High Speed Training Courses - Review

Do you know that if you decide to sell food items from your home, or you want to sell food at a pop up event, you would be required to have a Food Hygiene Certificate?  For anyone that regularly works with food it’s a useful qualification to have anyway.  Or maybe you just want to make sure you are safeguarding the health of your family.

    

Screen shot of the Food Hygiene and Safety Course taken from High Speed Training website:

Having been given the opportunity to take a couple of courses from 
High Speed Training, this is how I got on: 

It has to be said, High Speed Training is in my opinion brilliant! 
I've recently completed and passed two courses; Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety and Nutrition and Healthy Eating. 

I would never consider going out to a class to get these certificates as I simply don't have time.  I didn't find the courses boring at all, in fact both the courses were really interesting.  The nutrition one is quite long and I was worried I wouldn't pass as it's quite in depth, but no worries, I passed!

Are the courses easy to understand? 

Yes they are very easy to understand.  There's a list of the different course activities which you simply complete in order.  Each slide is read out to you in a nice clear voice and you press 'next' to continue in your own time without feeling rushed to take it all in. 
You can stop the course at any point, anytime you fancy, go and get yourself a cuppa, then go back to it later on whenever it suits you - it remembers where you're up to. 

  Once you're done, it's time to take the quiz which tells you whether or not you've passed.  Your certificate is then posted out to you the next working day, but you can print a temporary certificate in the meantime if you wish.  

  

  All in all:

High Speed Training is the ideal way to gain certificates in a wide range of subjects from Hygiene and Safety through to Financial Services and Business Skills.  Each course is reasonably priced and they are CPD certified and meet UK/EU requirements.

 More about Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety for Catering:

This course is aimed at food handlers working in catering or hospitality including hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars, fast food outlets, takeaways, cafes, kitchens, hospitals, schools and colleges.

The course gives learners a basic awareness of good hygiene and safety issues and meets food industry regulations, with reference to employees preparing, cooking and handling food in catering settings.

More about Nutrition and Healthy Eating:

With so many people eating the wrong kind of foods, the Nutrition and Healthy Eating course is a great way to ensure you understand how to eat properly and maintain a healthy diet for all age ranges from infants to the elderly.

This course gives an overview of each of the essential components in a healthy diet and explains the different requirements of special diets, including the special diets of children, vegetarians and people in care homes

 Many thanks to Ryan at High Speed Training for making these two courses available for me to review.

Organic Herbal Products - Relax Massage Oil from Pukka

We all know it's important to eat well but healthily too and for general well-being it is also good to relax.  With today's busy lifestyle it's easy to grab quick (and often unhealthy food) and never even seem to have time to eat properly.  Some people even find themselves eating on the move too which isn't ideal at all.  To avoid aging, it's important to take time out to actually slow down and relax.

 Relax:
Everyone should seriously try to find some time to actually relax properly.  Looking after your skin is important and a nice massage not only makes you feel good as it relieves stress but also nourishes the skin and makes it radiant.

The Laughing Cow Cheese Triangles - Now with Emmental

The Laughing Cow has added a new flavour to its light range of cheese triangles, Laughing Cow Light is now available with Emmental. 

 Made with real Emmental cheese and Laughing Cow Light, is tasty and really creamy but even better it's low in calories at just 25 per triangle.  

The Laughing Cow Light with Emmental is the latest addition to the Light family.  Available now in Tesco and Asda in 128g round boxes of eight triangles - you'll find them on shelf with the cheese spreads.

Perfect Snacking Cheese:

These cheesy triangles are perfect for popping into a lunch box or taking on a picnic.  Spread over crackers or use as a smooth and creamy sandwich filling, personally I like to eat one with an apple. 

 

Shopping Trolleys Get Fashionable

Yes indeed, shopping are the way to go!  

