X Box controller cake

My son turned 18 recently and announced he would love to have a birthday cake in the shape of an x-box controller, avid gamer that he is! I scoured the net and found a few versions of the cake that I liked and decided to give it a go. I reckoned it would be simple enough to make a rectangular cake and then carve out the shape I needed. Using Nigella's buttermilk birthday cake recipe (a favourite for larger cakes) I made the cake in a 12" x 8" roasting tin.  I found a photo of an x-box controller on the net which I copied into a graphics program and re-sized to fit a full A4 page, printed and then cut out.

The template was placed on the cake (which I should have said was put into the freezer for about an hour to firm up) and then I cut out the shape with a serrated knife. Next I sliced the cake horizontally to create two layers and filled the cake with raspeberry jam and vanilla buttercream, then covered the whole cake in a thin layer of the icing (sometimes called dirty icing!) to seal the cake crumbs. Another stint in the freezer followed to firm up the icing before I added another layer of buttercream.

I attempted smooth icing the cake with the buttercream using a technique called the 'Viva technique' that I found on YouTube but it proved difficult to get the icing smooth around the inner curves so I gave up and covered the cake in white fondant instead. Using my template I fashioned the buttons and controls out of coloured fondant, adding a bit of black colouring to white fondant to make the grey thumb buttons and the grey trim at the front.  I used my trusty Noridcware cake tester as a modelling tool to carve the A, B X & Y on the buttons and other details in the cake. Overall I think it was a pretty easy project with nothing too technical or detailed to worry about and most importantly my Son's friends were impressed!

Gingerbread House

I have never made a gingerbread house but I couldn't resist trying out the Wilton Gingerbread Mold. To make things a little easier for myself I used the Wilton Gingerbread Mix and the Wilton Frosty White Icing Mix.  Wilton is an American company so the directions on the gingerbread mix say to add 1/2 cup vegetable shortening and 1/2 cup water to the mix. I compromised and used 110g of margarine and 120ml water. The mix is so easy to use. I just threw everything into the Kitchenaid and within a minute it had combined to a soft cookie dough. 

The mold itself is very heavy duty aluminium and the mold pieces are on both sides so it means that you have to bake a total of 3 batches. I simply spread a little Wilton cake release with some kitchen roll over the mold and pressed the dough into the shapes (no need to roll out the dough but I did run the roller over the dough once it was in the mold to get it kind-of level) This picture shows one side that has a roof piece, side piece, the chimney, footpath and 2 little gingerbread men. You need to use this side twice, and the other side just once.(2nd side = front and back of house, santa sign, tree, large gingerbread man and 2 candy canes) 

The gingerbread dough pressed into the mould

All the pieces before construction

One of my Facebook friends recommended that I decorate the pieces before the construction and this definitely made things a lot simpler. Using the white icing I outlined the windows and the candy canes on the sides of the house and filled in the door. A put a jelly tot wreath above the door and put a few red stripes on the candy canes were added and I filled in the faces on the gingerbread men, and traced the 'North Pole' sign. I covered a square cake board in white fondant and then left everything overnight for the icing to harden off. Next day I mixed another batch of white icing (about the texture of stiff toothpaste) and generously spread on the edges of the front and sides of the house and stuck then in place with plenty of icing under the house. Miraculously they held in place and I was able to attach the back wall without the need of any props. I left the house to settle for an hour before I attempted the roof pieces and luckily that fitted like a charm! Having left it another while to settle, I then attached the chimney and added the finishing touches of 'snow' and sweets, the tree, sign  and gingerbread men. I love the detail of the tiles on the roof and the footpath and a light dusting of icing sugar really highlights them. All in all I was very happy with my creation and would definitely do another. Admittedly, the mold is an investment, but could easily be shared between friends and family and would last a lifetime. Something to hand down through the generations....

A great 'Try me' offer from Le Creuset

This 22cm shallow casserole is great value at over 25% off the normal retail price. A perfect size for two, this casserole is ideal for Shepherd's pie, gratins, paella, fish pie or why not try the recipe for chicken roulades with spinach and cheese stuffing below? The casserole is available in Cerise red, Volcanic Orange and Almond Cream at €81.95 for a limited time only.

