamy and delicious. It is made from a handful of fresh ingredients, including chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin and garlic. This is incredibly easy to make in just a few minutes. It can be used as a dip or spread with different ingredients.  

Coeliac disease is a serious autoimmune condition affecting 1 in 100 people in the UK (coeliac.org.uk). When people with the disease eat gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, spelt, barley, unripe spelt grain, oats (unless certified gluten-free), small spelt, amelcorn, kamut and triticale), their body attacks its own tissues, destroying the delicate linings of their guts and causing painful digestive symptoms as well as malnutrition and serious complications. If left untreated, it can cause gut damage and serious health complications like osteoporosis. The only treatment for this condition is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Even tiny amounts of gluten may cause people with coeliac disease to have symptoms in the short term and gut damage long term. But do you know that even the gluten lurking in your kitchen can keep you sick even if you are eating gluten-free?On this Coeliac's awareness week (9-15th May), we would like to share a few tips about how to make your kitchen gluten-free. Whether you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease, an intolerance to gluten, or if you live with someone suffering from this condition, these tips will help you to avoid accidentally getting gluten in your own home or help your family members to protect their health. Regardless of which choice you make, here are five steps you can take to make your kitchen gluten-free. 1. Keep your gluten-free ingredients separate from other ingredients Keeping your ingredients separate from other ingredients during storage and in preparation will help you avoid cross-contamination. If you are planning to make your entire kitchen gluten-free, bundle up all of your gluten-containing products, including cereals, crackers, cookies, cakes, breads, and anything else that includes wheat, barley or rye and remove them from your kitchen. If you are planning to have a shared kitchen, you should choose a cabinet (ideally, one that is far from your own preferred work area) in which to store gluten-containing products. Keep those products segregated at all times so there's no chance of mixing them up or using them by mistake. 2. Be extra careful with baking supplies Flours and baking mixes need to be stored in separate cabinets. Ensure that you handle packages of flour carefully to make sure you do not allow any of the flour to escape into the air. If you breathe it in and then swallow a tiny bit, you will be surprised at how sick you can get. Airborne gluten can make you ill, and flour also can settle on clean surfaces, which may come in contact with you. 3. Buy a new toaster for gluten-free bread Do not make the mistake of thinking you can designate one side of an existing toaster for gluten-free bread and for that side to remain uncontaminated. Unfortunately, this will not work and is not a suitable option. You will need a new toaster, as it is impossible to clean a used toaster well enough to make it safe for someone who requires gluten-free bread. Heavy-duty, reusable bags are common these days and are good when you are travelling and do not have access to a dedicated gluten-free toaster; but buying a new toaster and making sure your family members know never to use it for gluten-free bread, remains your best long-term option. 4. Replace plastic utensils, non-stick pans, and some kitchen gadgets Many kitchen utensils such as plastic bowls, non-stick pots and pans can scratch easily; these scratches can harbour tiny amounts of gluten, no matter how careful you scrub. Colanders are also one of those kitchen gadgets that are impossible to clean properly due to their tiny holes. So, buying new colanders would be a good idea. You may want to get separate breadboards to keep gluten-free and gluten-containing breads separate. If your kitchen has limited space, it can be safe to use stainless steel pans and or glass bowls for both gluten and gluten-free foods as long as you wash them carefully and thoroughly. 5. Clean your oven to remove gluten residue Many people do not clean the oven regularly, but to finish the job of making your kitchen gluten-free, cleaning your oven properly is a "must do" and you have to make it a priority. If you use the oven to roast meat or cook anything that splatters, the oven walls and racks may have gluten-containing residue on them or if you use your oven to bake or toast bread, it is very likely it has plenty of gluten-containing crumbs on the bottom. Purchasing a self-cleaning oven is a fantastic option, as they clean to a temperature that should destroy the gluten protein. These ovens possess a feature known as "pyrolytic cleaning", which is an automatic cleaning function that works by heating the insides of your oven up to 500 degrees Celsius. This temperature ensures that grease will burn off the sides, and any spills and scraps of dried-on food will be reduced to a pile of ash which can then be swept away. If you do not have a self-clean oven, ensure that you scrub everything thoroughly, especially the racks. Also, make sure that you clean the drawer under the oven, as this frequently has crumbs.

If you are looking to expand your catalogue for your customers, then our brand-new product The Lustro Touch Cookware Set will give your business the cutting edge! The SQ Professional Stainless Steel 6pc Cookware Set combines the beauty of wood together with the durability of stainless steel thus creating a hard-wearing but eye-catching addition to any kitchen. The cookware set is manufactured from 18/8 stainless steel to ensure that it is corrosion-resistant. The base of each pot and pan is constructed from 5 layers of engineered metals to achieve the very best cooking results, including aluminium for optimal heat distribution and a ferrous core for efficient induction cooking and heat retention. The soft-touch handles have the aesthetic qualities of wood, whilst enjoying the practicality and durability of industrial-grade materials. Each stockpot is fitted with a tempered glass lid with a steam vent for more efficient, healthier cooking. The set includes a 1.7L saucepan, a 2.4L sauté pan and four stockpots available in 2.2L, 3.2L, 4L and 5.6L. Lustro Touch cookware set is suitable for most hob types including induction. The set is also dishwasher-safe. SQ Professional cookware set is available in brown and black colour.

For beef lovers, this week is the celebration of British beef and we would like to take this as an opportunity to explore the most common methods of cooking meat. There are various ways to cook meat and methods should be selected based on the initial tenderness of the cuts, desired quality characteristics of the resulting product, available cooking facilities and equipment, and the amount of time available for preparation. In today's blog, we are going to talk about dry heat and moist heat cooking techniques and the differences between them.   Dry heat methods of cooking Are suitable for tender cuts of meat or less tender cuts which have been marinated, resulting in tender and juicy products. One of the most common methods of Dry heat includes: Roasting Roasting Uses the air in the oven or other cooking device to heat the meat. This method of cooking is recommended for larger cuts of beef. Oven temperatures and times durations for roasting can vary significantly depending on the cut. Meat is almost always browned first. Best cuts for roasting: prime rib, sirloin roast, ribeye roast, whole tenderloin roast, chuck roll, rump. Broiling Is a method that uses direct heat to brown the outside without overcooking the inside.  Best cuts for broiling: chuck eye steak, denver steak, ranch steak, flat iron steak, tenderloin steak (filet mignon), strip steak, porterhouse steak, T-bone steak, ground beef, kabobs, tri-tip steak, top sirloin steak, sirloin tip centre steak and ribeye steak. Grilling Is the most popular method to cook what we know of as "steaks". Grilling means cooking over a gas or charcoal grill or other heat sources. Grilling usually involves high heat for a short period of time, with or without a finish, on lower or indirect heat. The best cuts of beef for grilling are: ribeye steak, tenderloin steak, sirloin steak, porterhouse, flank steak, T-bone, rump, prime rib, hangar steak and skirt steak. Pan-broiling Pan-broiling is a faster and more convenient method than oven broiling for cooking thinner steaks or chops. Best cuts for pan-broiling: rib-eye steak, T-bone steak, sirloin, fillet steaks, rump steak, and hanger steak. Pan-frying Pan-frying differs from pan-broiling in that a small amount of fat is added first, or allowed to accumulate during cooking. Panfrying is a method of cooking that is suitable for ground meat, small or thin cuts of meat, thin strips, and pounded, scored or otherwise tenderized cuts that do not require prolonged heating for tenderization. Best cuts for pan-broiling: rib-eye steak, T-bone steak, sirloin, fillet steaks, rump steak, and hanger steak. Stir-Frying Is a Chinese cooking technique in which ingredients are fried in a small amount of very hot oil while being stirred or tossed in a wok over high heat, for five minutes or less. Vegetables emerge crisp and bright, while meats are flavourful, tender, and well-seared. Best cuts of beef for stir-frying: fillet, ribeye, sirloin, T-bone, rump, tenderloin, flank steak and skirt steak.   Moist heat methods of cooking Are suitable for less tender cuts of meat that must be cooked for longer periods of time to soften the connective tissue, helping to reduce surface dying in those cuts requiring prolonged cooking times. Unless a pressure cooker or a stockpot is used, cooking temperature is usually low, but heat penetration is faster than in dry-heat methods because steam and water conduct heat rapidly. With moist-heat cookery, meat may lose some water-soluble nutrients into the cooking liquid. However, if the cooking liquids are consumed, as in stews or soups, nutrients are transferred and not totally lost. Braising Braising uses the steam trapped in the container and is often used for less tender cuts of meat like a roast. The best cuts of beef for braising are: brisket, chuck roast, rump roast, short ribs. Stewing Stewing A staple of the colder months, this cooking technique is very similar to braising, except that stewing submerges the beef completely in liquid, while braising does not. The meat is generally cubed or cut into small pieces prior, and the cooking time can be shorter as a result. Inexpensive cuts are usually the best for stewing. Best cuts for stewing: chuck roast, chuck shoulder, round roast, short ribs and cross-cut shanks.

If left untreated for a long time, limescale builds up inside your kettle and forms a flaky, scaly coating that will not disappear on its own. Limescale is predominantly off-white in colour, but it can also be grey, pink or even reddish-brown. When limescale builds up inside your kettle for a long period of time, the heating element in your kettle starts to become less effective and less energy efficient and boiling water will take longer. The hot drinks start to taste a bit funny, particularly tea, as the minerals found in limescale impact how the flavours in the tea are broken down. When the kettle accumulates limescale, you might find pieces of it floating in your morning cup of tea, or even worst, accidentally crunch into one piece of it. Almost every kettle found on the market will come with some sort of limescale filter in the spout, which is designed to separate the limescale from the water as you pour. Even if it is a brand-new kettle, it will develop a layer of scale at some point. But rather than scrubbing and washing the kettle using chemical cleaning products, you can clean and descale a kettle in a matter of minutes, with little or no effort at all, just using natural ingredients. If you are a fan of natural remedies and chemical cleaning products are not for you, then we have the hack for you. In today's blog, we will teach you how to clean your kettle with natural alternatives, in a matter of minutes.

Preparing pancakes is a fun and creative activity for your children this Easter. Create beautiful Easter bunnies and have fun!  

Easter is the most significant celebration of the year for Christians, setting aside this special time each year to spend time with family and friends. During Easter, one of the most special traditions is decorating and dying eggs, as they are a great way to share the story of Easter with children. Today on our weekly blog, we are going to share a few ideas on how to decorate Easter eggs, which will give your children a fun, creative and colourful experience. PARENTS AND GUARDIANS MUST READ: Egg decorating techniques should be performed by children only under adult supervision. DO NOT allow children to play with ingredients alone to avoid swallowing.   Decoupage eggs Mod Podge or flour and water glue and patterned paper are all you need to create these fashionable eggs: "Tear and paste - that's all there is to it!" Cactus eggs We're suckers for these adorable succulent-inspired eggs. Plant them in tiny terracotta pots and top them with teensy crepe flowers for a more authentic look! Robin's egg Easter eggs This ethereal turquoise looks otherworldly, but the blue dye actually comes from all-natural red cabbage. Spray them with edible gold paint for a pretty speckled effect. Lay the eggs on a few sheets of paper towels. Dip a dry bristle brush or old toothbrush into the paint and run your index finger along the bristles above the eggs. Let the paint dry before splattering the opposite side. Indigo marble Easter eggs The secret to achieving a marbling effect? Swirl food colouring onto shaving cream or whipped cream and dip eggs into the mixture! Just be sure to wear gloves to spare yourself from staining your hands. Place the egg onto a paper towel and let it dry for about 20 minutes. Wipe the remaining cream off with a clean paper towel to reveal your colourful marbled pattern. Natural-dye Easter eggs Turn to your arsenal of roots and vegetables if you're interested in taking a more natural approach to egg dyeing. Turmeric, yellow onion skins, beets, spinach or parsley, red cabbage and blueberries work best to achieve these muted hues. Rubber band Easter eggs Do the twist - with some rubber bands, that is. Before dunking in a vibrant dye, wrap hard-boiled eggs in bands of multiple widths in any and every direction. No two eggs will be the same, so just go with the flow. Melted Crayon eggs Using non-toxic wax crayons, draw on eggs while they're still warm. The wax will melt and eventually harden, creating a vibrant design. Sticker-dyed eggs Put stickers on the eggs before you soak them in food colouring. Once you've taken them out and they're dry, peel the stickers off to get a cute muted colour or white design!

Easter is around the corner and with it the season of baking. Delicious smells, a warm kitchen and homemade bread or chocolate cake to look forward to. Baking is creative fun that kids and grown-ups love to share. And with the right tools, you are all set to mix, bake, decorate and eat. Improving your baking skills will be a piece of cake with Durane collection of bakeware and ovenware. Our bakeware range has been designed to deliver the highest quality items that will allow you to create a wide variety of cakes, muffins, cobblers, pies, loaves, and many other delicious sweet our savoury treats in the kitchen, so you can get the perfect result every time.Our super versatile trays, tins and sheets in various shapes and sizes can help you prepare for almost any recipe. Durane black and speckled bakeware collection is nonstick for easy release and happy, proud bakers- every time.To complement our range, we also offer a tempered glass range available in a wide mix of sizes and styles to suit whatever you are roasting. Our oven-to-table collection offers great durability and practicality making it easy to use at any temperature and allowing a wide variety of other uses around the kitchen: storing, transporting, serving, re-heating or marinating.Durane nonstick and tempered glass collection is dishwasher safe and can be used in electric and gas ovens.Explore our collection and for more information about bulk purchasing or opening a trade account, contact our sales representatives at sales@sqprofessional.com or 01992 716 070.