Recently I've seen more and more younger people using them and that's because they're getting far more trendy and up to date than the kind my nan used, bless her.  The Mail online published a recent article with the following headline;  Granny chic is back! Shopping trolleys are the hot new must-have for glam girls on the go 'more Fearne Cotton than Dot Cotton'

 Fantastic news for anyone that doesn't drive:
If you don't drive or just want to pop to the shops on the way home from walking the kids to school then this fashionable shopping trolley from Sabichi's new Lemongrass collection is the very thing you need.

Thai Red Curry Foam - YOKO Design Cream Whipper Video

 Cream Whippers are not all about Cream!
There are so many more amazing things you can do with them once you've mastered using it.  That said, they are not at all difficult to use, it's just about getting your recipe right.  

 At first my Thai red curry foam either set too much or didn't set enough.  But I wasn't going to let a cream whipper get the better of me, so I now have the recipe perfected.  I'm still learning new things but in my video I'll show you how to use one and just a couple of things you can create with a cream whipper.

My video shows how to make a cold Thai Red Curry Foam that's great for serving as a starter by adding a few Prawns and there's Fizzy Fruit!
I've also mastered edible coffee but I'll show you that later on in this blog.

Soft Touch Cream Whipper 500ml:

Now, there are many cream whippers out there to choose from, but it has to be said very few are as stylish as this one by YOKO Design.

This good-looking Soft Touch Cream Whipper is available in bright green, bright orange or black.

 Smooth and soft to the touch, perfect for vegetable or fruit mousses, sauces, and hot or cold creams.  The cream whipper comes with three innovative nozzles, so you can be as creative as you like.  Everything is easy to clean with the bottle brush provided.
Requires nitrous oxide gas cartridges (not included in the box) but sold separately.  It is made from aluminium and is rubber coated.

Apologies in advance for my not too professional video! 

*If the video doesn't show on your device it can be found here.

My recipe for Thai Red Curry Foam can be printed by clicking on the icon below.

A short while ago I reviewed the YOKO Design Silicone Cooking Bag, Popcorn Maker and Omelette Cooker - you can find my post and video here.  

YOKO Design products can be purchased from Emporium Direct over at Amazon.

Many thanks to Sergio at YOKO Design for sending me this amazing cream whipper.

All opinions and thoughts are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.  I only ever post reviews on products I like the look of, and therefore would buy myself.

ColourTone Knives from Stellar Cookware - Review

Stellar Cookware have recently added these Colourtone Knife Sets to their existing product range.  They're not only good-looking and stylish, but importantly, the knives are sharp just as you'd expect.  The steak knives cut through steak effortlessly. 

 
Good Sharp Knives are Essential in the Kitchen:

You are far more likely to slip and cut yourself if using a blunt knife.

Quick and Easy Salad - OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner Review

Spin up a delicious and easy salad with the new OXO Good Grips Little Herb and Salad Spinner.  Perfect for cleaning the leaves of those 'Living Salads' you can buy these days.  Or of course, if you grow your own then that's even better!

  I'm not a huge fan of the pre-packed salads you see in supermarkets.

Why?  Because they have their shelf-life extended using 'modified atmosphere' packaging, which creates a balance of gases inside the bag to retain moisture and prevent browning.  Research has shown that a manufacturing technique used to keep the greens crispy for longer also destroys vitamins and protective anti-oxidants.

So with that said, much better to buy an OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner and wash your own leaves!

This newly designed 'Little Herb and Salad Spinner' from OXO Good Grips is excellent and serves as an attractive salad serving bowl too. 

One-handed operation, the non-slip ring on the base sticks to your worktop whilst spinning salad in next to no time.

At the press of a button, the brake mechanism stops the spinning immediately.  The flat lid makes storage more convenient and comes apart for cleaning at the press of a button.  I love the shape of the bowl which has a wide base and a flat top.

There's a non-slip ring on the base which makes it stable even when spinning at top speed!

 The flat top of the spinner makes storage convenient in either the refrigerator or cupboard.  This spinner is available with a green or clear basket.

Personally I like the clear basket - don't you think it looks good?

The inner basket can be used separately as a colander and the
    The elegant, clear bowl is perfect for serving too.  Top-rack dishwasher safe Made from BPA-free plastic.