Recipe courtesy of Le Creuset:

Chicken Roulades with Spinach & Cheese stuffing

Ingredients for 22cm Le Creuset Shallow Casserole:

2 boned skinless chicken breasts

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp dried thyme

40g baby spinach

75g gruyere cheese

1 tbsp vegetable oil

1/2 onion - thinly sliced

85ml hot chicken stock

2 tsp cornflour

85ml skimmed milk

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them with a heavy rolling pin until they are about twice as large, but not so thin you can see through them.
2. Sprinkle each one with a little nutmeg, thyme, and seasoning, followed by a few leaves of the raw spinach, dividing these equally between the 2 pieces.
3. Cut three quarters of the cheese into 2 finger-size pieces. Place one in the middle of the spinach on each chicken piece. Roll up the chicken pieces “swiss roll” fashion, tucking in the side edges to enclose the cheese. Secure with thin string or cocktail sticks.
4. Heat the oil in the shallow casserole over medium heat on the hob. Add the onion and fry gently until it is just beginning to soften. Add the chicken roulades and brown them evenly on all sides.
   Scallops of pork or turkey make a delicious alternative for this dish.
5. Gradually add half the hot stock around the roulades with a little seasoning. Cover and simmer slowly for 30 to 40 minutes until the chicken is very tender.
6. Lift the roulades out of the pan and keep them hot on the upturned lid. Carefully remove the strings or cocktail sticks.
7. Add the remaining stock to the cooking liquid and bring this to a simmer.
8. Blend the cornflour with a little of the milk, then stir this and the remaining milk into the liquid, simmering and stirring until the sauce thickens.
9. Finely grate the remaining cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning before returning the roulades to the sauce to reheat.

Serve with boiled plain rice or noodles.

Free pie birds from Le Creuset

Free ceramic pie birds from Le Creuset

We are excited about this latest special offer from Le Creuset - a free ceramic pie bird when you buy a 19cm pie dish. (The pie dish is also on offer at only €14.00, thats 33% off the normal rrp)
The pie bird is available via redemption - you just fill in the form that comes with the pie dish and send it away saying what colour bird you need to match your pie dish. Its such a lovely idea and looks very impressive.

So, how do you use a pie bird?

Simply place the pie bird funnel in the centre of the dish before covering the pie with the pastry lid. Roll out the pastry lid, cut a small “X” shape at the centre. Lift the pastry lid into place, lining up the “X” cut with the birds head. Gently press the cut edges at the centre around the shoulders of the bird. The top of the funnel should poke up through the pastry. Trim excess pastry from the pie edge and finish as required, or as the recipe suggests

Strawberry Jam

There seems to be loads of strawberries about this year. Must be the fine weather at last. My lovely neighbours have gone on holidays and left loads of strawberries (and lettuces) unpicked, telling me to help myself to them. I gladly went with bowl in hand to collect some lovely fresh ripe strawberries and as there were so many I decided to make some strawberry jam. 

Simple Strawberry Jam
There are only 4 ingredients in this simple strawberry jam.

• strawberries
• sugar (I use granulated)
• lemon juice - if not using 'jam sugar' - see below
• small knob of butter

I use slightly less sugar by weight to strawberries eg: 500g strawberries to 400g sugar. Strawberries are low in pectin (the sustance that makes the jam set) so you can buy special jam sugar with added pectin, or alternatively use regular sugar and the juice of a lemon (1 lemon to each 500g of strawberries)

Chop the strawberries and sprinkle the sugar over them. Stir to coat the strawberries and leave to sit for 2-3 hours, or overnight.  The sugar draws out the juice from the strawberries and it starts to dissolve in the bowl. Place a small plate or saucer in your fridge.

To sterilise your jam jars either wash them in a hot wash in the dishwasher, or put them on a tray into a warm oven for at least half an hour. Do not touch the inside of the pots when you remove them from the oven/dishwasher. Put the strawberries in a preserve or maslin pan or heavy based saucepan (I use the saucepan from my pressure cooker) add the lemon juice, if using, and bring slowly to the boil stirring with a wooden spoon. When it comes to a rolling boil, stop stirring and leave the strawberries to boil for approx 5 minutes (or when the temperature reaches 220F on a jam thermometer) Take the cold plate from the fridge and drop a little jam onto it. Leave for a minute to cool and then push the jam slightly with your finger. There should be a wrinkle on the surface of the jam, that inidicates that it will set. If there is no wrinkle, boil the jam for another 2 minutes and try the plate test again. Stir in a small knob if butter, This settles down the foam on the jam (dont know how, but it works!)