Food processors have been created with the aim of saving time and bringing more effectiveness to the preparation of food.With that idea in mind, one of the first food processors called ‘Starmix’, was created in 1946 by the German company, ‘Electrostar’. Ever since, the evolution of this kitchen appliance has made time consuming tasks, simpler and effective. Long gone are the times, when people spend long hours chopping, shredding and mixing.SQ Professional Ltd launched its K-Mojo Digimaster, with full consideration of its customer’s needs and preferences. This versatile multifunction food processor has been designed using the latest innovations in kitchen technology.Our digital food processor’s sleek design comes with a smart one-touch, digital switch panel with smooth touch controls and seven-speed selectors. With a series of ultimate programmes to choose from; smoothing, chopping and crushing, food preparation has never been so easy.K-Mojo Digimaster comes with a 5L mixing bowl, 1.8L blending jug, 100g grinding mill, a powerful 1000W motor, and a range of handy attachments to achieve the finest of mixes.Simple to use and packed with incredible features, our customers can now chop, whisk, emulsify, knead, grate, shred, juice, and slice with a K-Mojo Digimaster food processor. If you are looking to expand your catalogue offer, the K-Mojo DigiMaster food processor will give your business extra value. Contact our sales representatives to find out about bulk purchasing options.

Spring is already here, and with it, the season for juices and smoothies. If you are a big fan of them, this week’s blog is for you. Individual blitz-and-go bullet blenders and traditional blenders for making juices and smoothies are a huge hit in the health world. Now if you are looking for new products with added value to expand your catalogue offer, SQ Professional’s collection of blenders and on-the-go bullet blenders will be the right fit for your business needs.Our blenders come with a “grinding” attachment and they are available in various styles including retro style, metallic finish and traditional styles. They are presented in eye-catching colours, making them an essential addition to any busy kitchen.To complement our blenders range, we also offer a versatile and useful Blitz-on-the-go bullet blender, that comes with two 600ml travel bottles with spill-proof drinking lids. An ideal choice for those who follow an active and healthy lifestyle.Explore our offer below and for more information contact our sales representatives to find out about special discounts for bulk purchasing.   Megablend Megarange Blender & Grinder SQ Professional MEGABLEND Blender & Grinder, blast food quickly and efficiently. A generous 1.5L jug and powerful 600-watt motor with two-speed settings, plus a pulse function, allows the MEGABLEND to make quick work of all your blending needs.Available in three colours: green, red and black. Epoque Blender & Grinder A dual-function blender & grinder, with a combination of retro and modern styles at the same time. Constructed with a stunning crackle-finish heavy steel base, 1.5-litre glass blender jug and grinding mill. This vibrant vintage look is perfect for every trend-setting kitchen.Available in three colours: green, black and pink. Blitz Superblend Blender & Grinder Make quick work for all your blending needs with SUPERBLEND. Whip up soups, purees and batters quicker than ever before. SUPERBLEND is ideal for those tougher jobs, such as coffee and spice grinding that require a finer processed result. The grinding mill attachment powers through the task effortlessly.Available in five colours: green, red, black, blue and purple. Gems Luminate Blender & Grinder Crush ice, make delicious smoothies and blend with the powerful, elegant and modern SQ Professional Luminate dual-function blender. A fantastic choice to complement any fun and contemporary kitchen.Available in six metallic colours: quartz, onyx, ruby, amethyst, axinite and sapphire. Twist Blitz Nutrient Extractor Stylish and sleek, the Twist N Blitz is the ideal choice for those who follow a healthy lifestyle, even on the go! Whether you are blitzing up a protein shake or blending together a 5-a-day smoothie, you can do so with ease. Just push the button, blend and go.Available in four colours: black-silver, black-gold, white-black and white-red.

If you are looking to expand your catalogue offer, today on our weekly blog we are going to talk about African cookware export trends. SQ Professional has been exporting successfully for over a decade to many African countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya among others. Our cookware range is making a mark there, due to its high quality, bright colours and attractive designs.Our best sellers include non-stick die-cast aluminium cookware, which distributes heat evenly, offering exceptional results day in, and day out. SQ cookware sets, come with clear tempered glass lids that enable you to keep an eye on your cooking while retaining succulence, moisture and nutrients in the food.Explore our best sellers for cookware export below and visit our cookware section and discover new products including cookware with copper effect, non-stick sets, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminium and magic pans to mention some.

Retro kitchen appliances are a really popular and stylish statement in the kitchen. People love nostalgia and hark back to those golden years. Designers are picking up on the desire for nostalgic looks, with brands bringing out ranges of kitchen appliances and accessories inspired by retro styling. If you’re looking for trendy, popular products to expand your current catalogue and give exceptional value to your customers, then look no further than the SQ Professional Dainty range. Inspired by 1950’s kitchen appliances, these benefit from modern technology and build quality.SQ Professional Dainty collection of kettles, toasters and blenders & grinders, are in pastel colours, bold designs and lots of 1950s style. Our select range offers a unique retro style perfect for any household that takes pride in décor. To complement our small appliances category, SQ Professional offers a wide selection of kitchenware sets, featuring colours to match any vintage colour pallet perfectly.Our kitchenware sets include bread bins & canisters, mug trees and kitchen roll holders. A beautiful addition to any kitchen.Dainty blender & grinder, toaster and kettles, are available in four colours: Seafoam green, Appleblossom pink, Skyline blue and Chantilly cream. Click here to see all Dainty Collections.

SQ Professional launched the Durane brand in December 2020, offering a balance of quality and price. With resilience, durability and practicality at the heart of every item, the range is the perfect addition to any household. The Durane range covers a variety of essential household functions from kitchenware, drinkware, glassware, food storage, hot pots, dinnerware, partyware, serveware, homecare, storage, personal care and bathroom to outdoor.In its early stages, Durane launched its cookware category incorporating the latest non-stick cookware technologies combined into their strong die-cast aluminium bodies with die-cast stockpots of 5pc sets. With a huge colour selection and completely built with you in mind, this smooth non-stick range offers something for every kitchen.New products have been added to the cookware category including die-cast magic pans, enamel casserole sets, stainless steel stockpot sets, aluminium sets and pressure cookers.Durane’s small appliances category was launched in May 2020 with the introduction of halogen ovens and in July 2020, electric rice cookers joined the family. Ever since, the Durane brand has been growing from strength to strength, offering everything your business needs and adding fantastic value for money.Browse the extensive range of all Durane products and discover new products: https://www.sqprofessional.com/catalogues

This season SQ Professional is introducing new ranges of aluminium cookware and we would like to take this opportunity to explore more about the properties of this exceptional material. Aluminium is an important metal or material with high thermal conductivity, nontoxic, corrosion resistant, non-sparkling, non-magnetic and simple to cast and shape. This is why it is used in the manufacturing of different utensils including, cans, foil, kitchen utensils and cookware. Many kitchen utensils and cookware are made of aluminium, because of how durable and long-lasting it is. Aluminium cookware, in particular, is one of the most popular items in every kitchen due to its qualities and price. It is lighter than other materials like steel, which makes it inexpensive to buy. Aluminium is corrosion resistant, as it possesses a thin natural coating that protects the food, which is essential. It is a really flexible material compared with other metals, allowing it to hold its shape in high and low temperatures. It is a fantastic heat conductor, heats and cools quickly, making it popular among chefs and cooking enthusiasts who need to work fast. Aluminium is easy to clean. The only thing that you need to do is let it cool down which it does very quickly and then you can clean it using soap and water. Now if aluminium cookware is what you are looking for, the SQ Professional Galaxis range is the perfect addition for large and busy kitchens.   Galaxis Octan Karahi 5pc Set A traditional style Karahi set is available in 21cm (3L), 23 (4L), 26cm (5L), 28 (6L) and 31cm (8L). Suitable for gas, electric, ceramic and halogen hobs.  Galaxis Auriga Casserole 3pc Available in 3 sizes: 45cm(35L), 50cm(50L) and 55cm (65L), there is sure to be something to suit a variety of everyday needs in large and busy kitchens. Suitable for gas, electric, ceramic and halogen hobs.

The market has seen an increased demand for induction hobs and cookware in recent years, due to their efficiency and safety. Investing in quality induction-friendly pans is not as expensive as you might think and will deliver great results for years to come. The best induction frying pans are those that come up to temperature fast and react quickly to changes in heat.We have compiled a list of the best SQ Professional frying pans for induction hobs, keeping in mind the various needs of our readers, including non-stick pans, carbon steel pans, non-stick frying pans, ceramic non-stick pans, frying pans with lids and copper frying pans.   Una Non-stick Frying Pan Una’s outstanding non-stick coating allows you to embrace healthy cooking, using little or no oil. Available in five sizes from 20cm to 32 cm. Copper effect non-stick ceramic coating The Aeris copper effect frying pan has a safe and ultra-sleek non-stick ceramic coating, making it a must-have in any kitchen. Oven safe up to 280 ºC and available in three sizes varying from 20cm to 28cm. Non-stick frying pan with lid The Una frying pan offers an outstanding non-stick coating and a clear tempered glass lid that allows you to keep an eye on your food while retaining all of the nutrients, flavour and moisture. The Una frying pans come in six different sizes ranging from 22cm to 32 cm. Nea Marbell Impact Frying Pans The Nea non-stick Marbell surface enables you to cook with considerably less oil or fat. Designed for everyday use, its tasteful speckled marble design will elevate the appearance of any kitchen. Available in three sizes ranging from 20cm to 28cm and 2 colours; red and black. Ultimate Non-stick frying pan The robust construction of the Ultimate Carbon Steel frying pan allows heat to be transferred and distributed evenly and quickly, eliminating hot spots and irregularly cooked food. Designed using the latest advancements in kitchenware, the remarkable non-stick coating allows you to get all the benefits of carbon steel, with less hassle. Available in 24cm.

The SQ Professional Export Sale has been running since 2013 and after the huge success in previous years, we are proud to give you an even bigger sale this year, running between the 11th and 12th of February. Our extensive cookware and kitchenware selection comes from our clear understanding of what our customers need and from our team’s expert knowledge of trends and the seasonality of styles. Furthermore, we are committed to providing an extensive range of expertly designed high-quality products at competitive prices.This year, we are going to showcase brand-new products, our core products and exclusive offers to our registered export customers who visit us every year, from all corners of the world.Our highly specialised sales team promote the belief that you will never be sold something which you can’t sell. We remain committed to providing help and assistance to businesses of all sizes.Do not miss out on our extraordinary deals and we will see you there!

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival began on the 1st of February 2022, marking the start of a new lunar year: The year of the tiger. A symbol of strength and bravery. For all you Chinese food lovers, here’s some advice about the cookware items that are essential in any kitchen. A classic wok The wok is one of the most widely used cooking utensils and the most important one in Chinese cooking. Widely used for a range of Chinese cooking techniques, including stir-frying, steaming, deep frying, poaching, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking and roasting nuts.The wok is a must-have for every Chinese family.Woks are available in different materials including carbon steel, cast iron, non-stick and aluminium; with a long handle or two side handles.The SQ Professional Carbon Steel wok comes with a non-stick coating in 2 sizes, 28cm and 34cm. It is suitable for all hob types including induction.   Woks with a lid, for meals that need a longer cooking time A wok with a lid can be a fuss-free way of ensuring your meal remains warm and covered up, and your kitchen surfaces stay spic and span.A wok with a lid for steaming, boiling and bringing up the temperature for things that need a bit of a longer cooking time.SQ Professional Una non-stick woks with lids, are available in various sizes, from 24cm to 32cm with two side handles or one long handle.   Rice cookers Chinese food relies heavily on the inclusion of rice. Having a good rice cooker will save you time and money in the long run. Rice cookers are a fantastic addition to any busy kitchen with a number of exclusive features.Rice cookers are the most essential of all electronic Chinese cooking tools and can be used for pressure boiling or steaming rice and other things. They are more heat efficient than hob cooking as they are well insulated and maintain steam pressure well.SQ Professional rice cookers come in different sizes, with a 1-touch button and keep warm function that ensures the food is kept warm until it’s ready to be served, for up to 12 hours. Convenient indicator lights allow you to see when your rice is cooking or when is just being kept warm.   Food processor This versatile machine can take over much of the work of a knife or cleaver and do many jobs in seconds that might otherwise be difficult or extremely time-consuming.A full-size processor generally comes with a wide range of attachments and can handle a wide range of tasks. With the steel blade, you can chop, mince, and puree both vegetables and meat and can knead dough. With the slicing disk, you can slice fresh or frozen meat, cube meat and vegetables, and chop a single scallion or a bunch of them. With the shredding disk, you can shred such firm ingredients as potatoes, turnips, and bamboo shoots.The K-Mojo DigiMaster is a versatile appliance with an attachment for every need whether you are chopping, slicing, beating, creaming or even making ice cream.   Steams Another Chinese cooking essential is a steamer, which allows you to make multiple dishes at once by stacking layer upon layer. Often used to steam dumplings and buns.The SQ professional steamer is crafted from premium 18/10 stainless steel, providing excellent cooking results alongside incredible durability. This material does not leach off any of its metallic properties into food. The three-layer system allows for cooking various food simultaneously, or phased steaming when certain items have different times.The Lustro steamer comes with a tempered glass lid with a steam vent, allowing you to keep an eye on your cooking. It is suitable for all types of hobs, including induction.

Chinese New Year “The year of the tiger” is here. What better way to celebrate, than preparing a healthy, delicious and easy to make recipe full of flavours and simple ingredients.This classic dish can also be made as a vegetarian option by substituting the chicken with vegetables of your choice.  

This recipe from the Colombian Pacific Coast was introduced by African descendants who enriched the local cuisine with new ingredients and flavours. The addition of coconut milk and the use of cassava and potato to thicken the soup is also very common in this region.This chowder can be prepared with any type of fresh or frozen fish and seafood. The preparation of a rich broth with fish heads and bones will give it a distinctive and unique flavour.  

