Shopping @ Lakeland

Shopping is one of my favourite pastimes, whether it be shopping for clothes, groceries or home items. So kitchen items would be no different.. Hence this blog post. I decided to step into Lakeland recently, which is the most amazing store in the UK that sells wonderful kitchenware. I finally got my hands on the 7 piece professional piping set, (I’ve been eyeing for so long) which was very conveniently on sale in store. Unfortunately, I am still yet to use them but I will eventually.. Don’t you worry! Piping sets are great for practicing your decorating skills and also to find out whether you have a steady hand or not.  Not only that, but it enables you to experiment with different types of Buttercreams, icings and toppings on cakes, desserts or even savoury dishes. Most importantly though, is that if you don’t get it the first time, like most things practice goes a long way and you can only get better, right?

I also picked up the Lakeland 50^th Anniversary Recipe Book as it looked very inviting whilst flicking through the pages. I’m looking forward to trying out the recipes and gaining some inspiration from the many chef’s featured inside the book. What I didn’t know until I got home was that all the book's proceeds go to BBC Children In Need, which is a plus side as you can help to donate and make a difference. So if the pictures of the food, or prospect of learning how to cook delicious meals isn’t enough.. Then surely donating to a worthy cause is.

What I was surprised to find in Lakeland was this next item. I saw it and just immediately thought “I NEED this!” A Storage container for Hair Styling Tools, I know… Just what?! Not your usual kitchenware. As much as it was an impulse buy, I’m sure this item will be used to the very maximum. And you can guess what I did straight away when I got home, well apart from taking pictures of all these purchases, I filled this storage container with my hairdryer, curler and straighteners. #win

Although I’m sure kitchenware is the last thing you want to be shopping for, I challenge you to step into Lakeland and have a look around.. Not a half-hearted trudge through random aisles, but walk through every aisle with enthusiasm! I’m sure that you will find one thing that catches your eye and will persuade you to buy it.. Or you may see a specific item that you didn’t know existed, which will certainly intrigue you.. OR you could possibly see an item which you never in a million years thought the store would sell. 
Don’t be afraid.. The shopping is for guys as much as it is for girls! 

If you're still unsure... Visit the Lakeland website to have a little look!

Lakeland, the home of creative kitchenware


Wendy x

Recipe: Flapjacks

Flapjacks couldn't be simpler as a baking recipe and rarely will there be any mishaps or complications. This sticky, nutty and oat-y snack will be the beginning of your baking journey and I assure you that whether you fail or succeed, this recipe will be a hit. One of the great things about home cooking is that you know what ingredients are going into your food and you can control and alter it to your own taste. Cooking and baking is all about trial and error, experimenting and finding out what YOU like. So why not start with flapjacks! Once you have conquered a basic recipe like this, you will be letting out your inner chef / cook! 
(*Also, many of the ingredients used can be substituted for some that you may prefer.. Don't let me tell you what you can and can't put in, go ahead and experiment with your own personal preferences*

All you need is:

200g Porridge Oats

100g Soft Light Brown Sugar

125g Butter (Unsalted)

2 Tablespoons of Golden Syrup

50g Mixed Nuts (such as Almonds, Walnuts, Pecans, Brazil Nuts, Pistachios etc)

A Pinch of Salt (optional)

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Square Baking Tin (Greased)
Baking Paper / Greaseproof Paper / Foil
Scales for measuring
A Pan & Wooden Spoon
Spoon

Once you have all of your ingredients.. Go ahead and measure them all out.
Here I've chosen to go for Pecan Nuts, they taste so good. :)

Just like so..
(I like to keep the syrup in the bottle so its easier to add to the mixture
without having to waste time scraping the syrup off the spoon.)

❶ Now set your oven to 150°c / Gas Mark 2.

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❷ Put the sugar, syrup and butter in a pan to melt on a low / medium heat, 

gently stirring until the butter has melted.

It should end up looking something like this.
If the mixture begins to bubble, don't worry as long as you keep an eye on it and it doesn't burn.
Once it is all combined, take it off the heat.

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❸ Pour the oats, salt and chopped nuts into the pan and mix mix mix 

until it becomes oat-y, sticky goodness.

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❹ Now transfer this mixture onto the prepared baking tray and spread evenly. (Make sure the mixture reaches to all the corners and the surface is flat.)

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❺ Place in the oven to bake for 30 minutes 

(May need more time, but you will know when it is done. If you take the tray out and the mixture is still runny, leave it in for another 5-10 minutes.

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❻ Set your timer to 30 minutes, or watch the clock like a hawk.

I think it's the right time to introduce you to my trusty kitchen assistant.. Penny!

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❼ Once it has finished baking, take it out of the oven and let it set
 for about 10 minutes before you do anything else.
Then lift the baking sheet with the flapjacks and place it on a cooling tray / rack (if you have one)


Now cut and plate 'em up!!

Enjoy!!

Wendy x

Afternoon Tea: Cafe 21 @ Fenwick, Newcastle

One of the things I love the most about being British is.. No, not the delightful cold weather or continuous rain. But something called Afternoon Tea. I’m sure most of you have had this exquisite dining experience some time or another (if you haven’t, you know what to do!). Although Afternoon Tea may seem very much like a high class function, we hear about famous locations in London such as The Dorchester, The Ritz & Claridges etc. However, I can assure you that anyone can enjoy this tasty dining experience wherever you are. 

Click the link below if you would like to find out more information about Afternoon Tea. 

What Is Afternoon Tea?

In Britain today, Afternoon Tea is very affordable and a well-known tradition that many will indulge in during days off, weekends or even weekdays.. I mean why not. There are numerous places that offer Afternoon Tea in Newcastle if you have a look around that are very affordable. Typically including an array of sandwiches, savoury & sweet scones, miniature desserts and a choice of tea or coffee. And if you’re wanting a special treat, why not pay a bit extra and go for the Champagne Afternoon Tea.

I recently visited Café 21 in Fenwick for Afternoon Tea, which I’ve heard great things about. I instantly knew my decision was right upon choosing Café 21 because most diners there were already sampling or were regulars to their Afternoon Tea. I can safely say that Café 21 is one of my favourite places to have Afternoon Tea in the local area; the staff were very friendly, the atmosphere was so chilled out yet lively at the same time and most of all the Afternoon Tea basically came in the blink of an eye after ordering. Now that’s what I call service. Most importantly the food was delicious and the scones were soft AND warm, so that is a definite plus.

It doesn’t matter how old you are to enjoy Afternoon Tea, whether you are aged 8 or 80, it is suitable for everyone. Find a local spot in your city and share this experience with your friends and family, have a good old catch up, drink some tea and enjoy some scrumptious food. I’m sure these photos will help you make your decision too.

Wendy x