Leave the jam to sit in the saucepan for about 10 minutes.  This allows the fruit pieces to settle in the jam and you won't end up with strawberries floating to the top of the jam pot. Use a jam funnel (it makes the job so much easier) to pour the jam into the sterilised jars.  Top with a waxed disc while the jam is still warm, this melts the wax a little and seals the jam,and then cover with a sellophane disc. When the jar is cool you can label and top with a pretty jam pot cover.    

note: 500g strawberries will yield 2-3 small jars of jam.

Vintage Gingham Caddies

Red still remains a popular colour for kitchen accessories, and these new vintage style metal caddies and bread bin should fit easily in many kitchen's colour schemes. In a lovely warm cream and red, they have a retro look with a cute gingham band around the base and red handle on the lid. These are very reasonably priced at only €4.95 for the tea, coffee or sugar caddies, €10.95 for the biscuit caddy and €21.95 for the bread bin. http://www.kitchendresser.net/vintage-gingham-523-c.asp

New Traditional Kettles and Toasters from Prestige

We really like these new kettles and 2 slice toasters from Prestige. Available in Red, Almond Cream or Dark Grey, they have a slick pearlescent finish and a traditional appearance with a modern twist.

Kettles €69.95. Toasters €46.95.

Hot Cross Buns. One a penny, two a penny....

I love the warm spicy smell of them, warm from the oven, split and spread with lashings of butter and washed down with a cup of tea. Or toasted for breakfast the next day. They are simple to make, the only time consuming part being the dough rising. I just put sultanas in mine because I am not a fan of mixed peel, but you can add any dried fruit or mixture of fruits that you like.

I just throw everything into my Kitchenaid and let the dough hook do the hard work. When they dough looks smooth and elastic, leave the dough in the bowl (covered in clingfilm) in a warm place for an hour or so until it has doubled in size. After this first rising, punch the dough down and divide into 8-10 pieces, shape into balls and place on a greased baking sheet. Cover the buns with oiled clingfilm and leave in a warm place again for 30-40 mins to rise for a second time (Or you can at this stage leave them overnight in a fridge on the baking tray, take them out the next morning and leave in a warm place for 30-40 mins)

Before baking, the only 'fiddly bit' is doing the crosses. Mash about a tablespoon of soft butter or margarine into 2 tablespoons of plain flour with a fork and mix to a soft pipe-able dough with cold water. Put this dough into the corner of a plastic sandwich bag, snip the corner of the bag with a scissors and use it like a piping bag to make a cross on each bun. You can of course use a proper piping bag and plain writing nozzle for this but that would make more washing up!

Bake the buns at 180C for 20-25 mins until nicely browned. While they are still warm out of the oven, brush them with the milk and sugar glaze. Then put on the kettle and enjoy!

Hot Cross Bun Recipe:

210ml warm milk (30 secs in the microwave)

1 egg

450g Strong White Flour

1 sachet easy-blend yeast

50g soft butter or margarine

1 1/2 teaspoons mixed spice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

pinch salt

3 handfuls sultanas (or any other dried fruit)

Place all of the above into a food mixer fitted with a dough hook and mix on a low speed for 7-10 minutes until the dough looks smooth and elastic. Follow directions as above.

Milk Glaze:

Put about 200ml of milk in a saucepan and add 2 heaped tablespoons of sugar. Heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved, but dont let the milk boil. Brush over the hot buns as soon as they come out of the oven.

21st Birthday cake

Its not too often that I get the chance to make a proper celebration cake, and I certainly do not profess to being a professional decorator, but when my Daughter turned 21 recently and decided to throw a party, I just had to rise to the challenge and produce something a bit special. I would have loved to make her one of those fabulous topsy turvy cakes that you see on Ace of Cakes, but that was stretching things a bit so I had to decide on a simpler design.  It had to be pink (everything has to be pink where she is concerned) and she wanted it stacked like two presents. We made a chocolate biscuit cake for the base, Nigella's buttermilk birthday cake (How to be a domestic goddess) for the top.  The cakes were covered in a thin layer of white marzipan before I covered them with fondant icing. I was pleased as punch with the bow I made for the top of the cake with some Sugar Florist Paste as it was the first time I had used it. I made the bow a few days beforehand and filled the centres with paper towel before leaving to dry out. Then I simply stuck on cut-out flower shapes and piped a few swirls on the cakes. I wrapped the stems of a few ready made sugar flowers around a pencil to add a quirky corkscrew effect. The finishing touch was a light coating of pearl lustre spray all over the cake to add a nice glistening shine. Not such a professional cake close up, but I dont think it was a bad amateur attempt!

