So, I promised in my last post to tell you about my fabulous competition win.  You may remember my post last month about the JusRol TopIt pie competition I entered with the pie I made from my Burn’s night leftovers.  This is the pie I entered…

Well, dear readers, I’m proud and excited to tell you that I came joint runner up!  Their comments in an email to me were that they “were really impressed by your pie” and that “this was some pastry art”.  I’m really proud of myself for having a go.  This is the sort of thing I would usually think about but not actually get around to going for it!

Here’s a picture of the winning entry …

and the other runner-up…

Aren’t they fab!

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The runner-up prize was just epic – a massive big box of baking accessories from John Lewis.  Here it all is…

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I have already used these two trays and I must tell you the non-stick properties are amazing!  I definitely won’t need to use greaseproof paper with them, which is great as I try to minimise the amount of throwaway products I use.

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I’m happy to tell you that these two tins are made from recycled aluminium – see there is a point to you putting all those drinks cans into the recycle bin instead of the landfill!   It says on the label the the satin anodised finish means it won’t rust – excellent!  It also says to grease it lightly for its first few uses until the surface colour changes slightly and then no further greasing is required as it becomes non-stick.  This seems a bit unbelievable to me but why would a reputable company claim it if it’s not true?  I can’t wait to test it out!

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If you don’t already know, FSC means Forest Stewardship Council.  They are a global, not-for-profit organisation who promote the responsible use of forests worldwide – find out more information about them here.  The FSC mark is like a fair-trade symbol letting you know that the wood has been managed and harvested in a way that promotes the best social and environmental practices.  Please always ensure that any wood/furniture/paper/etc you buy is FSC-approved.

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If you don’t know Garden Trading, check them out here.  They have some gorgeous products and always strive to ensure their materials are ethically sourced.  I am in love with their Shutter Blue range of kitchenware, which matches in beautifully with my own kitchen decor.  In fact, I’m going to write to them to see if it might be at all possible to swap this set of Clay-coloured cookie cutters for the same set in Shutter Blue.  They might laugh in my face but no harm in asking!

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Isn’t he cute?  I don’t often make pies with tops because open pies, or flans, are so much quicker but I’m going to have to find something special to create just so I can use him!

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This is a great oven mitt ’cause it’s long enough to go almost to the elbow, so no burning wrists on oven shelves!

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This is a great apron made from 100% cotton (yay, I can wear it even with my sensitive skin) and has the genius idea of a dungaree-style fastening, so the halterneck strap can be adjusted.

I’m so pleased with all my goodies and I can’t wait to use them all – thank you so much JusRol!

Do you like to bake?  Check out the JusRol Facebook page here for more great competitions!

Vohn

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