6 of the best...Pieces of Kitchen Equipment

When you're putting together your collection of kitchen utensils, you will work out what you cook the most and what kitchen equipment you will need that best suits your style. However, as I do a lot of baking and it is my speciality, I have listed my top 6 pieces of kitchen equipment that every keen baker should have.

Rubber Spatula

Titter ye not, rubber spatulas are essential when you're baking! They get every single scrap of ingredient out of the bowl, and are perfect for bending around difficult shaped receptacles like the inside of a food processor. I like to have mine in bright colours to brighten up my utensil pot.

Electronic Scales

Another essential, weighing ingredients is of paramount importance when you're baking. Too much or too little of something and the recipe could go horribly wrong. My scales weigh in many different measures, and come with the option of placing your bowl on, and then pressing zero to start weighing. You can also zero once you've placed the first ingredient in the bowl so you can weight all of your ingredients in the same bowl. They may not be as pretty as a traditional kitchen scales, but you will find your recipes will improve with electronic accuracy.

Palette knife

Essental for spreading butter icing, I couldn't do without one! In fact I have three, all in different sizes. A little one for icing cupcakes, a middle sized one for filling and covering a middle sized cake and bigger one for bigger cakes! You could use just a normal eating knife, but you don't get a smooth finish and the outside can look a bit rustic. However, if this is the look you're going for then carry on!

KitchenAid

Not just an essential piece of equipment, it also looks beautiful on the counter. Not just a food mixer, you can buy so many extra attachments for it, it becomes a one-stop for just about every kitchen task you may have. They come in so many gorgeous colours now, you have a hard task to pick your favourite. But mine is the duck egg blue one...!

Cake Tins

The right sized cake tin for the recipe makes everything 100% easier. A helpful tip from Mary Berry is to write the sizes on the bottom of the tins in permanent pen, as this way you wont have to measure them every time you get them out of the cupboard (something I must get around to doing!) I favour the loose bottomed cake tins, as they make everything so much easier when you're getting the cake out of the tin. A springform tin is also a must for making other delicious treats like cheesecake!

Measuring Spoons

Just like electronic scales, measuring spoons are essential for accurate measurements of small amounts of ingredients. However, most electronic scales are so accurate that they are capable of measuring such small amounts, but for baking powder, vanilla essence and salt, these are essential. Again, a brightly coloured set will brighten up any utensil drawer.

6 of the best...Places to Visit in Olney, Buckinghamshire

1. The Nest @ No. 9

Opened by two ex buyers from John Lewis in 2011, The Nest at No, 9 stocks a huge range of gorgeous interior products, cards, wrapping paper, Cavallini and Co Stationary and a host of other beautiful items, including beautiful soft and luxurious blankets so cosy you'll want to take them all home for an afternoon in front of the fire. Every visit offers the excitement of something new and gorgeous to discover and the lovely staff are more than happy to share their favourites and talk passionately about the products.

http://www.thenest-atno9.com/index.html

2. Joules

Just off from them main High Street, this Joules store offers just the right injection of country chic to the  town. A bright yellow shop front complimented by their floral prints and lovely clothes attract a huge range of customers, from yummy mummies to glamorous grannies. Although it is quite a small store, they pack womens, mens, childrens and accessories into the small space and the range is very good. Also very good are the well proportioned changing rooms. No more contorting yourself into small cramped cubicles, here you can twirl your skirt to your hearts content. 

They're just in the middle of sale time at the moment, and I picked up this beautiful boat print top for a snip at £20.00

http://www.joules.com/

3. Dychurch Lifestyle

I hadn't noticed this shop before today, but it sells a fantastic mixture of country style clothing including Cath Kidston Bags, Barbour and Barkers shoes and boots, made just down the road in Earls Barton. I have been looking for a perfect pair of Chelsea boots for a long time, and I found them in this shop! A gorgeous caramel coloured leather with punched decoration and a hand finished sole. Perfect to wear with jeans or dresses, I was so happy when I saw them!

No website, you'll just have to go for a visit!

4. Dandelion & Co.

Decorated in the palest greys, this is a calm, peaceful and relaxing shop with beautiful homewares, a kids section and a great selection of cards. They stock Orla Kiely and True Grace candles, a particular favourite of mine as they have beautiful scents. My favourite is Seashore No. 26, it transports you straight to a sandy beach or a refreshing walk over the cliffs. The fab window displays draw you straight into the shop, where you will find a lovely selection of gifts for any occasion. 

No website, you'll just have to go for a visit!

5. Bex Boutique

Situated in Rose Court, hidden down a little alley, Bex Boutique stocks a range of beautiful and unusual clothes. If you're after something a little more quirky and different this is the place to look. The buyers at Bex source their clothes from Italy and Spain and fill their shop with a range of stunning clothes that are always a little different from the clothes you may see out on the street. In the summer they stock a range of stunning printed maxi-dresses and unusual tops with different design details, and in the winter expect to find some great and slightly wacky knit designs. Definitely an excellent place to visit if you love your fashion with a hint of European flair.

http://www.bexboutique.co.uk/

6. Lily T

Jewelry, Handbags and Shoes, and a whole range of other accessories, what's not to love! The range is fantastic, always showcasing the newest and best styles with a twist. They have a great range of high heels, flip flops, ballet pumps and sandals from brands such as Moda in Pelle, Audley and Ilse Jacobsen. There's also a great selection of Radley, that little scotty dog gets everywhere! Head here for that unusual accessory that you've been hunting for, they also stock great boots in the winter. 

http://www.lily-t.com/

6 of the Best...Places to Buy Doorknobs

If you want more decorative doorknobs, perhaps in metal, glass or ceramic, there are many fantastic places you can go to find beautiful doorknobs.