Butterfly

We have just got these amazing Nordic Ware cake tins into the shop (and available on the website). These heavy duty, professional weight aluminium tins are exquisitely detailed and the girly side of me couldn't wait to try out the Butterfly cake pan. I would definitely recommend using Wilton Cake Release to grease the tin and ensure the cake will easily slip out of the tin. I have to admit that I cheated and used an odlums quick cake mix as I was too impatient to get the ingredients together. It worked like a dream. No problem turning out the cake (leave it in the tin for 10mins -no more, no less- when you take it out of the oven)

I could barely wait before I let loose on the pink and white icing. Ok, I won't win any prizes for my decorating skill, but what little girl (or big girl!!) wouldn't be delighted with this?

Other favourite shapes for me are the backyard bugs muffin pan, which can be used for cakes or jellies, the Beehive pan and the beautiful Rose bundt pan, which would be lovely filled with fresh fruits and simply dusted with icing sugar.

Eat Me!

Loving anything to do with cupcakes I was dying to buy this new book by Xanthe Milton aptly called "Eat Me" - The stupendous, self-raising world of cupcakes & bakes according to Cookie Girl. Its so pretty and pink and full of cupcake and cookie recipes.  I was particularly attracted to the French Toast cupcakes as I like anything with cinnamon.
As you can see they turned out perfect and luckily I had lots of tasters in work to eat them up! I would recommend using a large closed star nozzle from Kaiser for the buttercream icing, as the size of the nozzle means you can cover the cakes in two quick swirls.

Quick Update!

Apologies for my absence lately! We have been very busy for Christmas (good complaint!) and I am really only coming up for air now. Thought I had better put a small update here.
Jim's Kitchen cookbook sold out within weeks of its launch and happily it went to print again and we have just got copies of it back in stock so order now before it's gone again!
January is a quiet month as we wait for the trade shows in February. Thats when we get to see whats new and exciting for the Kitchen and get to place our orders for new stock, so keep an eye out for something fresh for the new year soon.
You can now find us on Facebook so please become a fan and we will keep you up to date with what's going on at The Kitchen Dresser.

'Jim's Kitchen' new cookery book

We are very privileged to have been chosen to sell the new cookery book from popular Portlaoise chef, Jim Tynan. His book, Jim's Kitchen, is filled with delicious recipes, many from his restaurant in Portlaoise. Most of the recipes are simple and wholesome and Jim's philosophy for using quality, local and seasonal ingredients shines through.
In April 1982 Jim opened his first premises in Portlaoise. His business has grown over the years and The Kitchen and Foodhall is now a popular cafe/restaurant and a must-see for anyone visiting Portlaoise. His popularity was confirmed in 2007 when he won Laois Person of the year.

We were delighted to host a Christmas Cake demonstration by Jim in our store last Wednesday night and we were astonished that over 120 people showed up to see him demonstrate simple techniques for making, baking and icing Christmas cakes. (His christmas cake recipes are in the book) It was a very enjoyable night for all and hopefully we will be hosting other demonstrations in the near future.

Home Sweet Home

We love all things retro at The Kitchen Dresser and we know our customers love the retro/vintage look too. So we are very excited to have got in these retro metal signs from €4.95, 'Home Sweet Home' Blackboards , €14.95 (hang in the kitchen for those essential family reminders) and these homely 'Home Sweet Home' Mugs - a bargain at only €3.95 each.

Also new in we have these really cute and colourful paper chain kits and paper bunting. A real blast from the past and great fun for the kids. At only €6.95 they are sure to be a big hit at your next party or celebration

New Offers from Le Creuset

For a limited time (while our current stocks last) you get get this set of 4 petite casseroles worth €49.95 FREE with any cast iron casserole purchase. These little beauties are perfect for making an impression while entertaining ansd can be used to serve individual portions of casseroles, pies, curries, crumbles....Just use your imagination!

