Blogs & Websites that we LOVE!

Every so often we stumble upon a blog or website we love. Here you will find those such sites with a little write-up on each. We are constantly amazed for instance, by the creativity and imagination on cooking blogs where enthusiasts have created a meal, dish or desert from scratch with their own twist. Similarly, a website offering a great write-up on a product, kitchenware-related tips, an interesting take on life and everything in between is just as likely to be celebrated! We genuinely love every site listed here and generally focus on smaller, under-appreciated niche sites but you may also find some of the bigger players here too!

To each and all, we offer our stamp of approval for recognition of a great site. If you think your website or blog is worthy of gracing these pages, please submit it to us by email (sales[at]4yourkitchen.co.uk) or through Twitter/Facebook and we'll take a look!

An English Kitchen - Traditional Food Blog

I was originally attracted to this blog via the 'Afternoon Tea' section (very English!) thanks to the lip-smacking ideas and recipes contained within. I am now a regular reader and explorer of The English Kitchen because the inspiring ideas and the easy-reading banter accompanying the dishes always leave me with a warm (and often hungry) feeling inside - I defy anyone to experience otherwise!

Originally a native of Canada, Marie, the blog's author has lived and cooked in the UK for the past decade. During this time she has built up an extensive knowledge of traditional British dishes taking each and every idea just that little further.

Fun, Novelty Cakes for any occasion!

I found 'Fun Cakes' a little while ago when researching ideas for novelty cakes and was blown away by the imagination and creativity. The things these guys can do with a bit of marzipan is nothing short of mind boggling and if they were based any nearer I am sure I would commission one or two birthday cakes! Particular favourites are the Playstation 3 cake and curry cake complete with bottle of beer but the ideas don't stop there. RSPCS Vans, fishing boats, and even a Barclays Bank branch have been baked with astonishing results! Fun Cakes are based in Locks Heath near Southampton and can deliver to addresses within a 50 mile radius.

Home Cooking - Private Chef Services

We stumbled upon this site and really love the concept of this unique service. The idea is that you can hire your own personal chef and/or butler for the night or weekend to cater for your every whim. This is really great if you are hosting a dinner or party and feel a little insecure about your cooking skills or if you'd rather join in the festivities rather than slaving away in a steamy kitchen all night. The opportunities are endless; how about a romantic night in with a partner - they'll love champagne poured by their very own butler! Or how about a barbecue party all taken care of while you sip cocktails with friends! All dishes, presentation and services are tailored to your individual wishes and is available all round the country and even Europe!

Allotment Growing

Allotment.org.uk is billed as the most popular allotment site in the UK and it is easy to see why - there is absolutely tonnes of practical and actionable information and advice on here with regards to self sufficiency. We especially love the jam and preserve section which showcases an array of thoughtful and creative recipes that you can apply to your own home-grown or shop-bought fruit and veg.

All of the content on the site is written by John & Val Harrison who are extremely pasisonate about their hobbies and this is clearly reflected in their writing - and their dedicated following! While John concentrates on the gardening and harvesting side of things, Val contributes by way home made recipes, giving new life to the crops grown. We're sure you'll agree they make a great team!

Honey & Jam - Incredible Recipe Blog

I don't like honey, but I LOVE this blog. Maybe its the rustic, natural photography. Maybe its the sincerity of the author, Hannah. Maybe its just the not-so-standard recipes. Whatever it it, you should follow this blog and try out some of the stuff on there. Each of the recipes are accompanied by a little back-story, beautiful photos & an easy to follow guide. Personal favourites come courtesy of the blackberry sorbet and cranberry-orange shortbread cookies but there are some pretty great savoury ideas too! Check it out and thank me later...

Pick Your Own Farm Directory (& much more!)

When I set out to research and create some jam-making content, this is a site that I visited time and time again. What started as a directory for "Pick your own" farms and locations has morphed into a one-stop shop for everything canning / preserving. If you have ever been interested in preparing your own jams, jellies, pickles etc, get your eyeballs round this great resource.

This unique site isn't just confined to the delights of fruit canning, oh no sir! You will also find information on seasonal subjects like halloween and Christmas, classifieds for products/services and of course a large database containing details on local pick-your-own farms country-wide.

Let's Get Cooking

Funded by the Lottery, Let's Get Cooking is a fabulous organisation designed to increase awareness of healthy eating, predominantly among school children and their families by running a network of cooking clubs throughout England. 5000 clubs, set up in schools nationally, help children aged 5-18 build up their cooking skills and knowledge of healthy eating. Let's Get Cooking also supports adults in the work place by offering workshops and training courses which teach the participants how to prepare simple and quick healthy meals to provide the foundations for a new-found healthy lifestyle and ultimately a more productive work day.

Let's Get Cooking is supported by the National Lottery, The Prince's Trust, British Nutrition Foundation, and the RSPH among others.