1. Bombay Duck - www.bombayduck.co.uk

A fantastic range of beautiful and unusual home-wear and accessories, Bombay Duck are a fun company based in London that channel the vibrant and eye-catching colours of India into our homes. They have a fantastic range of door knobs, my particular favourites being these pretty ceramic rose ones.

2. Anthropologie - www.anthropologie.eu

An inspirational and beautiful concept store in London, Anthropologie houses some lovely things for every room, from bedding to cutlery, books to plates. They have a collection of very unusual doorknobs that would bring instant charm and style to any piece of furniture, I love these cute little squirrels!

3. Graham and Green - www.grahamandgreen.co.uk

Founded in 1974 as a small shop in Notting Hill, Graham and Green has now grown to come a traditional British establishment, They now stock an eclectic and unusual selection of gifts, home furnishings and furniture, all with a hint of a Moroccan souk and traditional british elegance. They have a lovely range of door knobs, including this delicate and intricate perforated bone design.

4. The Door Knob Shop.com

Described as the "haute couture of door knobs", the Door Knob Shop focusses on the luxury side of the door knob industry, with a single piece costing upwards of £150. If you really feel like pushing the boat out on something cutting edge and luxurious, I suggest that you give this company a try. They have a huge range of designs, all as modern and as stunning as the next.

5. Priors - www.priorsrec.co.uk

If you want something authentic and restored to add to your newly renovated piece of furniture, try Priors, who specialize in reconditioned knobs from different periods. They also offer other pieces for the home such as do0rs, window furniture and flooring. These nickel lion head knobs would give a touch of vintage charm to any chest of draws.

6. Screwfix - www.screwfix.com

For building industry endorsed and purely functional items, you can't beat Screwfix! Also handy for all of those bits and pieces that you might need to finish of your renovations like hammers, screwdrivers and of course things to fix screws with! They really do sell everything including the Kitchen Sink. As well as plain knobs they also stock a range of decorative designs such as this fluted door knob in polished chrome that would give a fantastic 1920's feel to a room.

6 of the Best...Inspirational Bakeries

1. The Little Venice Cake Company

As mentioned previously, Mich Turner is a fantastic baker and icing artist, and I would recommend any aspiring cake decorator to purchase her book, Cake Masterclass. Not only does she include basic techniques and recipes, but she provides step-by-step directions of how to re-create some of her signature masterpieces.

http://www.lvcc.co.uk/

2. Peggy Porschen

Beautiful, exquisite girly creations that range from wedding cakes to mini cakes and cookies. She has written several books on how to make her creations from her small cakes and cookies to beautiful tiered cakes for Romantic occasions. A fantastic baker for all those who love pretty and floral designs.

http://www.peggyporschen.com/

3. The Cake Parlour - Zoe Clarke

A whole range of stunning designs, all under the stylish silhouette of a lady holding her cake stand. There are a large selection of designs from confections and desserts to her beautiful wedding cakes. Zoe has written several books, that show you how to create some of her inventive, stylish and classic designs at home, even involving the kids in some of the decorations. You can also learn the tricks of the trade in person by enrolling on one of the cake courses.

http://www.thecakeparlour.com/our-story/

4. Maisie Fantasie by May Clee-Cadman

Stunning and classic wedding cakes mixed with beautifully modern design twists. Her designs range from wedding cakes, cupcakes cookies, to Birthday and party cakes, each one personalized with the client in mind. Her cookies make beautiful favours for guests, and every design is made with the best ingredients possible with tasty and unusual fillings and icings. They also sell their own range of cupcake wrappers, so you can make your own creations look even more delicious and professional.

http://www.maisiefantaisie.co.uk/

5. Lola's Cupcakes

From experience, some of the most delicious cupcakes I've ever tasted! A delicious mound of creamy butter icing perched on top of a moist spongy cupcake, with the trademark colour coded ring to show the flavour. They come in standard and also mini sizes, great fun for trying as many different cupcakes as you want! The 'Making Cupcakes with Lola' recipe book is now available to buy and shows you how to bake the signature flavours as well as a few more unusual tastes, Full of hints and tips, you may soon be able to perfect that perfect cupcake swirl.

http://lolas-kitchen.co.uk/index.html

6. The Primrose Bakery

A jewel in the heart of Primrose Hill and Covent Garden, The Primrose Bakery started out selling simply their beautiful cupcakes. Now, due to popular demand, they have introduced many more capes and pastries to their Bakery, now selling layered cakes, Lollipops and Wedding Cakes. Their new application for iphone, available to download from the App Store, features 70 of their recipes.

http://www.primrosebakery.org.uk/index.php