Sharpen Up for the Year Ahead: New Stock, Alternatives & Kitchen Inspiration

Out of Stock? Here Are Some Great Alternatives!

One of our most popular knives, the Kiwi 503, is temporarily out of stock. Since this knife is featured in two of our best-selling knife sets, we understand this might cause some frustration. But don’t worry! Instead of waiting, why not try one of these excellent alternatives?

ccc002 knife set

Are Your Knives as Sharp as They Should Be?

A good knife isn’t just about the brand—it’s about maintenance. Even the best knives need regular sharpening to perform at their best. We stock a wide range of sharpening tools, from honing rods to whetstones, to keep your blades razor-sharp. If your knives are feeling dull, now is the perfect time to invest in a sharpener!

Cosy Comfort Food: Try Our Classic Lasagne Recipe

With the evenings slowly getting longer, now is the time for hearty, home-cooked meals. One of our go-to comfort dishes is classic lasagne—a perfect way to put your knives to good use while prepping ingredients! Here’s a simple, delicious recipe to enjoy with family and friends.

Classic Lasagne Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the meat sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 340g (12oz) lean minced beef
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 1 stick of celery, finely diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, chopped (or garlic purée)
  • 30g (1oz) plain flour
  • 290ml (½ pint) brown stock
  • 100ml (3½ fl oz) wine (white or red)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Italian herbs
  • 1 tbsp tomato purée

For the cream sauce:

  • 45g (1½ oz) butter
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 45g (1½ oz) plain flour
  • 570ml (1 pint) milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Other:

  • 140g (5oz) lasagne sheets
  • Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
  1. Prepare the pasta according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  2. Make the meat sauce: Heat oil in a saucepan, brown the minced beef, then add the vegetables and garlic. Stir for 2 minutes.
  3. Stir in the flour and cook until brown. Add stock, wine, herbs, and tomato purée. Simmer for 1 to 1½ hours until thick and syrupy.
  4. Make the cream sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add the bay leaf and flour, and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat, gradually add milk, then return to heat, stirring continuously until thick and creamy. Remove bay leaf and season.
  5. Assemble the lasagne: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F, Gas Mark 5). In an ovenproof dish, layer meat sauce, pasta, and cream sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with cream sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

For a Dairy Free alternative to this receipe, you can substitute the butter and milk for Dairy Free alternatives of your choice.  The parmesan cheese can also be either substituted for a dairy free cheese or omitted.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

We’ll let you know as soon as our new stock arrives, but in the meantime, explore our available products and find the perfect knife or sharpening tool for your kitchen. Have questions? Reach out—we’re happy to help!

Happy cooking! 🍽️