Another Milestone
Situated on a farm in KwaZulu-Natal is the Milestone Factory, a leading kitchen cabinet design company that has, over the years, made a positive impact on kitchen design with its distinctive, state-of-the-art, free-standing units many foodies and home lovers dream of having. The recent opening of its Sales Warehouse, a Cape Town-based retail space in the heart of Woodstock, gives customers the opportunity to experience Milestone products first-hand and the chance to get their hands on some factory seconds and one-off pieces at discount prices.
Visit milestonekitchens.co.za or call 076 908 0565 for more information.
State of the art
SodaStream is a popular household appliance, so much so that many assumed this nifty product originated in South Africa. In fact, this wonderful invention was thought up in 1903 by Guy Hugh Gilbey of London Dry Gin fame and sold to upper class and even royal households at the time. This year not only marks 120 years of the carbonated water producer, but the release of its latest sparkling water makers — the “ART” and “Terra”, two elegant new looks that form part of the brand's next-generation, state-of-the-art consumer experience. The ART, our personal favourite, sports a slick and sexy design, with its carbonation lever turning making your favourite sparking drink into, er, an art. It also makes quite a statement in the kitchen.
The ART retails for R2,499 and the Terra for R1,299. They are available at leading retailers.
Tableware tricks
We all agree that keeping cutlery and crockery sparkling clean and stain-free can be arduous, but we are here to help with a few nifty tips from our friends at Maxwell & Williams. “Treat your beautifully crafted items with the love and kindness they deserve and they will serve you for many years — even decades,” says general manager Betsie van der Westhuizen as she shares her tips with us.
1. Care for instructions Always check the label at the bottom of the plate and on cutlery packaging to ensure you follow the special care instructions. These days most tableware items are dishwasher safe, but if in doubt, opt for hand-washing and check for any decorative metallic details as some might not be microwave, oven or dishwasher safe.
2. Clean start Before using anything for the first time, wash it and remove stickers as they tend to get stickier with time. Don't let dirty mugs and plates stand for too long as darker pigments in products such as red wine, coffee, tea and curries can leave stains if not rinsed right after use.
3. Stack and store Before packing away crockery and cutlery, ensure they are dry and free from water stains, and don’t stack them in large piles as this can cause damage and scratching. Coffee filters or paper plates work perfectly to separate and protect older, more delicate fine china. Also, to avoid cracks and chips caused by weight, don't stack them too high.
4. Polished to perfection Rinse or wash your cutlery after use to avoid stains and dry properly with a soft cloth, even when unloading from the dishwasher. If you have 18/0 stainless steel cutlery, you might want to steer clear of washing them in the dishwasher so they maintain their shine, stay stain-free and look new for years.
5. Wood and water Even though wooden spoons and serving boards are often treated to withstand water, cleaning them in the dishwasher will ruin their durability and grain quickly. Hand washing in mild soap and warm water without soaking, followed by a good dishcloth drying will ensure they maintain their shape, colour and texture. A dash of vegetable oil after drying will prolong the wood's durability and give it new life.
6. Temperature checks Always check labels to ensure your tableware is oven-safe and never put a piping hot dish in cold water or an item from the fridge or freezer into a preheated oven. Keep regular bowls and plates away from ovens and open flames unless care instructions allow.
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