Salad of Baby Leaves, Peppers and Plum Tomato with Feta:

So simple there isn't a recipe!
Just wash and spin some salad leaves of your choice in your OXO Good Grips Salad Spinner.  Add halved baby plum tomatoes, diced bell pepper, sliced spring onion (if you fancy it) and crumble over some feta cheese.

Season and dress with your favorite dressing - job done.   

Thank you to OXO and Cherelle for sending me this to review.

  All opinions and thoughts are my own.  I was not required to write a positive review.  I only ever post reviews on products I like the look of, and therefore would buy myself. 

GAT Winner Collection Stove Top Espresso Coffee Pot - Review

 Just look at this wonderfully curvy and cute 2 person Stove Top Espresso Coffee Pot from the Italian maestros G.A.T.

 

This is a must have for any Espresso coffee lover.  You can enjoy Espresso in just a few minutes and in the comfort of your own home.
Available in eye-catching colours Orange, Purple, Green and Blue.

Contigo Morgan Autoseal Drinks Mug - Review

 I can't normally get too excited about a drinks mug.  But these fancily designed mugs by Contigo Morgan
are very good-looking, colourful and stylish.

 The Contigo Morgan has been awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2013

Transportable tea and coffee is an essential part of modern life and the new Contigo Morgan series from Premier Housewares is convenient for doing just that.  They have a nifty auto-seal mechanism protects against spills, advanced thermal insulation ensures that beverages stay hot for longer. 

Vintage Long Neck Case from First4Hampers - Review

Last week this lovely hamper from First4Hampers arrived for me to review.  The Vintage Union Jack case with faux leather handles was packed full as you can see with a range of Gourmet food and three bottles of wine. Including a selection of Handmade, Artisan and Organic and Fairtrade food products.

First4Hampers have a huge range of gift hampers for every occasion and are available in price ranges to suit your budget. 

Fruit Gift Basket from First4Hampers - Review

Having been very kindly sent this 'Detox and Relax' Fruit Gift basket from First4Hampers to review, I have to say I'm totally impressed. 

 The fruit basket was perfectly packaged and I know it was only ordered for me on Thursday afternoon (just before 1pm) and it arrived the next morning.

Judge 2 Stage Knife Sharpener - Review

Every good chef knows that it’s important to keep their knives honed.  

This new 2-Stage Sabatier Sharpener from Judge Cookware makes the job really easy.

The pull-through device makes it easy and quick to sharpen steel knives.  There's a two-stage pre-set carbide blade and crossed ceramic stone, meaning you can restore a blunt knife edge, or simply refine/hone an existing knife edge. 

Garofalo - Real Italian Pasta

With so very many different shapes of pasta around it's hard to know which pasta dishes they should be used for!
  I have to admit I'd never tried Garofalo Pasta until recently when I was very kindly sent a huge range to try.  Of course I haven't got round to trying them all as yet, but one thing's for sure, this pasta is GOOD!

It's hard to describe but Garofalo Pasta certainly tastes richer and fuller in flavour than most other brands.  Yes I'm converted - Garofalo is the way to go if you want Top Quality Great Tasting Pasta.

Spaghetti with Chicken, Chorizo and Sun-dried Tomatoes:

  Garofalo Pasta have a huge range of pasta, sauces soups and more.
Created from only the finest durum wheat in Gragnano, which is in the shadows of the ruins of Pompeii. 

Perfect Steak from Graig Farm Organics

For me, there's nothing quite like a really nice bit of steak.

Graig Farm Organics very kindly sent me some steak, gammon and chicken to try.

You can order online from Graig Farm Organics for quality organic food products delivered over-night, straight to your door.

It has to be said, you really can taste the difference in Organic food.

For a start, the steak tasted like steak - by that I mean some supermarket meat really is tasteless and is no comparison to that from Graig Farm. 

New - Boc'n Roll the Eco-Friendly Sandwich Wrap

I have to say when I was asked to review Boc'n Roll the new reusable lunch wrap from Gilberts, not meaning to sound negative but I was a bit concerned that it just wouldn't work. 