This week in our series of Winter Warmer recipes, this classic and simple cake is ideal for a lazy weekend afternoon in front of the TV or fireplace.The traditional recipe includes only apples but the addition of raspberries will add an extra special touch.This cake is best served while it’s still warm and the addition of cream will make it even better.  

Dutch ovens are essentially deep, round or oval pots with lids, that can be used on the hob and/or in the oven. They are incredibly versatile and are best suited for making things like soups, stews and casseroles. You can start the dish on the hob by searing or sauteing the ingredients before moving them into the oven for long, slow cooking.They are also common for baking bread in lieu of a baking tin and for braising and frying as well.The materials they are made from can vary from cast iron, cast aluminium or ceramic. Traditional Dutch ovens have no enamel coating, which means they can be used for outdoor cooking over an open fire as well, but modern versions for home use come with enamel coating. What’s the difference between French ovens, casserole dishes or Dutch ovens? When shopping for Dutch ovens, you’ll probably see some very similar pots with names such as French ovens and casserole dishes, and even though they might look similar, there are some differences between them.Casserole dishes are similar in shape to Dutch ovens, but they are often shallower, which means water evaporates quicker. Some come with lids and some don’t. Casserole dishes tend to be made from a range of different materials including ceramic, enamelled cast iron, glass, aluminium and hard-anodized aluminium.French ovens, on the other hand, are a variation of Dutch ovens made of cast iron but the difference with their counterparts is that they have an enamel coating on the inside and sometimes the outside too. SQ Professional Ceres Dutch Pot Sets Our Dutch Pots are made with a strong aluminium body that allows supreme heat conductivity and distribution, meaning they will heat up quickly and evenly, allowing exceptional cooking results.SQ Pro range of Dutch Pot Sets come in sets of 3pc, 4pc and 5pc in small, medium and large sizes. They can be used on gas, electric, ceramic and halogen hobs and are dishwasher safe.

This week in our series of Winter Warmer specials, we give you the classic French Coq au Vin, a wintry comfort food dish at its best. It embodies the true spirit of French cuisine- a delicious rustic dish that can be prepared in advance and gathers everyone around the table to enjoy hearty food and a good glass of wine.  

Welcome to 2022 with our SQ Professional winter warmer specials from January to March. Follow us every week for a series of new recipes.This week’s recipe is Beef Stroganoff. This classic 19th-century Russian dish is made of sautéed pieces of beef served in a creamy sauce of soured cream and mushrooms.It has gained popularity around the world and many variations of this dish with ground meat, chicken or other meats and different mushroom varieties can be found.  

Three milks custard or “flan de tres leches”, is a delicious and easy-to-make Latin American dessert consisting of eggs and the combination of three milks as its name suggests (evaporated, coconut and condensed milk) and the special addition of tropical coconut.The preparation of this custard is made in a bain-marie or water bath, as this method will stop the custard from splitting and keep the texture perfectly silky and smooth.  

Tawa Pans, are a flat or concave disc-shaped frying pan or griddle, widely used in the cuisines of central, west and south Asia, where it is used to cook chaat, pav bhaji and tawa masala. They are also common in the cuisines of the Caucasus, the Balkans and the Caribbean. The pan is usually made of cast iron, aluminium or carbon steel. It may be enamelled or given a non-stick surface. Its size in diameter varies between 8 inches to 12 inches. It can be up to a meter wide in some professional kitchens.These versatile pans are used to prepare all kinds of flatbreads, ranging from chapatis and parathas to dosas and cheelas among others. Tawa pans are useful for shallow-frying fillets of meat, paneer cheese, pancakes, omelettes, French toast, etc.At SQ Professional, we offer a complete range of non-stick tawa pans for every need. Our pans are compatible with all hob types including induction and they are dishwasher safe.   Non-stick Tawa Pan Nea Marbell Tawa Pan Marbell Impact Crepe Pan

Oliver salad or Russian salad was invented by the Belgian chef Lucien Olivier back in the 1860s, during his tenure at the Hermitage, a restaurant in Moscow. To give him credit, it was originally called Oliver salad.Over the years, this creamy salad gained popularity not only in Russia but across the rest of the Soviet Union & Europe. Today, throughout the world, this salad is known as Russian Salad. Today’s popular version of this salad is made with diced boiled potatoes, in addition to different vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, celery and others. The addition of dill pickles, chopped boiled eggs, diced boiled chicken, bologna sauce or any other cold meat is also common.The preparation of this salad is very simple, however, it requires some extra time, because vegetables need to be cooked and cooled before chopping and mayonnaise needs to be made beforehand.Russian salad is ideal for Christmas to accompany cold meats.  

Stainless steel is certainly one of the most widely used materials when it comes to making kitchen equipment. From pots and pans to kitchen appliances, you can find stainless steel almost anywhere. It is one of the safest materials to use when it comes to cookware, and it is virtually indestructible. It is a common choice for many professional chefs and home enthusiasts because it does not react to food in any way and is also rust-resistant. Stainless steel is able to withstand high temperatures reasonably well too and is very robust, which makes it the perfect option for a busy professional chef. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron with chromium which provides its remarkable qualities. Chromium basically creates a thin layer on the surface of the steel which prevents any corrosion. Stainless steel also contains varying amounts of Carbon, Manganese, Silicon, Nickel and Molybdenum.If you’re curious to know what exactly goes into a piece of stainless steel cookware, it is important to know that this material comes in different grades. This grade is the number that will tell you the exact components of a certain piece of stainless steel.These numbers are usually stamped on the cookware. Grade 304 is by far the most common in cookware. If you see the numbers 18/8 or 18/10, this means the stainless steel is grade 304. The first number represents the percentage of chromium in the alloy (18%), and the second number represents the percentage of nickel (8% or 10%). Grade 304 stainless steel is perfectly safe for cooking.SQ Professional stainless steel Lustro range includes casserole sets, cookware sets, a 3-tier steamer and roasting tins. Our products are crafted from premium grade 18/10 stainless steel, the ideal choice material for professional cooks.   Lustro 3-Tiered Steamer See-through tempered glass lid with a steam vent, allowing you to keep an eye on your cooking. Suitable for all types of hobs, including induction. The three-tier system allows for cooking various foods simultaneously. Dishwasher safe. Lustro Touch 6pc Cookware Set Robust design and soft touch finish. Steam vents in the tempered glass lids. Suitable for all hobs including induction. Full stainless steel body for corrosion resistance. The encapsulated base of each pot and pan is constructed from 5 layers of engineered metals to achieve the very best cooking results.  Lustro Imperiale Casserole Set Encapsulated aluminium base. Close-fitting lid locks in nutrients and flavour. Oven safe up to 500° C. Dishwasher safe. Suitable for all hobs including induction.  Lustro Apple 6pc Cookware Set Dishwasher safe. Encapsulated base. Safe for oven use without lids. Close-fitting lids lock in nutrients and flavour. Suitable for all hobs including induction.  Lustro Roasting Tin with Rack Removable rack. Folding handles. Dishwasher safe. Freezer safe. Available in small, medium, large and extra-large. Lustro Oval Roaster with Grill Removable rack. Folding handles. Dishwasher safe. Freezer safe. Available in 4.5L capacity.

Hot pots are portable thermal containers that do not depend on a power supply to keep food warm. Ideal for large functions, dinner parties and barbecues, they make the perfect stylish yet functional serving dish. Not only do they keep food warm, but also act as a cooler, so that salads, cold pasta, or any other cold dishes can be stored in them.They are usually made from stainless steel or plastic in a variety of colours and designs. The thermal inner bowl is forged from high-quality food-grade stainless steel.SQ Professional Hot Pots are forged from high-quality food-grade stainless steel with triple-wall insulation, that retains heat for up to 6 hours.This superior material is both hygienic and odourless, allowing the food to taste freshly cooked hours after preparation, it will keep your food piping hot for several hours. As there is no need to reheat, the food will retain its moisture and valuable nutrients, so you can enjoy the full goodness of your meals from now on. SQ Professional lightweight Hot pots are designed with two handles and come in a variety of convenient sizes, which makes them ideal for transporting food in your car. They fit perfectly into the passenger seat or passenger seat footwell. It's the perfect accompaniment to potlucks, camping, picnics, etc.These practical kitchen essentials are not dishwasher or microwave-safe. They must always have the lid closed to prevent the loss of heat.They cannot be placed on hobs, hot surfaces or near an open fire.SQ Professional Hot Pots are available as singles in various sizes or sets of 3pcs and 6pcs. Ideal for serving food at large functions and parties.   Attila Hot Pot Available as singles: 2.5L, 3.5L, 5.0L, 7.5L and 10L. Jumbo Pure Hot Pot Available as singles: 25L, 30L, 40L, 50L and 60L.  Jumbo Contour Hot Pot Sets Available in 2 different sets: 3pc set and 6pc set. Jumbo Rhombus Hot Pot Sets Available in: 3pc set (5L, 7.5L, 10L).

The origins of mulled wine go back to the Romans, who brought wine from the South of Europe to the North as they were conquering it. During winter, they heated it up and added some spices. Ever since, mulled wine has stayed and spread across Europe and today is one of the favourites at Christmas.Mulled wine is usually made with red wine along with various mulling spices and sometimes raisins. It is served hot or warm and is alcoholic, although there are non-alcoholic versions of it. The general rule for mulled wine preparation is to make sure that the alcohol content is not higher than 12.5%, as the heating process and the addition of spices transform the flavour of wine. It is best to opt for simple light wines with fewer tannins like Merlot, Pinot Noir or Grenache. Bolder wines like Syrah will work well too.There are many variations of the traditional mulled wine recipe where brandy, rum, cider or white wine are used.To add a fruity hint of citrus to balance the flavour of your mulled wine, you can use fresh orange and lemon peels. The addition of fresh apples, berries or raisins is also a common addition. It all depends on your individual taste.The spices used in its preparation are traditional Christmas spices like cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise and allspice. Other dry spices such as vanilla, ginger, fennel, juniper berries, chilli pepper, coriander and bay leaves, are also popular choices. Each of these spices will bring on its unique aroma, so feel free to add your favourites!  

Small but powerful and a great addition to any kitchen, halogen ovens are gaining popularity for a good reason. They can cook or grill food faster than standard ovens, plus they are compact and can easily fit in smaller spaces like studio flats or boats where conventional ovens wouldn’t fit.The basic premise of a halogen oven is a large glass bowl with a lid that contains a fan and halogen bulb(s). When you turn on these ovens, infrared radiation is released from the bulbs to produce a very powerful form of heat. The fans circulate the hot air around the food being cooked, in order to maintain even temperatures.As a result, halogen ovens are great for roasting, grilling, baking, steaming, and even dehydrating. They do not need to be preheated like conventional ovens. The hot air produced is dry, so they are usually capable of slightly higher temperatures than conventional ovens or microwave ovens.Halogen ovens offer a wide range of benefits to the user and they include the following: Economical It consumes less than half the electricity of conventional ovens and is approximately the same as a regular microwave oven. As a result, it is a much more efficient option, due to its compact size and as it requires less energy to heat up to achieve the same results. So, you can save time and money, while your food is cooked to perfection. Travels everywhere It is portable and is great for holidays. You can use it at home or you can take it with you when you travel. The oven comes with a convenient lid handle and a stand with handles for safe handling when hot. Fat-free cooking As the halogen oven always cooks with hot air (dry roasting) and the food can be suspended on the wire rack, retention of fat is minimized to lower calories and cholesterol consumption. Cooks everything a conventional oven can It is a true multi-purpose oven suitable for preparing all kinds of dishes, which would normally require a full-size conventional kitchen oven. Easy to operate You can watch your food cooking, food remains succulent. Hot air will not produce smoke and will not burn your food. Fast It cooks between 20% - 60% faster than a conventional oven. This results from a combination of its compact size, efficient design and fan heating principles. Self-cleaning Hot air circulation creates an automatic turbo wash action. Cooks evenly Cooking with hot moving air means your food is perfectly roasted all over. Cooks in many ways It can roast, bake, grill, cook, steam, reheat, or defrost.     If halogen ovens are something that you would like to try, at SQ professional halogen ovens are fast, efficient and easy to use. Plus, with a huge number of additional add-ons such as the safe protective basket to prevent burns, handy tongs, a low rack and a revisable rack, it is possible to prepare almost anything.You can also use any cookware that is used in conventional ovens, such as oven-safe pans, bowls, plates, tin foil, baking paper, etc; as long as the fan is not blocked and the lid can be fully closed. SQ Professional Halogen oven with protective basket 12L - 17L/ 1400W (with extension ring)You can cook your meat and veg altogether, prepare sweet treats or defrost and roast an entire chicken without breaking a sweat – 40% faster than a conventional oven! The capacity of the main glass oven bowl is a generous 12L, with the option to add an extra 5L using the extender ring! This means you will always have enough space to prepare an entire meal in one go!  Durane Halogen oven with stand 12L- 17L/1400W (with extension ring)FAST - You can cook your meat and veg altogether, prepare sweet treats or defrost and roast an entire chicken without breaking a sweat – 40% faster than a conventional oven!EFFICIENT - Uses much less energy than other types of cooking technologies.RELIABLE - Cooks evenly without creating hot and cold spots, as associated with microwave cooking.TASTY - produces An incredible oven-cooked taste at microwave speed.CONVENIENT - self-cleaning feature built-in.SAFE - Stand with wide handles to prevent touching of the glass bowl’s hot surface. 

This warming Apple, Plum & Dry fruit crumble is the ultimate comfort food. Serve with cinnamon cream and pour a little fruit sauce over it and enjoy. It's the perfect "go-to" recipe.  

