Planning Ahead

Spring is in the air and it is time to start planning ahead. We are thinking forward and trying to see the horizon for the trees. Many people are planning vegetable gardens and flower beds. Perhaps you are already planning for a summer vacation.

Don’t forget to do a little bit of pre-planning for Mother’s Day. We have great promotions on Sophie Conran and Zwilling J. A. Henckels during April that you will want to tuck away as gifts for Mom or for yourself! Of course we’ve picked out some new toys to show you, to help make planning dinners and parties more fun.

Life is all about moving forward and on to the next big thing and making changes.  Our “next big thing”, happening this month, will blow your socks off.  You will receive a second email from us this month telling all about the excitement that surrounds us.  We are planning the biggest event in our 15 year history. Stay tuned!

Sigrid and Staff

Zwilling J. A. Henckels Spring Sale

Check out the Zwilling J. A. Henckels spring sale that is on until May 31, 2013. Some items are offered at up to 40% off. This is the perfect oppourtunity to treat yourself to a precision knife or kitchen tool. Or if you are in the gift giving mood both Mother's Day and Fathers Day are coming up.

(Zwilling J. A. Henckels Spring Flyer 2013
- Big file 10mb PDF)

April 22 is Earth Day

Part of our aim to reduce our carbon footprint is to save on paper.  We are no longer offering a printed version of our monthly newsletter.  However, we'll continue to keep in-touch by sending Secrets from our Kitchen by email.

April Specials

• Sophie Conran
• Zwilling J. A. Henckels
• April 22nd - Earth Day Sale
  - Spring is in the air and we are cleaning up!

In this Issue:

• Sophie Conran Special with Free Roaster
• Scalloped Pork and Potato Casserole
• Fun Kitchen Toys, Cooking Tools and Cool Gadgets
• Crazy Daisy by Portmeirion
• Seasonal Fruit Torte

Sophie Conran Special

Sophie Conran tableware by Portmeirion is absolutely stunning. You can do your entire table up in Sophie Conran or you can pick and choose a few pieces to compliment what you already have. It lends itself to any occasion, any theme or any meal. This is a great time to start collecting Sophie Conran or add to your collection thanks to the FREE gift with purchase offer for the month of April. Buy the 12 piece/service for 4 in white for $119.99 and receive the oval roaster for FREE, valued at $39.99 offer good whilst available from the supplier.

12 piece service for 4 in white for $119.99 and get a FREE oval roaster

Scalloped Pork and Potato Casserole

Tried, tested and true. One of my favourite recipes. Recipe courtesy of the Canadian Milk Calendar, circa 1992.

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. In a large fry pan, heat the oil and brown meat in batches.  Place seared pieces in bottom of 3 L shallow casserole.
2. In large saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Blend in flour, salt, sage, thyme and pepper. Gradually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat.
3. Stir in potatoes and onions in the sauce. Pour this mixture over the pork.
4. Bake, covered, in 350 Degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove cover and stir to combine meat, vegetables and sauce. Return to oven and bake, uncovered, an additional 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
5. Preheat broiler. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over casserole. Broil until golden brown.

Prep Time ~ 30 minutes
Cook Time ~ 1 hour
Serves ~ 6 to 8

Fun Kitchen Toys, Cooking Tools and Cool Gadgets

Bormioli Rocco Coloured Glass Bottles

These gorgeous bottles come in three fabulous colours; lime green, aqua blue and cherry red.  The bottle is fitted with a built in stopper with a rubber ring for excellent sealing.  Dress up the table and use them as water pitchers!  Use them to store your homemade vanilla extract or simple syrups for drinks.  The possibilities are endless.  Hand wash recommended.

$12.00 each

Prepara Tabletop Mister

Use this mister as part of your everyday healthy lifestyle.  Allows you to choose the oils you consume.  Prepara tabletop mister features a built-in clog-free filter which allows you to add flavours and vinegars to infuse the oil.  BPA free glass.

$25.00 each

WMF Vela Serving Spoon

What an elegant serving spoon! 

Use this 18/10 stainless steel serving piece at your next buffet or dinner table and wait for the compliments.  Designed like no other slotted spoon.

Dishwasher safe.

$19.99

Portmeirion Crazy Daisy Cake Server

Serve up your cake with a bit of cheer!  This cake server has a serrated edge for cutting and a wide platform for dishing up generous pieces. 

The handle is nicely decorated in the Crazy Daisy pattern.

$11.99 each

Crazy Daisy by Portmeirion

We brought Crazy Daisy into the store in hopes that you would love it as much as we do!  Our first shipment sold out in two weeks.  Needless to say we’ve expanded the pieces we carry in response to its success.   Flower Power is hot stuff in home decor and fashion trends.  Vicky Sanderson, of The Toronto Star, spoke on the subject on Saturday March 23 to further push the point.  Do you want a piece of ‘happy’, ‘fresh’ or ‘cheerful’? 

Start your collection and allow it to blossom over time. 

Pieces starting at $9.99

Seasonal Fruit Torte

This quick and easy recipe, using fresh seasonal fruit, tastes great warm or cold!

Ingredients:

Directions:

1. Cream together 1 cup sugar & 1/2 cup butter
2. Add 2 eggs, one at a time.
3. Mix together 1 cup sifted flour, 1 tsp, baking powder & pinch of salt; add to creamed mixture.
4. Place all ingredients into a 9-inch spring form pan.
5. Add to top, covering the entire surface with any of the following, individually or in combination: 1 pint blueberries, 24 halves pitted Italian plums (skin side up), sliced apples or sliced peaches (In the winter frozen or canned fruit may be substituted; simply rinse off any syrup before adding to pan.)
6. Sprinkle top with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon; lemon juice if desired; and flour, if fruit is very juicy.
7. Bake at 350F for one hour.

Delicious served with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Refresh in oven if desired.
Can be frozen for one month.

From: The Elegant but Easy Cookbook by Marian Fox Burros and Lois Levine.