 We all know that cling film isn't good for the environment, but it seems to have become necessary to modern living.

Aromo - Coffee Delivered to your Door

Aromo is a UK based coffee site that can deliver ESE pods, Ground Coffee and Coffee Beans to the doors of UK customers.  It's easy to order too, which is great news for coffee lovers.

 Since we don't have a machine that takes ESE pods we were sent the ground coffee to try.  The ground coffee only comes in Espresso, which I think you either love or hate - it was strong!  Of course if you like Espresso, as many people do, then this is the one for you.

 That said, Bounce Ground Coffee makes the perfect Espresso and is perfect for Americano, Cappuccinos & Lattes.  It can be used in most espresso coffee machines. 100% Arabica comes in 250g bags and is priced at £4.00 - which I think is actually very good.

Mother's Day Chocolate Gifts from Hotel Chocolat

Don't forget Mother's Day this Sunday 10th March!

If you're looking for something delicious for your mum, then Hotel Chocolat have some extra special chocolates in their wide range of Mother's Day Gifts. They have something to suit every budget and you can order by 6pm for next working day delivery so it's not too late!

The All About Mum Selection is a beautifully presented collection of creamy truffles with sparkling champagne, zingy blueberries and lemon, warm and comforting caramel, chocolate mousse and melt-away pralines.

The chocolates were extremely well packaged so there's no need to fear about them being damaged in the post.  A personalised gift message is also included. 

The All About Mum Selection box is suitable for vegetarians, alcohol free.  Contains soya, milk, nuts.

Thank you to Beth and Hotel Chocolat for sending me these to review.

All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. I only ever post reviews on products I like the look of and would buy myself.

Apple and Boozy Sultana Filo Pastry Pie

Apples with nice fat Rum soaked sultanas encased in crispy filo pastry is not only yummy but looks good and more to the point it's nice and easy to make too.
Now, British Pie week is about to be upon us (4th to 10th March) so whatever pie you like best, you must be making one!  From traditional Steak or Steak and Kidney, Chicken and Mushroom,  Chicken and Ham though to savoury pies such as the much loved by almost everyone, the Apple Pie.

  Readers of this blog will know by now I don't really do baking. 
Why? Because I can't do it - I have no patience for measuring flour and stuff. So for me, the easiest and 'cheats' option to buy ready made pastry.  Filo pastry is marvelous stuff and makes everything so much easier - there's no need to fuss about trying to make it look good - just wrap your pie in filo and throw some extra sheets on top and the jobs a good'un!

Microplane® Elite in Action - Video Review

 Now this really is a must have gadget for any cook in the kitchen.
The Microplane Elite easily removes the zest from citrus fruit and makes grating hard cheese such as Parmesan a doddle.

  The Stainless steel blade is razor sharp and non-clogging.  The safety guard doubles up to catch grated food and has an handy measure guide too.
Soft touch handle and non-slip rubber for stability.  The Microplane is dishwasher safe, but the guard must be hand washed.

    Available in black, purple, red and green and with three different blades - Fine, Extra Course and Ribbon there's one for every grating job in the kitchen!

Having been kindly sent one to review, I thought it best to try it for the very first time in a video review.  I have to say I'm totally impressed with it.  Zesting a lemon really is easy peasy lemon squeezy!

For more information on this and other products please pop over to ictc.co.uk

Thank you to Pam and ictc.co.uk for sending me one to review.

All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not required to write a positive review. I only ever post reviews on products I like the look of and would buy myself. 

Easy Chocolate and Banana Pancakes with OXO Good Grips

Pancakes, just about everyone loves them!
Sweet or savoury they can be whipped up in next to no time, especially if you have the right equipment.

Click here for my recipe for Perfect Pancake Batter then all you need to do is add melted chocolate, sliced banana and, if you fancy, a dollop of whipped cream.

Having been sent an OXO Good Grips Pancake Kit to try, I found all three items are brilliant for doing the job.