From pickling and preserving summer’s bounty to boiling large batches of pasta, a well-made stockpot is a must-have in every kitchen. This item is also essential in the winter months when we crave hot stews, soups, and other hearty favourites.This round stockpot with tall straight walls has been designed to cook large amounts of food and comes with two small handles attached to opposite sides of the body for easy handling and transportation.Its body is thin enough to boost heating and enhance heat transfer. It also comes with a lid that fits over the top edge and allows just enough moisture and pressure to prevent overflowing.Most stockpots are made from stainless steel, anodized aluminium or enamelled steel. These materials promote equal heat distribution, which decreases cooking times and keeps food from burning.The SQ Professional stockpot range is budget-friendly, dishwasher-safe and comes in various materials including die-cast aluminium, 8/10 stainless steel and non-stick coatings.Our stockpots can be used on gas, electric, induction, ceramic and halogen hobs.   Nea Seramiq Stockpot Medium This robust and sturdy stockpot is manufactured from heavy-weight die-cast aluminium which distributes heat evenly. It is both contemporary and practical. The ceramic coating gives exceptional non-stick performance which will allow you to cook healthy meals using little or no oil. Its clear tempered glass lid enables you to keep an eye on your cooking while retaining all the natural healthy goodness. Nea Seramiq is available in 20cm, 24cm, 28cm and 32cm.  Nea Stockpot Large These durable and resilient stockpots are manufactured from heavy-weight die-cast aluminium. Its non-stick coating gives you the option to cook with or without oil. Nea stockpots are available in sizes 36cm, 40cm and 44cm. Lustro Imperial Casserole 6pc Set Crafted from premium grade 8/10 stainless steel, the 6-piece Apple Shaped Casserole set from SQ Professional will have you preparing meals in style, whether you are cooking for yourself or for all your friends and family. Its encapsulated base ensures excellent heat distribution while the close-fitting lids ensure nutrients and flavour are locked into the food, making for a superior cooking experience. Lustro 6pc set includes casseroles in the following sizes: 16cm (2Litre),18cm (2.8 Litre), 20cm (3.6 Litre), 22cm (5 Litre), 24cm (6.5 Litre) and 26cm (8.5 Litre).  Nea Impact Stockpots Forged from heavy-duty die-cast aluminium and a superior non-stick Marbell surface, Nea Impact Stockpots enable you to cook with considerably less oil or fat. Its silicone handles will help you to protect against burns while the robust knob allows you to easily and safely remove the tempered glass lid. Nea impact comes in black and red: 20cm (2.3 litres), 24cm (4.1 litres) and 28 cm (6.4 litres) sizes. Una Non-Stick Pylus Stockpot Una Non-Stick is perfect for one-pot dishes such as stews, curries, or casseroles. It is crafted from strong aluminium and features a stylish non-stick marble finish, you’ll be amazed by Una Pylus’ exceptional heat conduction and distribution. Its strong tempered glass lid, with a steam vent, allows steam to escape whilst retaining heat inside the pan. Una Non-Stick Pylus Stockpots comes in sizes 20cm (2.5L), 24cm (4L), 28cm (7.2L).  Una Non-Stick Caelus Stockpot Whether you’re in the mood for chilli, soups, stews, pasta, or casseroles, you can do it all effortlessly with Una Non-Stick Caelus Stockpot. The strong tempered glass lid features a handy steam vent, so you can now keep an eye on your cooking whilst retaining all the heat This non-stick stockpot with induction base, comes in 20cm (2.5L), 24cm (4L) and 28cm (7.2L). Nea Stockpot These hard-wearing and resistant stockpots are manufactured from heavy-weight die-cast aluminium and non-stick ceramic coating. Nea stockpots are ideal for gas, electric, induction, ceramic and halogen hobs. They come in Rossa and Black: 24cm (5.4 Litres) and 28cm (9 Litres). Nea stockpots should be washed by hand.   

This delicious vegan creamy sauce is super satisfying without being too heavy or too rich. It is packed with protein and is excellent when you just want some comfort food.Cashews are very popular amongst vegans and those on a plant-based diet all over the world.This Vegan month we would like to share this easy-to-make recipe, full of nutrients and goodness!  

A Pub classic, this creamy peppercorn sauce with juicy steak is a match made in heaven!For this recipe rib-eye-steak is perhaps the best option as it is the finest of all steaks, offering a combination of luxurious tenderness plus big, beefy flavour. Whether you opt for the boneless or bone-in version, ribeye steaks are ideal candidates for the grill.You can also use a more affordable cut like porterhouse steaks or petite sirloin steaks.   

It is not a secret that rice is probably the most consumed food in the world, which is why people have mastered so many different ways of cooking their beloved rice pot.Most cultures these days use advanced rice cookers for cooking their rice, while there are others that use traditional cooking pots.People have used different apparatuses and techniques for cooking rice throughout the course of history and during this evolution, rice cookers appeared on the scene.The rice cooker’s origins trace back to Japan in 1945, when the first prototype of this appliance was introduced and ever since, different variations and improvements of the same have been produced.Rice cookers over the years have won followers as they are easy to use, economical, and have numerous features that make rice cooking significantly easier.As the appliance is important, so too is the type of rice used in them. There are many different varieties of rice available in the market, but the following are the most widely used in rice cookers:   Long grain rice Typically, this rice is slender and lengthy, four to five times longer than it is wide. This classification of rice includes long-grain white, basmati, and jasmine rice, plus long-grain brown rice. Because long-grain rice is light and dry when cooked, it’s ideal for pilaf, side dishes or salads where you want the grains to retain a distinct separateness.  Short grain rice This type is often called “Pearl Rice,” due to its round shape. It is characteristically soft, sticky, and chewy. American short-grain brown rice and sushi rice (Japanese rice) are the most common types of short-grain rice you’ll see at the supermarket. With their higher starch content, these grains tend to clump together when cooked, making them perfect for eating with chopsticks. Because of its sticky texture, short-grain rice is also excellent for sushi or rice pudding. Brown grain rice Brown rice is considered to be the healthiest variety. Rice grains are covered with bran layers and contain more B-complex vitamins, iron, calcium, and fibre than polished (white) rice. The brown rice with long grains and chewy texture is the most popular variety.  Wild grain rice Also called Canada rice, Indian rice or water oats, wild rice comes in many delicious varieties. It is often mixed with long-grain rice for its firmer texture and rich brown-to-black colour. Wild rice makes wonderful stuffing for poultry or pork, pilaf, side dishes, soups salads.    The table below shows the rice and water quantities to be used to cook the different varieties of rice to perfection.   If you want to embrace modern technology and start using rice cookers, SQ Professional have the right option for you. SQ Professional Deluxe Rice Cookers come with a handy steamer tray and you can now prepare more than just rice all in one go. Steam vegetables, fish or meat along with your rice and whip together an entire stress-free meal!The top and bottom heating elements ensure everything is cooked to perfection.A removable non-stick interior bowl offers incredible non-stick performance, preventing stuck-on or burnt rice. Not only does this give you perfectly cooked rice but reduces time spent washing up!Once your rice is cooked, the USEFUL ‘keep warm’ function ensures your food is kept warm until it’s ready to be served, for up to 12 hours. Designed with you in mind, the convenient indicator lights allow you to see when your rice is cooking or when it is just being kept warm.SQ Professional rice cookers save a lot of time and effort, cooking perfect rice every single time.

The UK now celebrates National Curry Week every October. Curry is so popular that it contributes more than £5bn to the British economy (Debabrata Mukherjee).Although curry is an Indian dish modified for British tastes, today there are more Indian restaurants in Greater London than in Delhi and Mumbai combined. As Robin Cook aptly puts it, this national popularity of curry is a “perfect illustration of the way Britain absorbs and adapts external influences”. (Debabrata Mukherjee).Curry originated in the Indian subcontinent and the word comes from the Indian Tamil word “Kari” meaning a sauce or soup to be eaten with rice.Although there are different types of Indian curries, all come down to a few basic ingredients, such as cooked onion, garlic, ginger, mounds of spices and a liquid base to bring it all together.However, it is easier said than done, as making the Indian curry is more about technique than the ingredients. This is why the cookware being used in the whole dish preparation makes a big difference in how the dish will taste.In this blog, we will be discussing the best cookware for Indian curries to help you best equip your kitchen. Sauté Pans: Sauté pans cook super-fast, and can also help in steaming vegetables, rice and legumes before they are transferred into the gravy. Wok (kadhai) Wok, called a Kadhai in India, is probably one of the most important pieces of cookware in the Indian kitchen. It is basically a round deep pan, made from heavy metal and has handles on each side.Along with cooking curries, the wok is used for other things like stir-frying and sautéing. The round bottom makes it perfect for cooking any dish that has a lot of gravy and the shape also allows food to be served in it, which gives a meal that authentic Indian feel and look.The traditional Indian woks are made with a variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminium and non-stick materials. They often come with stands as well as lids.Some of the Indian dishes like Kadhai Paneer and Chicken Kadhai, are also named after this pan just because they can only be cooked in it.   Una nonstick range: Nea Saute Pans This durable and resilient pan is manufactured from heavy-weight die-cast aluminium which distributes heat evenly. Its ceramic coating gives unprecedented non-stick performance which will allow you to cook healthy curries using little to no oil. Una Nonstick Frying Pan with Lid The UNA frying pan range will surpass all expectations, constantly offering practicality and durability. You’ll be frying up your favourite foods with unparalleled ease. The outstanding non-stick coating not only takes the chore out of washing up but allows you to embrace a healthier lifestyle! You will require little to no oil and still your food will be released with zero effort. Una Nonstick Long Handle Wok Una non-stick coating allows you to fry, stir fry and sauté healthy meals to perfection using virtually no oil. The clear tempered glass lid enables you to keep an eye on your cooking while retaining all of the natural healthy goodness. The reinforced riveted handle offers comfort and durability. Una Nonstick Two-Handle Wok The wok’s robust and long-lasting design delivers outstanding performance as well as being practical and easy to use. The two reinforced handles offer effortlessness comfort and durability, providing ease of transportation around the kitchen.   Stainless steel Lustro Apple Cookware 6pc Set Carefully crafted from Stainless steel, this comprehensive cookware set looks as delicate as an apple but is built for the wear and tear of a lively kitchen. Stainless steel is the choice material of professional cooks and achieves exceptional results every time, preserving the flavour and quality of your food.   Aluminium Galaxis Octan Karahi 5pc Set The Octan set is a traditional style Karahi set. Forged from high-quality aluminium, they are both lightweight and practical. The aluminium body and traditional design of these timeless pans allow for unparalleled heat conductivity and distribution. Meaning the pans will heat up quickly and evenly allowing for excellent cooking results every time.   If you are just starting out with making Indian food, you should choose 1-2 items from the above list of best cookware for Indian curries. But if you are a seasoned cook, try to collect as many authentic items so that you can make a complete delicious home-cooked Indian meal at home.

Carbonara is an Italian pasta dish from Rome made with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. The cheese is usually Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or a combination of the two. Spaghetti is the most common pasta, but fettuccine, rigatoni, linguine, or bucatini are also used. Normally guanciale or pancetta are used for the meat component, but lardons of smoked bacon are a common substitute outside Italy.  There are many theories for the origin of the name carbonara, which is likely more recent than the dish itself. Since the name is derived from Carbonaro (the Italian word for 'charcoal burner'), some believe the dish was first made as a hearty meal for Italian charcoal workers.  

Today on World Apple Day, we share this easy-to-make recipe with Bramley apple and coconut crumble for a crunchy texture. Muffins are a great morning staple to have on hand, as they stay fresh for days and are freezer-friendly. It's a breakfast treat you can serve to the whole family and expect to hear only thanks and gratitude in return.  

International Chef’s Day falls every year on October 20th. The day was established by The World Association of Chef’s Society in 2004. It is aimed to make people aware of their noble profession and their important role in our society.Chefs are the experts in the culinary world. Not only follow a recipe and create the perfect finished product, but they are the leaders in creating unique dishes that introduce us to an entirely new world of flavours and textures.In 2021, International Chef’s Day will once again promote the theme: Healthy Food for the Future and emphasize sustainability in the environment to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.SQ Professional have the best eco-friendly cookware technologies, supporting chefs in their quest to create a more sustainable environment.   Granum Cookware Replicating the stunning appearance of granite, SQ Professional Granum cookware is robust and incredibly strong. Able to withstand extremely high temperatures, the aluminium core offers outstanding heat distribution throughout the entire base and sides of the pans. Completely non-stick inside and out means that minimum oil or fat is required for cooking and washing up is easier than ever. The induction base means that Granum cookware can be used on all types of cooking hobs.  Ultimate Carbon Steel Cookware Forged from high-quality carbon steel, Ultimate cookware technology is robust, long-lasting, and great for cooking at high temperatures, making it the chef’s choice in material. Constructed with a premium grade non-stick coating, ‘Ultimate’ elevates carbon steel cookware to a higher level. Boasting all the qualities of this exceptional material, while reducing food-stick, effort and washing up. The innovative construction means you can use it on induction, gas, ceramic, halogen, and electric hobs, making it your perfect kitchen companion.  Marbell Cookware The sleek look of Marbell’s organic marble effect surface is what sets it apart from the others. Not only beautiful but extremely practical – the Marbell range is designed with you in mind. The entirely non-stick surface covers the pan inside and out for incredible ease of washing, as well as reducing food sticks and aiding in healthier oil-free cooking. A high-quality aluminium core effortlessly distributes incredibly high heat throughout the entire base and sides of the cookware for perfect even browning. Fitted with an induction base, Marbell pots and pans can be used on all types of hobs. Seramiq Cookware Beautifully smooth, all Seramiq cookware boasts extraordinarily slick non-stick surfaces for cooking. The ceramic coating is a food-safe, non-reactive material which does not leach off any unwanted metallic properties into your food. Seramiq’s aluminium core allows for remarkable heat distribution, even when using intensely high heat, without causing uneven hotspots. Designed with you in mind, Seramiq cookware is crafted with an induction base, meaning it can be used on all hob types. Aeris Cookware SQ Professional’s Aeris range offers the beauty of copper, the conductivity of aluminium and the eco-friendly non-stick element of ceramic. Exceptionally smooth, their revolutionary non-stick ceramic coating reduces any food sticking and allows for easy cleaning. Expertly designed, Aeris technology is not only practical to use and beautiful on the stovetop, but it is also completely oven-safe, making it a must-have for all kitchens. The aluminium core allows for remarkable heat distribution and the induction base means Aeris cookware can be used on all hob types. Una Cookware The Una Non-Stick range offers exceptional non-stick properties at incredible prices. Designed for any bustling kitchen, all pieces in the collection are lightweight, sturdy and boast induction bases, meaning they can be used on all hob types. Una’s high-quality non-stick surface promotes healthier lower fat cooking, you barely need any oil at all, and they still avoid food sticking. The aluminium core provides fantastic heat retention while cooking, as well as exceptional heat distribution.

