The Bard

Next Sunday, 25th January, Scotland will celebrate their famous bard Robert Burns. This date being his birthday is when Scots indulge in Scottish fare and remember the famous works of the national poet. The following recipe is for the most traditional meal eaten on this day, taken from 

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/haggisclapshotandwhi_92144

Haggis, clapshot and whisky sauce

Celebrate Burns Night with The Hairy Bikers' recipe of haggis, neeps, tatties and whisky sauce.

Ingredients

• 500g/1lb 2oz haggis

For the clapshot

• 500g/1lb 2oz floury potatoes, such as Maris Piper or King Edward, peeled, chopped
• 500g/1lb 2oz swede (yellow turnip), peeled, chopped
• 50g/2oz butter
• 75ml/2¾fl oz double cream
• sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives

For the whisky sauce

• 500ml/17fl oz double cream
• 2 tsp wholegrain mustard
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp whisky
• sea salt and freshly ground white pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• ½ lemon, juice only

Preparation method

1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
2. Wrap the haggis tightly in aluminium foil and place onto a baking tray. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to one hour, or until cooked through. 
3. Meanwhile, for the clapshot, boil the potatoes and swede in separate saucepans of salted water for 15-18 minutes, or until tender. Drain well. Add the drained swede to the drained potatoes and mash thoroughly. Add the butter and cream and mash again until smooth and well combined. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Stir in the tablespoon of chives. Set aside and keep warm.
4. For the whisky sauce, heat the double cream in a pan over a medium heat. Add the wholegrain mustard, Dijon mustard and whisky and stir to combine. Increase the heat until the mixture is simmering and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes. 
5. Remove the pan from the heat and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground white pepper. Stir in the tablespoon of chives, then whisk in the lemon juice.
6. To serve, divide the clapshot equally among four serving plates. Place a spoonful of steamed haggis alongside each. Spoon over the warm whisky sauce.

Different Worktops Explained

While browsing Pinterest I found this great article below at http://www.centsationalgirl.com/2014/03/kitchen-countertop-options-pros-cons/ which explains the different worktops we supply so well. It's an American article so the costings and some vocabulary (countertops) and spellings are American but the general information applies to the worktops featured at http://www.kitchen-worktops-store.co.uk

Kitchen Countertop Options: Pros + Cons

MARCH 26, 2014

We’ve been doing a lot of research lately on countertops since the fixer we’re buying has 25 year old Formica tops in the kitchen which will need replaced – more details on the house coming soon! Seven years ago when we were choosing countertops for our own kitchen I exhausted myself researching all the choices that were on the market and finally settled on a marble countertop + wood on the island combo. I’ve never regretted it, I’ve loved those choices ever since. But seven years have passed and much has changed in the world of kitchen countertops.

We have other kinds of countertops in our home, white laminate in the laundry room, wood in the hall bathroom, and modern cultured marble in the master bathroom. All have performed well based on our expectations (images here). Innovation is inevitable, trends come and go, so the decision as to which countertop to choose in a kitchen remodel requires much consideration. Let’s start with a classic favorite. 

Wood

Wood countertops are having a moment in the spotlight right now with butcher block being so affordable from sources like IKEA and many bloggers installing natural and stained versions in their kitchens. Wood countertops are higher maintenance than stone, they require sealing with various natural products like beeswax or mineral oil, or waterproof varnishes like Waterlox.

better homes & gardens

Wood countertops cannot withstand heat which requires the consistent use of hot pads or trivets. Water spills or rings can leave permanent marks if moisture is left too long, but they have classic appeal and add a warmth that no other countertop can compete with, especially in traditional, craftsman, or cottage style homes.

better homes & gardens / the inspired room: wood countertop faqs 

The use of wood in any space brings character to your home and when cared for properly, wood countertops will remain useful and beautiful for years. Wood countertops offer an affordable option in comparison to pricier solid surface choices; they cost as low as $20 for butcher block to up to $100 per square foot installed for cherry or walnut based on the quality of the wood.

Engineered Quartz 

Quartz countertops are manufactured man-made surfaces with contemporary appeal created from pigmented resin and ground quartz chips. They are readily available in multiple colors and in either honed or polished sheens. Quartz countertops share the durability of stone but are easier to care for since they are non-porous and anti-bacterial.

eddy homes

For the most part, you won’t find the natural variegation that you do in granite or marble products yet some natural quartz manufacturers like Cambria are mimicking them well. The resin compound makes them less resistant to heat in rapid temperature changes so the manufacturers advise the use of trivets to protect them. Engineered quartz ranges in price from $60 to $150 per square foot installed based on the manufacturers, see Caesarstone or Silestone for examples.

better homes & gardens

  

Granite

Granite has been the countertop of choice for many contractors and homeowners since the 1990s. Many granites have a speckled or mottled surface with varied colors throughout but they are extremely durable. Although porous, when sealed granite resists stains, withstands heat, and is waterproof, hence the popularity. Granite can range in price from $25 to $100 a square foot installed.

the sky is the limit design

  

Solid Surface (Corian)

Solid surface countertops like Corian are artificial, made of acrylic and polyester; they are non-porous so sealing is not required. They can scratch or burn under extreme conditions but any mistakes can be sanded out so they are virtually maintenance free. Artificial solid surface countertops are available in various colors from neutral to vibrant an can be as pricey as stone ranging from $35 to $100 a square foot.

There are so many other countertop products coming to market in recent years, how can anyone keep up !?  Zinc, recycled glass, stainless steel, the list goes on. What solid surface countertop(s) do you have in your kitchen? Are you pleased or displeased with yours?

HAPPY NEW YEAR SALE

Happy New Year to all our Blog readers. The team at DWS wish you good health and happiness in 2015 and we're kicking the year off with our amazing New Year Sale.  We are offering up to 60% discount on our range of luxury, bespoke and ready-made kitchen worktops.  Just call or email our team on 0845 600 5512 or quote@dws-uk.com for a quote today to benefit from these massive savings.