Clever s*ds - help required please!!

[clvrlad]

well i suppose i could cheat and do them at work....

we've 2 of these at work set up to print labels off

we print a few thousand every weekend

[Wulfruna]

I've long since given up on any of the supposed standard label programmes actually fitting onto the page, so I always do it by Giraffe's method of printing onto plain paper and then making sure it matches the label page and photocopying on to it. If they still don't quite match all the way to the bottom, then you can cut across the page in the middle and adjust it accordingly.

[Bunnylump]

Just made chilli jam and Christmas chutney. I'm not convinced that my Le Creuset has survived the experience, however... Does anyone have any top tips for getting gooey burned stuff off the bottom of a Le Creuset cast iron casserole dish?

Also, does anyone know of any good places to get cheap but attractive, small glass jars please?

Next step will be the home made truffles and shortbread. I have inherited a really nice wooden shortbread mould, but don't know how to stop the shortbread from sticking in the grooves and not coming out properly. Last time I tried flour, and that didn't work. Any tips?

[LAT]

When I made crab apple jelly a few years ago I got jars from Lakeland. They were just small plain jars though. But they might do different types now.

If the Le Creuset is the lined type it should wash off OK but it might need a bit of a soak first. Mine usually comes up fine with a bit of rubbing at it.

Not sure about the shortbread moulds. My suggestion would be to find somewhere that sells them and see if they have recipes or advice.

[giraffe]

Leave the pot to soak with hot water and washing powder in it. The washing powder should get the brown satins out. (Well it does with my pyroflam casserole dish, but I don't know if Le Creuset is different) I think bicarbonate of soda works too, but I always use washing powder for stubborn stains. Good on tea pots too.

Somewhere like hobbycraft might have jars, or one of those cheap shops that sell an odd assortment of toiletries, toys, household etc.

[giraffe]

You can get spray on non stick stuff I think. Don't know if it works on wood or shortbread. Lakeland might do that.

[Bunnylump]

I've never been to Lakeland. I just googled and it seems there is one in Watford. I will have a look, thanks. And I'll try the washing powder tip too.

The mould is really old. It used to by D's mum's - she had it from when she was first married in Scotland.

[LAT]

I love Lakeland. They have such great stuff there. They might even be able to offer advice on the shortbread moulds.

[giraffe]

I think Lakeland are expensive. Some of their stuff is good though.

[Bunnylump]

I had hoped to get some from Wilkinson's. It's a horrible crappy shop, but it is quite good for random things like that usually. Unfortunately they didn't have any. Mind you, they did have giant Kilner clip top jars (which hold about a litre and a half) for £3 which I thought was a big improvement on the M &S own brand version which was about half the size and cost £7.

[LAT]

I think Lakeland also do mail order if you can't get there easily.
I've just remembered something I asked for last year from them but my OH left it too late to go shopping and they'd sold out - they did a set of about 6 different size star shaped cookie cutters. So if you made two of each size and stacked them turning each one slightly the end effect was like a Christmas tree. I might have to drop some hints again if they have them in stock this year too.

[Bunnylump]

Well, if I do manage to get there and see some I'll get you some if you like.

[clvrlad]

99p ones?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/228gm-Hexagonal ... 01&sr=1-16
[edit]
or 75p ones?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005 ... =&v=glance

[Bunnylump]

They could be worth a look too. Thank you.

[giraffe]

I got some from Hobby craft, I think.

[Bunnylump]

Thank you for your suggestions, ladies (and tin dog). I visited Lakeland and purchased some nice little lidded jars which were on special offer. Sadly, all the star shaped cookie cutter sets had been sold, but I have asked them to ring me if they get some more in.

It was a very dangerous shop for me to be in, however. I was sorely tempted to buy totally unnecessary things like a beautiful ceramic tagine...

[MBH]

Totally irrelevant to the discussion but I installed some systems and did some data extraction work at the head office of Lakeland Plastics (many, MANY years ago). How good is it to have your head office in Windemere? Long drive but the views were great.

[Bunnylump]

Now that really is a great place to work, isn't it? I could quite happily live in the Lake District. Well, if it wasn't for the tourists...

[giraffe]

I've never been to the Lake district but I went through once on the train on the way to Scotland. In fact I've only been to Scotland once.

[Bunnylump]

Giraffe!! You must go. It is so beautiful!! And you must also go to Scotland. There is breathtaking scenery there -it has to be seen to be believed. You just need to avoid the summer because of the midges. I'd strongly recommend May for Scottish glens for that reason.