Mexican Ranch EggsThe Mexican name for this dish is “Huevos Rancheros” – Eggs with rustic tomato sauce and serrano chillies. It is absolutely great for a light dinner or a weekend brunch if you’ve got friends around.Although many more elaborate versions exist, this recipe concentrates on the 3 essential elements of the dish: slightly cooked tortillas, cooked fried eggs and rustic tomato sauce with its wonderful blend of onion, garlic, and chilli flavours.  

Mexican food is very popular and you will find a Mexican restaurant in most cities all over the world. For lovers of chillies, avocado and vegetables, Mexican gastronomy is a fantastic opportunity to satisfy their palate. Mexican gastronomy has been recognized by UNESCO since 2010 as an intangible “Heritage of Humanity”. This says a lot about its health and its weight in society. A rich and diverse cuisine, well known throughout the world. The cuisine we know today is a fusion of the pre-Hispanic period with the later colonial contributions.Among all the variety of dishes that Mexican gastronomy has to offer, there is a category of street food that is eaten as snacks between meals or as a starter, not as a main dish. Tacos belong to this category and today on World Taco Day, we would like to take this opportunity to learn more about it.Tacos have a tortilla base, which is filled with different combinations of vegetables, legumes and meats, and are usually eaten by hand. Mexican tortilla is soft and served warm. Wrapped around the taco filling, it is made from corn, which is one of the main inheritances from the pre-Hispanic cultures.The exact date of origin of this famous dish is not entirely clear, but it is very possible that it was created in pre-Hispanic Mexico, as the basis of an Olmec diet thanks to the first traces of nixtamalized corn.There are two widespread theories about its creation; the first says that Moctezuma used the tortilla (which was prepared on hot stones) as a utensil, like a “spoon” to hold the food that was inside.The second belief is that women invented this food to send food to men who worked long hours in the fields since tortillas were an easy way to transport and then heat. There is no certainty as to the origin of the word “taco”, although the most widespread theory is that it comes from the term “tlahco” in the Nahuatl language, which means “half” or “in the middle”, referring to the fact that the food is placed in the centre of the corn tortilla.Whatever the date of its origin or where its name comes from are by the by. The truth is that it is fortunate that they have survived to this day and that we can enjoy this delight almost anywhere in the world.A good taco must always be accompanied by a good sauce and this could be made with raw, cooked, or blended ingredients, depending on your taste. To make the sauce you can use the following ingredients: tomatoes, green tomatoes or a simple Pico de Gallo, which are rich in antioxidants and capsaicin.The vegetable component is equally important. The basic ones are onion, garlic, coriander and tomato.Protein is also present in the varieties of cheeses and meat that you decide to put in. Low-fat cheeses and lean meats would be the ideal healthy option. Choose lean meats and cook them on the grill, in the oven or in a steamer.Fish is a great ally for a healthy option. Choose oily fish with a large amount of omega 3 such as sardines, tuna, salmon and trout. White meats like chicken or turkey are also a great healthy alternative.Include good fats. Guacamole and avocado add creaminess to your tacos, protecting you from cardiovascular diseases and reducing your cholesterol.If you follow a vegan diet, fill them with raw vegetables that are high in fibre and antioxidants like carrots, radishes, or red cabbage.Replace animal protein with vegetables. Choose legumes like kidney beans, lima beans, or chickpeas.For taco lovers everywhere, today is the perfect day to go out for them or make them at home. There are many traditional varieties of tacos. Try a style of taco you’ve never had before. You may be surprised by how many options there are. While you’re celebrating be sure to share recipes and give a shout-out to your favourite Mexican restaurant, food trucks or taco stands.  

Let us celebrate World Coffee Day and the beginning of the Autumn Season by trying a pumpkin recipe. A homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte could become one of your favourites if you are not afraid of trying something different! To prepare your own version of this autumn drink, all you need is a good coffee, a little pumpkin puree, spices, milk and whipped cream. This recipe makes 4 cups of pumpkin latte. You can adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener, regulate the spices or even substitute the whipping cream for milk foam to make it lighter and a little healthier. In this version, you can use maple syrup as a sugar replacement. Once the palate gets used to it, it will taste delicious without any sugar. Enjoy a pumpkin spice latte on a cool autumn afternoon, with a sweet snack.  

Despite its name, a saucepan is just a small pot with high, straight sides and a single long handle. Saucepans commonly have lids and sometimes include small spouts on the side for easy pouring. They can be used in cooking stews, steaming, boiling, simmering, braising, reducing, melting or warming, and in many other ways.When you cook with a saucepan, take advantage of its deep sides and handy size. Use it to boil small servings of grains or vegetables, melt butter quickly, or build complex reductions without fear of burning or “breaking” them.You may already have a saucepan in your kitchen arsenal, but does it have everything you look for in a great piece of cookware? Here’s everything to consider when choosing a saucepan. When you are looking for saucepans in the present market, you will be surprised by the number of options available. You will find non-stick saucepans, stainless steel saucepans, cooper saucepans, aluminium saucepans, cast iron saucepans and hard-anodized aluminium as well.Consider the hob you have, some designs work better on specific hob types, like gas, induction or ceramic. They are also available with lids and without them, for use on different kinds of cooktops.It is good to go for a saucepan that comes with a lid and saucepans with handles with smooth edges that won’t be slippery when your hands are wet. It is easy to forget how much you use a saucepan handle when cooking, so the handle should be comfy to hold.The weight of the pan should be balanced, heavy enough to feel stable on the hob so a spoon won’t be enough to topple it over, but light enough to carry and pour comfortably.Saucepans obviously get heavier as they get bigger, but don’t forget that the volume can also increase substantially, as food also adds more weight.About the size, there is no best size of saucepan for everybody, so consider what you are most likely to cook with a saucepan to decide what size is going to best meet your needs.If you have a medium size family cooking for only one or two people, SQ Professional Una Non-Stick Hera Small Size Saucepans Set of 3 (16CM/ 1.3l - 18CM/ 1.8l - 20CM/ 2.5l) is a great place to start.If you cook for a family of four or tend to make somewhat larger servings of meals, Una Non-Stick Rhea Large Size Saucepans Set 3 (22cm / 3.3L - 24 cm / 4.3L - 26cm / 6.0L) will likely be the most appropriate.SQ Professional Saucepan 3pc Set comes with a clear tempered glass lid that helps to retain the moisture and flavour in your food while enabling you to keep an eye on your cooking. Designed with you in mind, the reinforced riveted handles offer comfort and durability.SQ professional saucepans can be used in gas, electric, induction, ceramic and halogen hobs. They are also dishwasher safe. Its outstanding non-stick coating allows you to create delicious healthy meals using less oil. With a little care, you'll enjoy your non-stick pans for a longer period and this type of cookware is generally very affordable, easy to wash, and provides the easiest release of foods.Non-stick cookware does not require much grease, so there’s no layer of fat left to scrub away. As compared to ceramic cookware, which requires thorough cleaning to avoid a build-up of grease that can shorten its life span, non-stick cookware is fuss-free. Since it does not let food stick or burn to its surface, it only requires cleaning with a soft sponge and some soapy water, making your life much easier.On the other hand, non-stick cookware allows for uniform heat distribution, which cooks food faster and also saves on gas. Now, you don’t have to stand in the kitchen for hours until the end, just to get a healthy and delicious meal on the table.Non-stick pans are the lightest cookware option among ceramic, copper and cast iron, so you’re not saddled with moving heavy pots and pans around the kitchen. 

World Paella Day World Paella Day is a recognition of the most universal plate of Spanish gastronomy. A day in which the Valencians share their great dish with the rest of the world to celebrate, beyond recipes and ingredients, the internationality of the paella. A meal of humble Valencian origin that has transcended all borders.With eight million yearly searches on the internet, this makes it the fourth most important dish on the planet. Sofrito Sofrito is a traditional Spanish tomato sauce, very similar to an Italian passata and used in a variety of Spanish dishes. It is the building block of many Spanish, Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Italian, and Latin American dishes, and it is much loved for good reason.Sofrito is a key ingredient when cooking paella. It provides one of the foundations of the dish, as it rounds the flavour of the stock and provides sweetness and depth to the rice.For this recipe use 2 grated tomatoes and 1 red grated pepper. Do not grate the skin, only the flesh.  

The term ‘granite cookware’ refers to any cookware with carbon steel, aluminium, or stainless steel cores finished with high-end and extremely durable non-stick coatings. The term can be applied to cookware in all shapes and forms, including pots, pans, grills and bakeware.It has quickly become very popular all over the world. So popular, in fact, that you can find granite cookware at all levels of culinary use, from reliable domestic kitchen items to professional catering equipment. The robust properties of this incredibly strong material replicate the stunning appearance of granite in your cookware, bringing subtle textures into the kitchen and making them an attractive addition to any home decor.These pots and pans aren’t made of granite stone but take the name from their appearance, with the surface finish of these cookware items typically having a speckled or mottled look similar to granite. The Nessa Granum range of colours borrow their names from the various colours of natural granite.Granite cookware is able to withstand extremely high temperatures. The robust die-cast aluminium core offers outstanding heat distribution throughout the entire base and sides of the pans. Adding to their versatility and usefulness, Nessa Granum stockpots can be used in an oven without their lids up to a maximum temperature of 380c. Their handles may become hot after prolonged use, but as they are made of die-cast aluminium there is no risk of damage.The use of an induction base allows Granum cookware to benefit from this fast and efficient cooking technology whilst remaining perfect for use on all types of cooking hobs.Despite its impressive properties and stone-like appearance, Nessa Granum cookware is incredibly lightweight, allowing you to put in less effort and reduce damage to glass top stoves and any other delicate kitchen surfaces.Granite cookware is known for being incredibly resistant to rust. This ability to prevent rust puts granite cookware miles ahead of other kitchenware categories. By comparison, uncoated cast iron and carbon steel will rust very quickly unless they’re maintained very carefully. As it’s completely non-stick both inside and out, minimal oil is required for cooking and the clean-up is effortless.

This simple recipe for a chocolate milkshake is guaranteed to satisfy, as well as packing a healthy dose of protein and calcium. Perfect for a relaxing start to the day or a filling liquid snack on the move.  

Smoothies are more fashionable than ever. But why not stop looking at them on Instagram and prepare them yourself? Take note of these tips to prepare the perfect smoothie in just 3 steps. 1. Liquid Base Start by adding the liquid base. This can be filtered water, coconut water, fresh juice, milk or non-dairy alternatives and even green tea. It's good to experiment. 2. Fruits & Veggies One of the easiest ways to eat more fruits and vegetables is to add them into smoothies, and in this way, you give your smoothie the flavour and texture that you want.Practically any fruit or vegetable can be converted into a smoothie, and utilising different combinations of these can make your blends even more enticing.Fruits and vegetables are known to be rich sources of vitamins and minerals. Including them in your diet is also a great way to get the fibre that you need in a palatable and easy-to-digest form.Blended veggies are a great way to add thickness, flavour, and a wallop of nutrition to any smoothie. From vegetable-only smoothies to fruit combos and protein shakes, veggies add a fresh dynamic and pack in some extra health benefits, too.There are tons of great veggies that add nutrition to smoothies, without altering the taste. Leafy greens are a great start to vegetables in your smoothie. 3. Healthy Fats After including the ingredients above, you add the natural healthy fats to complete your smoothie:AvocadosYou may be wondering what makes avocado one of the favourite foods of health enthusiasts everywhere. Avocados have a reputation for being extraordinarily healthy and great for smoothies and shakes. Full of phytonutrients and healthy fats, they are great for helping to eliminate toxins and inflammation inside your tissue. They are also an excellent source of vitamins C, E, K, and even B-6, and contain riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, and folate.Nut ButtersNut butters are a great source of protein and provide a delicious flavour in smoothies. Nut butters are one of those ingredients that kick smoothies up a notch, making them taste even more delicious. They add depth, creaminess, and nuttiness, as well as an extra boost of nutrients to any smoothie or smoothie bowl. There are many nut butters available on the market including almond, peanut, cashew, macadamia and hazelnut, among others. If you suffer from nut allergies, sunflower seed butter is a tasty nut-free alternative.Coconut OilCoconut oil belongs to the superfood family thanks to its impressive health benefits in cooking, baking, and in smoothies. This healthy fat actually helps your body process the carbs from that smoothie you just drank, for longer-lasting energy without the sugar crash. Coconut oil has been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels, memory and brain function, as well as healthy immune function.MCT OilMCT Oil is a great supplement to add to your juices and smoothies on a daily basis, with the main benefits focussed on the brain. MCT stands for “medium-chain triglycerides” which are a form of saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil. They are composed of caprylic and capric fatty acids. Around 62 to 65% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs.Natural YogurtHigh in protein with a delicious creamy texture, natural yoghurt is the ideal backbone for any smoothie. Perfect to promote digestion and support healthy immune function, as well as good bone structure and even stable moods. For those with dairy allergies, non-dairy alternatives are easily found on the market these days and offer the same benefits.