We also have a 1/2 price offer on 2 Le Creuset stoneware dishes - a 29cm rectangular dish (which is ideal for lasagne) is now only €17.00 and a 21cm round dish (ideal for gratins) is now only €13.50. Both dishes are suitable for oven, microwave and grill and are dishwasher safe.

September Competition

This months competition prize is a fantastic Imperia Pasta Machine Set worth €119.95 and the winning name will be drawn on October 1st so get your entry in today.
Just answer this simple question:
In what Irish town will you find the Kitchen Dresser Store?
Send your answer to competition@kitchendresser.ie before September 30th.
The set consists of an Imperia SP150 double cutter pasta machine, a spaghetti maker attachment, a star shaped ravioli mould tray and a wooden rolling pin as well as an illustrated colour care and use booklet. The two double cutter attachments included in this gift boxed set are suitable for spaghetti, tagliatelle, fettucine and lasagne.
Pasta is so simple to make - the basic proportions are 100g flour to each large egg. For 4 hungry people you will 600g plain flour (or if you can get fine italian Tipo '00' flour all the better!) and 6 large (preferably) free-range eggs. Whizz them together in a food processor until they look like crumbs, then tip onto a lightly floured surface and pull together into a ball. Then knead for a few minutes to develop the gluten until nice and smooth. Cover with cling film and rest in the fridge for 1/2 hour. Follow the instructions given with the Imperia Pasta machine for delicious lasagne, spaghetti, tagliatelle or whatever your preference is.

Get Kitted for College!

Its that time of year again when we send off our fledglings to college, to fend for themselves and start to make their own way in the world.
At The Kitchen Dresser we have great value for any student starting off in a new flat/apartment/house/digs! We have an offer of a Horwoods 5 piece stainless steel saucepan set (rrp €99.95) at only €54.95 and a 14 piece knife block set at only €29.95. There is a choice of cutlery sets clearing at HALF PRICE and a set of 6 stacking mugs at only €4.50. There's also a Tefal Delfina electric kettle on offer at €21.95.
Starting college is such a busy time so enjoy the convenience of shopping from home. Delivery charge is only €8.00 per order (FREE DELIVERY if you spend over €50.00)

July Competition Winner

Congratulations to P Deasy from Cork who won our July Competition by correctly answering that the Kitchen Dresser strapline states "Great Cooks need Great Tools".
She wins €100 to spend at The Kitchen Dresser http://www.kitchendresser.ie/

Win €100 voucher to spend at The Kitchen Dresser

Enter our July competition at The Kitchen Dresser and win €100 voucher to spend on the website! The winning name will be drawn on August 1st and notified by email. You can enter here - pass it on to all your friends!

Special Offer Grillit from Le Creuset

For the month of July we are delighted to offer this Le Creuset 20cm Square Grillit at a great price of €42.00 - a fantastic €18.00 off the recommended retail price.
This grillit is ideal for cooking for one or two people and is available in 4 colours: Volcanic Orange, Cerise Red, Black and Almond Cream. Try out this fantastic Summer Recipe from Le Creuset:
Grilled Steak with Melted Cheese

Use this recipe for any good quality steak, grilled as your family prefers it. The cheese topping suggested here is a blue cheese, but your favourite cheese can also be used. This recipe can be cooked on any ribbed grill that fits under your cooker grill.

• a little corn oil, for greasing


• 4 fillet or sirloin steaks, each 2.5 cm (1-inch) thick


• 225 g (8 ounces) blue cheese, such as roquefort, dolcelatte, or gorgonzola


• a little coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the grill over medium heat on the hob. Lightly grease the surface of the grill when it is hot.
Dry the surface of the steaks with paper towels, then season well.
Grill the steaks for 21⁄2-3 minutes on each side for rare steaks; 4-5 minutes on each side for medium; 5-6 minutes on each side for well done. Meanwhile, heat the cooker grill on high.
As soon as the steaks are cooked, crumble the blue cheese over the top and immediately transfer the grill to the cooker grill. Cook just until the cheese begins to melt; it will continue melting as it is served.
Take the sizzle to the table by serving the steaks straight from the grill. Place a thick, heatproof mat under the grill because it will be very hot.