Stir fry recipes typically use a wide variety of delicious ingredients, but taste can be severely compromised by the use of the wrong oil during cooking. Oil is the key component in stir frying, with ingredients being lightly coated to allow easy tossing and stirring, so this singular component has the potential to ruin the taste and quality of the finished meal.If you’ve been using just any oil to stir fry your food, it’s time you look into the different factors that make a good cooking oil for this common and versatile cooking method.It is rare to use butter or other strong-tasting oils and oil substitutes for stir-frying. Traditional Chinese stir-frying methods always choose neutral-tasting oils so as not to impact the taste of the ingredients themselves.Oils with the most neutral flavour include canola, soybean, corn, and coconut oil. However, some oils with mild flavours like peanut oil may be a good choice for some recipes, especially those involving rice.What’s more, some producers offer stir-fry specific oils that infuse the flavour of garlic and onions for a stronger taste. These can be highly flavoured, particularly for stir-fry recipes with limited ingredients.When choosing a fat or oil to cook your stir-fry, use the most refined high-heat vegetable oil you can find. Choosing the right oil for your recipe is the key to a perfect result.The best oils for stir-fry preparation are those which have a smoking point temperature of 400°F or above. Check out the image above for a list of the best.Be careful: oils that do not reach a high smoking point, such as olive oil, can result in food that tastes burnt even if it looks perfectly fine.

World Tofu DayToday is World Tofu Day. This wonderful meat replacement, ideal for vegans and vegetarians, is enjoyed and appreciated by people all over the world. High in protein with low fat and containing no cholesterol, tofu can be prepared in a variety of delicious ways and can be used in so many dishes as the perfect filler.  

The long awaited British summer is here at last! We certainly all deserve a break from the ups and downs of the last two years. Although we may not be able to enjoy our holidays the way we would like, don’t let travel restrictions get in the way of getting outdoors and enjoying the sunshine. The UK is famous for many things, not least of all it’s great variety of beautiful landscapes and outdoor spaces. Whether you favour a walk in the woods, a sandy day at the beach or like nothing more than the humble picnic in the park, make the most of the weather and enjoy getting out with the people you love.For a truly fulfilling experience and to keep those memories happy, you need to make sure all the basics are covered. Keep your energy up with snacks and light bites and stay hydrated with plenty of refreshments. When it comes to transporting and storing these summer essentials, you can keep your cool with SQ Professional and our fantastic range of ice chests and cool boxes, designed to go wherever life takes you.New this season is the Friza 4pc ice chest set, designed with hard-wearing exterior protection, sturdy wheels and handles, and incredible Ultratherm insulation which can keep your food and drinks cold for up to 48 hours.Don’t miss a moment and enjoy the sun!

In the UK we are lucky enough to start carefully easing social restrictions, with some non-essential businesses opening their doors and greater opportunities to spend time with the people we love. The pandemic has not ended yet, but we can take this opportunity to pause and reflect on the past year, all the challenges we have faced and the things we have missed. It is the perfect moment to indulge in and celebrate that most sacred of rituals – the cup of tea.Steeped in tradition but as unique as every person who drinks it, tea is available in a whole world of variations. Whether you go for teapots or mugs, loose leaf or teabags, left in or a quick dip, no sugars or three, a splash of milk or as-it-comes, the value of a good cuppa is something we can all agree on.However you choose to celebrate National Tea Day this year, a cup of tea says it is time for a break, gives you the space to focus, and gives you the perfect excuse to stop and have a chat. With everything that is going on, it is more important than ever that we take this time to check in with people, listen to each other and talk about how we are doing. What could be more refreshing than that? A cup of tea perhaps…From tea infusers, strainers and teaspoons to your new favourite mug, make sure you have everything you need for the perfect cuppa and check out the SQ Professional catalogue for our full range of products.

Spring is upon us, the air is fresh and the days are getting brighter.Whether you celebrate a more traditional Easter or take the opportunity to indulge your sweet tooth, we hope you have a wonderful time this Easter and safely enjoy the change of seasons.

Carrot Cake is one of those classic recipes that works great for any celebration.The best part of Carrot Cake is the unique sweet-and-tangy cream cheese frosting. The nice orange colour offset by creamy frosting makes Carrot Cake the star of any dessert tray.Here’s our little twist on the original recipe: make delicious cupcakes instead.  

Orange Sauce for DuckDuck à l'orange is one of the most famous French recipes featuring a roasted duck with crispy skin along with an aromatic sweet-sour sauce known as sauce bigarade.The orange sauce recipe for the duck à l'orange is made to improve the overall flavour, perfectly suited to splitting through the richness of the roasted duck.  

This is a twice-baked cheese soufflé, the reason?..…well, it’s baked twice indeed. Firstly to make the soufflé, for it to puff up in all its gorgeousness, then secondly to reheat it, puff it up again and for the cream poured all over it to become bubbly and beautifully golden.  

Is a fact that 65% of the world population has a problem digesting lactose. Cashew milk is a great lactose-free, vegan alternative to dairy milk and it contains healthy fats, protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.Cashews are loaded with antioxidants and zinc and this may help boost the immune system.  

Chermoula or charmoula is a marinade and relish used in the Maghreb countries cooking. It is traditionally used to flavour fish or lamb, but it can be used on other meats, seafood or vegetables.  

To all our fantastic customers, suppliers, trade partners, and the wider community,This year has presented a challenge like we have never seen before, but we have been greatly inspired by the show of solidarity and resilience by people both in this country and around the world. We have proven to ourselves and each other that we can achieve great things and overcome hard times when we work together. But we cannot ignore the fact that much damage has been done to many individuals and to our society as a whole.This message is a recognition of the hardship we have all had to endure in many different ways - we are there with you. But more so it is an encouragement to stay safe and stay strong while we enter the new year and take on new challenges throughout the coming stages of the pandemic.This festive season may not be what we wanted or even expected, but despite what we have lost there is so much for us to appreciate. For us, the greatest gift is your continued support, and for that, we are extremely grateful.We will not let the pandemic defeat us, and we are here to help you through this in any way that we can.We wish you all the greatest happiness this season and look forward to celebrating a brighter new year together.From all the team at SQ Professional.

Marie Rose sauce (also known in some areas as cocktail sauce ) is a British condiment often made from a blend (or puree) of tomatoes, mayonnaise, lemon juice and Tabasco sauce. It’s often accompanied by seafood, especially with prawns. The link with the name Marie Rose is not clear yet.  

Sweet & sour, this spiced cabbage adds a spot of colour to the table and it’s a perfect match with rich roasts and cheese dishes. This dish works really well cold too, on top of roast leftovers, with roast beef slices or added to turkey for stuffing sandwich.  

In this tasteful dessert, a crisp meringue layer is filled with whipped cream and fresh fruit. It was named after the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, who was a star in the 1920s and toured Australia and New Zealand. 'The Pav' is a popular dessert dish and an important part of the national cuisine of both countries.  

Aloo Chaat is one of the most popular street foods in the Indian subcontinent. It is made with potatoes, sev, chutney and Chaat Masala. It is prepared by frying potatoes in oil but it can also be prepared with boiled potatoes adding fruits along with spices, yoghurt and chutney.  

Chaat masala, also spelt chat masala, is a spice powder mix originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is widely used in the Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani cuisines.The spices that make up chaat masala are each highly nutritious and deliver nutrients such as: minerals, iron, calcium and magnesium.  

World Vegan DayCheese. Bacon. Chocolate. Beef. There are some things that people insist they could not live without – but things are steadily changing. Maybe you can have your cake AND eat it… 2020 marks the 76th anniversary since the Vegan Society was formed with the goal of reducing harm to animals, and it has been diversifying diets and menu options around the world ever since! Vegan alternatives to classic foods are getting better and broader all the time (anyone for a seitan burger with coconut cheese?) And let’s not beat around the broccoli: there is a bumper crop of benefits to eating more veg and less meat & dairy!First and foremost are the benefits to your health, with excessive consumption of animal products being linked to a number of health issues from obesity to high cholesterol and even cancer. Increasing the amount of plant-based foods in your diet can really help to get your body back in check without compromising your energy or fitness - ‘Eat the rainbow’ and feel like a ray of sunshine! With COVID-19 an ongoing concern and coughs and sniffles creeping in with the changing seasons, it is more important than ever to boost our immune system.As well as your personal well-being, choosing a vegan lifestyle clearly has a great impact on the welfare of animals. The huge demands on industrial farming with small profit margins don’t leave much room for niceties with animals being raised for meat or dairy. Outside the farm, there are even bigger effects of animal consumption on the land and ocean. The environmental impacts of animal farming are complex, but the root idea is very simple. Animals use a lot of resources, and if those resources were dedicated to growing plants for people to eat without the animal middleman, we would be able to feed more people and give surplus resources back to wildlife and threatened ecosystems.It all sounds very serious, but transitioning to a more plant-based diet doesn’t need to be bleak or boring! As a really good starting point for some plant-based culinary inspiration, check out some of the outrageously tasty recipes on the Vegan Society website. As the days are getting shorter and colder, we recommend finding a reason to celebrate with this decadent Raspberry Chocolate Cake – such as World Vegan Day!Raspberry Chocolate Cake  

Peshwari NaanPeshwari Naan (or Peshawari naan) is a leavened bread, filled with desiccated coconut, sultanas (or raisins), pistachios, and almonds. It originates from the city of Peshawar in Pakistan.  

International Coffee DayMany people might have started the day with a hot cup of this stimulating and sumptuous brew without even realising that today is a day of celebration! And it would be a fair mistake to make, as International Coffee Day has only been an official occasion since 2015. However, the history of appreciation for this magical drink spans back over a thousand years, crossing entire continents and weaving the world together. International Coffee Day is all about taking the time to reflect on all aspects of this well-loved beverage, so let’s take a broad look at the world of coffee. It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee!Thought to originate in the region of Ethiopia, the influence of this treasured drink spread north into Yemen, Egypt, Persia, Syria and Turkey, and for centuries, drinking brewed coffee was embraced for the way it aided concentration in prayer and contemplation. We’ve come a long way since early coffee use, from ancient philosophical ponderings to a necessary morning boost, but every single day coffee continues to make an incredible journey to our cups.As it stands, the majority of coffee is grown in South America, with certain countries in Asia and Africa relying on it as a major part of their GDP. As such it has never been more important to ensure that the coffee we buy is from Fairtrade sources. Equally important to the industry as it sees the popularity of coffee ever increasing is the sustainability of its production, making sure that local ecosystems are not adversely affected by the global consumption of this former luxury.There are 4 main types of beans from which coffee is commonly produced, the most popular being Arabica with its complex flavours and strong aroma, which makes up around 60% of the global supply. Robusta offers a more full-bodied flavour, ideal for taking with milk and sugar, Liberica carries fruity and floral aromas, and Excelsa packs a punch with a tart taste and smoky notes, often used to boost the flavour of a blend.What’s important to the discerning taste bud is the end result, and with the broad range of blends and brews available from the trendy to the traditional, we can be sure that there is a coffee out there for everybody. To enjoy the very best qualities of your coffee, it is always best to make your brew with freshly ground beans. We recommend using the SQ Professional Coffee Grinder from the Blitz range to get the maximum goodness in each cup.Espresso – with no doubt the King of Coffee. The strongest way to have a coffee, with very little percentage of water, it's impossible not to feel its kick!Dalgona – looking more like a dessert than a drink (and tasting like it too) this eccentric creation is sweeping the world’s coffee houses, luring in the adventurous and luxurious. Hot or cold milk served with a whipped topping of coffee, sugar and hot water, this order is sure to tantalize the tastebuds this International Coffee Day.Moka - a way to brew coffee with a Caffettiera. Similar to espresso, Moka coffee is the easiest way to have a strong coffee at home.Cold brew – appearing often like a science experiment taking place on the back counter of the coffee shop, with delicate glassware slowly dripping away, the cold brew process is deceptively simple but retains so much of the coffee’s flavour.Flat white – Is it a milky cappuccino? Or a frothy latte? Whatever it is, it’s now one of the most popular coffee drinks out there, making up more than 10 per cent of what people in Britain drink. If you haven’t tried it already this crowd-pleaser is one to try.Coffee press – if you’re looking for the classic continental experience of coffee, set yourself up with a cafetiere like the one we sell, and enjoy the intoxicating aromas of coffee drifting through your home every morning.Turkish coffee warmer – for an authentic brewing experience taking you back to the early origins of coffee culture, get hold of a Turkish coffee warmer and prepare for a flavour-packed caffeine hit like no other.However you choose to take yours, be sure to set aside some time for this year’s International Coffee Day and give your appreciation to the people, places and processes that all contribute to one of our most loved and celebrated drinks. If you are interested in expanding your range of kitchen kits to better enjoy this wonderful drink, get in touch with a member of our sales team and explore the full range of coffee products we offer. 

World Guacamole DayToday is the perfect day to indulge in the world’s tastiest dip, Guacamole!Made from avocados, this fruit originates from Mexico and Central America. Commonly eaten as a side dish, guacamole has been a part of traditional Mexican cuisine since the time of the Aztecs.Avocados have several health benefits, including being packed with a large amount of fibre, incredibly nutritious, lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels and containing more potassium than bananas!These are all excuses to celebrate World Guacamole Day. There are hundreds of ways to prepare guacamole. Some people prefer a simple taste with salt and pepper and others prefer to spice it up with onion, garlic, cumin, cilantro or even store-bought salsa. Traditionally guacamole is served with tortilla chips but can also be used with an even healthier option of carrot sticks.Here's a way to make your day easier and provide you with a super delicious and easy guacamole recipe.   

National Burger DayNeed an excuse to have one of the nation’s favourite foods? Well, today you can with the National Burger Day! Being one of the easiest and most versatile foods, almost anything can be thrown into a burger bun, from the traditional beef burger with fresh lettuce & tomato to the ultimate sticky pulled pork burger, there is something for every taste bud.Celebrating Burger Day is easy, entertaining and involves the most delicious food. You could either have a chilled evening with family and enjoy a burger from your local takeout or host a Great British Burger cookout with friends and family, this involves everyone making their favourite burgers with toppings and introducing them to the group, this could even get competitive.SQ Professional has provided the perfect recipe for any occasion and will guarantee a delicious experience!The Perfect CheeseburgerJuicy beef patty, mouthwatering homemade sauce and caramelised onions.  

As the immune system is vital for keeping the body healthy and fighting off harmful diseases, it’s important to know how to maintain it. One of the best ways to support your system and give your immunity a boost is through specific foods. Certain foods are known to have qualities which stimulate the immune system, enhance it and help to maintain its functionality.From nutritious fruits and vegetables, packed with essential vitamins, to the benefits of bone broth, here are some foods, nutrients and ingredients that are believed to improve your body’s natural defences, as recommended by the experts. A word of warning, however: if you have an underlying illness or are concerned about your health, always speak to a medical professional before dramatically changing your diet. Vitamin C Of course, Vitamin C is top of the list! Ascorbic acid (better known as Vitamin C) is popular for a reason: it’s great for us. “Vitamin C is essential to boost the immune system”, Yalda T Alaoui, founder of Eat Burn Sleep tells us to: “Focus on whole foods, as juicing makes for a huge nutrient loss. Raw apples, carrots and crudités are packed with vitamin C, fibre and antioxidants. In a supplement form, liposomal vitamin C is more effective as it is slow delivery”. Other specific foods which are rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, bell peppers, kiwi, papaya, and many more. Zinc Zinc can be found in a variety of common foods such as shellfish, eggs and red meats; – as a vegan alternative, you could always substitute in legumes (beans, chickpeas and lentils). Wholegrains and nuts are also great sources of zinc. Founder and CEO of Nourished, Melissa Snover, says zinc “Is necessary for a healthy immune system; a lack of zinc can make a person more susceptible to disease and illness. This essential nutrient helps maintain the body’s ability to make new cells and enzymes, process carbohydrates, fat and protein in food and also increases the speed of healing muscles and wounds. Some evidence also suggests that zinc is helpful in the prevention of colds and viruses and minimises symptoms for allergy and hay fever sufferers”. Spinach Spinach is an excellent ingredient for supporting your immune system as it contains beta-carotene, which can increase the infection-fighting ability of your immune system. Next to this, it’s high in vitamin C and is combined with antioxidants. It’s important to note that, similar to broccoli, spinach is healthiest when it has been cooked as little as possible in order to retain its vital nutrients. However, lightly cooking spinach will enhance its vitamin A levels and allow other nutrients to be released via oxalic acid. Garlic Initially, garlic was actually used for medicinal purposes; however, it has now become a staple in an abundance of recipes across the world. It was widely used in early medicine as it is rich in immune-boosting compounds, such as: manganese, selenium and fibre as well as vitamins B6 and C. “Garlic is a potent anti-viral, anti-fungal agent, and eating it raw, or as an uncooked puree alongside your normal food (add it to salad dressings) will wipe-out most miscreants”, says Sara Davenport. Ginger Ginger is a wonderful ingredient, not just for its great flavour but especially if you’re feeling under the weather. As a natural antioxidant, it is believed to fight off cold and flu symptoms, combat nausea, and is full of health-benefiting nutrients like calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc. It’s also worth noting that in a 2013 study, they found that fresh ginger may help boost the body’s respiratory system, however, dry ginger did not show the same results. Additional benefits include caring for your gut; according to research which shows that ginger can help with digestion and constipation. Euan MacLennan, medical herbalist at a London NHS practice and Herbal Director at Pukka Herbs, says: “Ginger stimulates defensive responses in the upper respiratory and digestive mucosa helping the body fend off infections. I would recommend ginger for bacterial and viral infections such as colds, flu, chest infections and sore throats”. Some quick and easy ways to include more ginger in your diet are through teas and soups containing ginger, it is also commonly used in many Asian dishes. Bone broth Don’t go changing the page just yet, we know it may not sound the most appealing of foods, and a no-go for vegans or vegetarians, but if you’re a meat-eater, bone broth could be a very beneficial element of your meal. “Bone broth is full of L-Glutamine, an essential amino acid that the body cannot manufacture and can only get from foods”, says Yalda. “Glutamine supports cell repair, including the intestinal tract wall. A healthy and sealed gut is essential for a strong immune system”. Therefore, if you can stomach the idea of boiled bones (in water and vinegar), then these broths are jam-packed with calcium, magnesium and potassium to boost your immune system. Plus if you go for a fish bone broth specifically, you also get a hit of iodine. However, if the bone broth definitely doesn’t sound like an option for you, you can always supplement it with some tablet-formed daily vitamins instead. Turmeric You may know turmeric as a key ingredient in many curries. However, this bright yellow, bitter spice has also been used for decades as an anti-inflammatory when treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, a Trusted Research Source showed that high concentrations of curcumin - which gives turmeric its distinctive colour - can help decrease exercise-induced muscle damage. So the next time you’ve gone a bit overboard at the gym and nothing seems to be taking the pain away, why not try a turmeric-infused recipe. Mushrooms Euan says: “There are approximately 400 species of fungi that have been identified with medicinal properties, and many have antiviral, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory qualities”. Mushrooms are high in beta-glucans – natural substances found to help 'prime' our immune system, making sure it’s ready for action to fight off infection. Mushrooms are a great way to bring a unique flavour and texture to a dish. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives to meat often involve mushrooms and other fungi as key ingredients. A popular Italian dish including mushrooms is Risotto – not only a healthy dish, full of flavour but also a great option for vegetarians and gluten intolerance sufferers. Fermented foods “If you like sauerkraut, miso, kefir and their immune-boosting relatives, add just a spoonful or two each day to your diet”, suggests Sara Davenport, health expert and author of Reboot Your Health. “Fermented foods encourage the growth of good bacteria in your gut and when their levels are high, so are your immune levels, defending you from viral infections”. As for the sauerkraut: “Avoid shop-bought which is likely to have been pasteurised by heating and stuffed with sugar, which will kill the bacteria off and make it generally unhealthy. Instead, make your own by grating raw cabbage and putting it in a jar to ferment with salt”. Sounds so simple, so what are you waiting for? Yoghurt Last, but not at least, we have yoghurt. Many people incorporate yoghurt into their diet through healthy snack pots, as a light dessert or pallet cleanser after a meal. For health benefits, it's best to look for yoghurts which have "live and active cultures" printed on the label, like Greek yoghurt. These cultures have been found to stimulate the immune system to help fight diseases. For good measure, try to get plain yoghurts rather than preflavored kinds, as they are often loaded with sugar. As an alternative, you can sweeten plain yoghurt yourself with healthy fruits or a drizzle of honey instead. Furthermore, yoghurt can also be a great source of vitamin D, so where possible, select brands fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D helps regulate the immune system and is thought to boost our body’s natural defences against diseases.Hopefully, this has given you a bunch of fresh ideas for meals and ingredients to start including in your regular food intake. It’s important to note that the best way to boost your immune system is to include a large variety of the ingredients and foods listed in this post in your diet, as just including one or two won’t do the trick, even if you eat them constantly. For good practice, pay close attention to portion sizes and recommended daily intake allowances, in order to avoid getting too much or too little of certain vitamins and minerals. With a wide range of benefits, you’re sure to find something to boost your immune system and get those natural gears going.STAY SAFE & STAY AT HOME.

Springtime is finally here – you know what that means - time for a bit of spring cleaning!It is important to stay clean and healthy in the current circumstances, we understand it can be a concerning time, so a brilliant way to keep positive and productive is to give your kitchen some tender, loving care.Here at SQ Professional, we’re constantly working to deliver the best services possible for our customers, therefore we thought we’d take the time to put together some handy tips to help you keep your kitchen and favourite SQ products sparkling clean during the lockdown.It goes without saying that effective hand washing is a top priority when ensuring the cleanliness of your home. Next to this, it is important to clean down high-traffic areas such as kitchen worktops, cupboard handles and those intricate details often missed like switches, buttons and knobs on common kitchen appliances.For these areas, it is essential that they are cleaned regularly - on a daily basis if you or others in your house have any symptoms, or cleaned a few times a week for healthy households. As a general note, this post is intended for adults only. For good measure, always use disposable gloves when cleaning; however, if reusable gloves are the only option available, ensure they are only used for cleaning purposes in the designated area. Before cleaning anything down in your kitchen, you should unplug all of the electrical appliances for your own safety. It is recommended that both cleaning and disinfection are important processes to carry out when minimising the spread of COVID-19 in your home. For general, eco-friendly cleaning: simply dampen a solution of water and plant-based soap onto a microfibre cloth and wipe down the surfaces thoroughly. Using microfibre cloths helps to ensure you reach those hard to get to areas and helps prevent puddles of liquid when cleaning. The friction alone from scrubbing a surface with any kind of soap and water can break the coronavirus’s protective envelope. As Richard Sachleben, an organic chemist and a member of the American Chemical Society says: “Scrub like you’ve got sticky stuff on the surface and you really need to get it off,”.For a decontaminating version, swap the water in the solution for alcohol. The alcohol used for the solution must be undiluted and must be at least 70% alcoholic (this means typical spirits such as vodka – commonly only 40% - can’t be used) as others with less alcohol content will be ineffective at destroying the virus. If you prefer, you can use supermarket cleaning sprays on the microfibre cloth as they are also effective here but not as eco-friendly and may not be readily available. Whichever method you choose, ensure that the cleaning solution has contact with the surface for at least two minutes.When it comes to disinfecting your home, there’s no need to fear if your local supermarkets are running low on common household cleaning products, like wipes and soaps, as you can easily make your own home cleaning supplies. – Be cautious to follow guided quantities strictly to avoid substances becoming harmful. To ensure your safety, it is good practice to always wear gloves and ventilate the rooms well when using chemical-based products. Always be sure to keep your products out of reach of children and thoroughly wipe away any spillages of harsh chemicals.To create your own home disinfectant, simply add 4 teaspoons of bleach to 4 cups (950ml approx.) of water. For best results, always wipe down the surface with a water and soap-based solution first -as several materials can react with bleach and deactivate it.Next, dry the surface and apply your homemade bleach solution, then allow it to sit on the surface for at least 10 minutes before wiping it off.A respected professor of infectious diseases at the University of Washington Medical Center states: “Bleach is very effective at killing the coronavirus, as well as virtually every other germ on the face of the planet” said Dr. Paul Pottinger.However, as bleach can corrode metal over time, it is important not to make a habit of using a bleach solution often and only use it where essential.Above all, please be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines provided when cleaning your SQ Professional products.And of course, remember to wash your hands, thoroughly, before and after cleaning areas.From all of our team here at SQ Professional, we hope these tips will come in handy for you and look forward to hearing from you soon!STAY SAFE & STAY AT HOME.SOURCES: cdc.gov, consumerreports.org, nbcnews.com

This week marks an important milestone for SQ Professional as we are celebrating 10 years of successful business.To celebrate this special day we hosted a small celebration party for our teams with a bespoke cake and decorations.SQ Professional has developed and grown rapidly over the past ten years, going from strength to strength, growing our product ranges and further establishing our business online. Already a worldwide household name, we are keen to keep creating beautiful cookware, as well as expanding our product ranges.We look forward to continuing to produce high-quality products whilst focusing on consumers’ needs and shaping the future of kitchen and homeware.We are so proud to have achieved this and would like to thank all our staff and loyal customers for helping us reach this milestone. Bring on the next decade!

This 8-ingredient-only soup recipe is nourishing and velvety smooth. It takes less than 30 minutes to get it done and it's a high-protein meal.It’s very easy and quick to make and the results are lightly spiced, thick and creamy. Great for a warming winter meal.  

Really easy to make and extremely tasty, this cake is perfect for impressing your guests or simply indulging in a Nutella heaven.  

The "queen of steaks". The T-bone (and Porterhouse) are steaks of beef cut from the short loin and boast a Strip Steak side and a Filet one.The meat near the bone will cook more slowly than the rest of the steak, and the tenderloin will tend to reach the desired temperature before the strip.  

Eid Dessert: Sheer Khurma. Sheer Khurma is an Eid special sweet. Sheer Khurma literally means “milk with dates” in Urdu and is a vermicelli pudding prepared all over the world.This special dish is served on the morning of Eid day after the prayer as breakfast, and throughout the day to all the visiting guests. It is a very popular dessert in Asian countries and, apart from occasions, this dish is best when relished during winter as it helps in warming up our body.  

African food: Spicy Fried Plantains.Kelewele as it is called in Ghana, Dodo in Nigeria, Missolè in Cameroon, Makemba in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Alloco in Côte d'Ivoire.When you're looking for a delicious spicy snack spicy fried plantain hits the spot every single time. If you’ve never tried it, this dish is referred to as “edible gold” and “pure bliss”. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and will satisfy all those spice lovers out there.This simple yet delicious recipe is sure to tickle the taste buds and please peckish tummies. A popular recipe all over Africa, it’s best served hot! Be sure to use the  Ultimate Carbon Steel Wok or frying pan as it can handle high heat plus it heats up quickly, so there’s no waiting around.

The opening day of SpringFair is already over and we are very excited to share with you our ‘Spring Fair 2019 - The SQ Professional experience’ video. But don't despair, with 3 days left of the fair, there's still a chance to join in on all of the fun. Expect to see a showcase of 15 brand-new ranges, displays of our core products and exclusive presentation screenings of the Nea Impact Stockpots and Microwow Casseroles. After the huge success of the opening day, seeing more than 5000 visitors from 40 different countries crossing the halls, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the excitement. Pop along to say hello and get your hands on one of our special goodie bags, full of leaflets, brochures, catalogues and some extra special gifts.We look forward to seeing you soon!Find us at Hall 9 - Stand 9H44-J45, NEC Birmingham.

The Spring Festival is a time of joy and celebration, whether you’re celebrating in China or an expat around the world, it’s a special time of year. Here at SQ Professional, we hope all of those who are celebrating may welcome the New Year with a smile, and that it brings you many good times and much happiness.To celebrate the Chinese New Year we wanted to share a delicious recipe for crispy chicken and vegetable spring rolls to share with your friends and family. Spring rolls in China are a festive dish that people cook and enjoy on the eve of Spring. They are found in many parts of China, but they are most popular in the south. The deep-fried versions are very popular in the UK, however, throughout China, they can also be steamed or baked in varying shapes and sizes.Spring rolls are an ancient traditional food, during the Jin Dynasty (circa 265-420) people would arrange spring rolls and vegetables together on a plate. This was known as the Spring Platter. Around this time of year, during the Spring Festival, emperors would honour officials with Spring Platters.Today, who doesn’t love hot fried spring rolls? Making them fresh at home not only ensures maximum flavour but they can be made together with the whole family in preparation for your New Year's Eve dinner.  

We are returning to Spring Fair 2019 (3-7 February 2019 - NEC BIRMINGHAM - HALL 9 - STAND 9H44-J45) and looking better than ever before! After undergoing our total image transformation, we will be showcasing innovative new products as well as updated and improved classics.Since launching our beautiful new website in 2018, we have really been asserting ourselves as a powerhouse in the kitchen and homeware industry. Already a worldwide household name, we are proudly elevating to new heights!“Spring Fair is the UK’s all-encompassing sourcing marketplace - facilitating connections between retailers, exhibitors and marketers.” It is the perfect place to showcase our fresh new image, plus, our revamped and improved products to you all in person!That said, it has been a huge honour Spring Fair has chosen a photo of our stunning 'metallic die-cast stockpots' to represent the entire ‘kitchen, dining and houseware’ section on their website.SQ Professional's CEO, Asif Iqbal, stated, “We look forward to bringing our state-of-the-art products and fantastic customer service to Spring Fair 2019, making many more long-lasting connections and happy customers.”

Nothing tastes like autumn more than the sweet and seasonal flavour of spiced pumpkin. With Halloween fast approaching it’s the perfect excuse for a cake! (As if we really needed an excuse)So, after you’ve carved your pumpkins for the porch, save up the leftovers for this yummy treat. Fill your kitchen with autumnal aromas, and good luck spooking off the competition for the first slice!Whether you’re hosting a party for the kids or it’s strictly adults only, this deliciously decadent tray-bake is sure to be a hit.  

Coming into October it’s definitely clear that autumn has arrived. The leaves are turning a golden orange, there’s a fresh chill in the air and our trusty coats are back on the coat hangers.With the cold weather setting in, there’s nothing we crave more than a warm hearty stew curled up by the fireplace or wrapped up in a duvet.This quick and easy pressure cooker beef stew will bring you your favourite autumn dish in a fraction of the usual time. Enjoy juicy succulent meat, rich flavourful gravy and perfectly cooked potatoes all in less than half an hour. This wholesome and nourishing dish is suitable to be prepared in both an aluminium pressure cooker and a stainless steel pressure cooker with minimum effort. Cutting the cooking time of a stockpot beef stew from 2.5 hours to just 20 minutes of cooking time! An SQ Professional pressure cooker truly is an essential piece of cookware that every kitchen needs.  

Have you ever found yourself searching through a cupboard filled with the same old pots and pans, nothing special and looking a little lacklustre? Here at SQ Professional, we have a range of cookware so stunning you won't want it hidden away in a cupboard. So it's time to put up a pots and pans rack in the kitchen because you're about to install a piece of art with your kitchenware. First on the list, it has to be Nessa Granum. These Instagram-ready stockpots are designed for the adventurous trendsetters. The standout granite effect comes in a bold range of colours, sure to make a statement in the kitchen. Besides looking so striking, the fact they are coated with an incredible non-stick coating means that cleaning and keeping them looking exceptional is easier than ever! Next up it's the Gems Metallic Saucepans. High-shine metallic surfaces and sleek stainless steel bodies, all in a choice of seven standout colours, it's easy to see why these spectacular saucepans have made the list. Not only is stainless steel cookware beautiful, but its non-reactive qualities mean you will never compromise on taste, making it the chef's choice of material. Cooking has never been quite so cool. Lastly, but by no means least, it simply must be Nea Seramiq Stockpots. Where do we start with why these stockpots are so exceptional? The forward-thinking, high-fashion colour choices? Maybe the fact they boast an unprecedentedly smooth ceramic coating? Perhaps we could start with their contemporary and chic design? No matter where we begin, you can see for yourself why Nea Seramiq Stockpots have homeware bloggers and cookware enthusiasts so excited! So if the time has come to revamp not only your kitchenware but your entire kitchen, SQ Professional has you covered with the most unique cookware on the market.

The best toast comes from a clean toaster, and a toaster is a kitchenware essential. However, after constant daily use, it's inevitably going to get dirty.As we all know, water and electrical products don’t mix! So it can leave us feeling a little stumped when it comes to cleaning and maintaining our small electrical appliances. Luckily, everyone here at SQ Professional is a specialist in Kitchenware and we are here to help! and these handy cleaning tips will bring your toaster back to its former glory.It only takes a few minutes of your time and uses everyday household products you already have at home.You will need: A soft clean brush (we found a soft bristle toothbrush works best) A clean sponge Mild soap solution Cloth Vinegar   WARNING - Never immerse your toaster, or any other SQ Professional electrical products, in water. 1. Ensure your toaster is fully cooled down, unplug your toaster from the mains and make sure that it is switched off.We recommend moving your bin close to your toaster to minimise cleaning up.  2. Insert the soft brush into the unplugged toaster slots and gently brush off any crumbs from the metal parts, moving gently from the top to bottom. 3. Carefully lift the toaster and remove the crumb tray from underneath. Empty the crumbs into the bin.  4. Clean the crumb tray with a sponge, water and mild soap solution. Rinse away all soapy suds and dry thoroughly before re-inserting the tray back into the toaster.  5. To ensure all crumbs are removed, turn your toaster upside down over the bin and gently shake out any remaining crumbs.  TIP: Removing all crumbs will prevent any caught debris from burning while you’re toasting and from ruining the flavour of your toast. 6. Wipe the outside of your toaster clean with a little bit of diluted vinegar on a clean cloth. HACK - If you have any burnt-on plastic on the outside of your toaster you can remove it with a little nail varnish remover on a soft clean cloth.    That's it! Your toast will taste better than ever, and your toaster will look as good as the day you bought it. 

We’ve all been there at some point, reaching for the same trusty pan to do every single job – however, unless you’re using your SQ Professional magic pan, you need to be picking the right pots and pans for the task!There’s a reason all of us here are SQ Professional are specialists in kitchenware, it’s because we know our stuff! Pots and pans are designed for specific tasks, and for the best cooking results, it’s best to use the ones designed for their purpose. Following these easy tips will have you making master chef quality food in no time! 1. You want your pan hot? And we mean; HOT, HOT, HOT? Pop any of your Galaxis range aluminium pans on the stove, with the hottest flame you can muster, and it’s going to be completely fine! However, do the same thing with any kind of non-stick pans and you will not only ruin the non-stick coating, you’re going to fill your kitchen with smoke! Any pure aluminium or cast iron products are totally fine in extremely hot temperatures. 2. If you're looking to sear and fry foods, whether meats, potatoes or crunchy veg you’re going to get perfect results using any of your SQ Professional frying pans, to get that nice crisp texture you’re after. However, if you were to use a stockpot, meant for boiling water or cooking stews and so on, the sides are going to be too deep. In turn, this is going to trap the steam and retain moisture inside the pan, perfect for boiling veg – but a soggy result if you’re looking to fry!  3. When you’re cooking acidic foods such as tomato sauces or berry jams, make sure you always use a non-reactive pan. Any of our stainless steel pots and pans from the Lustro or stainless steel gems range, or, using a hard anodised pan from our Aadya range are perfect! These materials do not leach any of their metallic properties into acidic food, which can impact colour or flavour. Pure aluminium pans heat up exceptionally and are incredible for a multitude of foods; however, the material is known to react with acidic foods.  4. Cook with less or no fat by using a non-stick pan! We are known for our huge range of non-stick cookware in a wide number of our pots and pans. These are great for cooking delicate foods such as eggs, pancakes or fish because they won't get stuck to the pan and fall apart. When cooking with any non-stick cookware always be sure to use the correct utensils, such as silicone spatulas or wooden spoons - metal utensils will damage or scratch the non-stick surface.    For all of your cooking needs, you will be able to find the perfect pans for you right here with us.

Life hacks are all over the Internet, little tricks to make life just a little bit simpler and stress-free.Here at SQ Professional we have been testing out our range of blenders and coming up with some inventive pearls of wisdom that really work!How many times have you found yourself tentatively trying to clean out your blender without touching the blades? Or struggling over chunky soups you just wish were a little smoother? Our blender hacks will hopefully make things easier, as well as give you some new ideas you had never thought of before!   1. Never waste time scrubbing and washing Make your blender self-cleaning and save yourself the hassle! Simply fill your blender 3/4 full with warm water and a splash of dish soap, blend for 30 seconds and then simply rinse out. Easy! 2. For perfect results, blend your ingredients in order You will always achieve the best results if you blend your ingredients in this order: Liquid (water, stock, milk…), Yoghurts or cream cheeses, Soft fruits/ cooked vegetables and then lastly ice or hard ingredients. If you follow this rule, the liquid and soft ingredients at the bottom coat the blades, meaning they can then cut more effectively through any tougher ingredients. 3. Make nutritious compost for your plants at home It sounds odd, but your plants will thank you for it and you’ll save money on buying compost. Blending up your food waste in your high-powered blender is a really great way of getting more nutrient-rich soil in your garden and plant pots, fast! Simply save up your food waste, or empty your food waste bin into your blender, blitz it up and sprinkle it over your plant's soil. You’ll achieve fresher herbs, fruits and veggies in no time! (and also be doing your bit to help the environment) Don’t forget to follow step one afterwards for a clean and hygienic blender. 4. Decant wine with your blender Decanting your wine helps to separate it. Many younger wines can be tight or closed on the nose or palate however if you decant your wine it takes in oxygen, which helps open up the aromas and flavours. Decant wine in an instant by zapping it in a blender at high power for 60 – 30 seconds.

Take advantage of the power of a tool that sits in between kitchenware, cookware and small kitchen appliances: the electric rice cooker. Using an SQ Professional rice cooker you'll be able to quickly prepare delicious recipes with little effort. Mushroom risotto is a typical Italian dish, delicate and tasty at the same time. Try this quick recipe to surprise your guests, or even to introduce a healthier alternative into your weekly diet.

Waakye is a mouth-watering national dish of Ghana made of rice and beans. Very similar to the West Indian and Jamaican versions without the additional spices, it makes the perfect nutritious accompaniment to many meals.Distinctively reddish/brown in colour, Waakye is easily recognisable. The beautiful deep hue usually comes from the use of the millet leaf in cooking, however, if you are out of Ghana or have no access to the leaf this can be achieved with the use of bicarbonate of soda.Usually served with avocado, boiled eggs or spaghetti, take your taste buds on a journey, and try this beautiful West African dish today! TIP: for best results, we recommend using any of our stockpot ranges with a close-fitting lid to lock in moisture and steam the rice.

Smoothies and soups are an incredible and easy way of getting your daily intake of vitamins, fibre and protein with minimum effort. They are one of the best ways to curb your appetite, allowing you to take total control of your health. However, the wrong ingredients can turn a healthy nourishing meal on the go, into a calorie-filled sugary nightmare! Here are our favourite recipes for some delicious and nutritious smoothies that will satisfy all tastes. We recommend using the SQ Professional Twist'n'Blitz - Nutrient Extractor to benefit from the full goodness of your ingredients.   Gym protein blast smoothie benefits: Blueberries can help heart health, bone strength, skin health and blood pressure Peas are fat-free, low calorie and high in protein, dietary fibre, vitamin B and vitamin C plus a rich source of many minerals Spinach has an extremely high nutritional value and is rich in antioxidants Work soup to go benefits: Pumpkin helps you to feel fuller for longer, boosts your vision and helps in having a healthier heart Onion helps to fight cancer, lowers blood sugar levels and promotes healthy digestion Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and contains large amounts of antioxidants Walking boost smoothie benefits: Ginger helps digestion, reduces nausea and helps to fight the flu. It's also shown to reduce muscle pain and soreness Cinnamon is the number one ranked spice/herb in the world in terms of its protective antioxidant levels. It helps to protect your heart health and contains anti-inflammatory properties Cayenne pepper helps with digestion, relieves migraine, nerve and joint pain, as well as supporting weight loss Sweet Mojo smoothie benefits: Coconut water is an excellent source of a number of nutrients and wonderfully hydrating Honey helps to reduce coughs and throat irritations as well as increases athletic performance and strengthens the immune system Apples are extremely rich in important antioxidants, flavanoids, and dietary fibre  

Sometimes a craving for something sweet gets the better of us. Late at night when all shops are closed or it's raining outside and you simply don't want to wait for an entire batch of cookies to bake. The answer? Microwave mug cake! Now, admittedly, we were sceptical. But using your SQ Professional microwave you can whip up this mouth-wateringly easy and moist chocolate mug cake in a matter of minutes! Plus it's deliciously decadent enough to curb your naughty sweet tooth and tastes amazing.