kitchen rap

• on the chopping block… Cookware Sale on Now!
• in the spotlight… Mother's Day Gift Suggestions
• special offer… KitchenAid bonus
• Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh's Treat Mum to Breakfast in Bed
• from Kathleen's recipe box... Grand Orange Fruit Cup
• from Kathleen's recipe box... French Toast Soufflé
• from Kathleen's recipe box... Rhubarb & Ginger Cordial
• from the Robin Hood recipe box... Make Ahead Sticky Buns
• publishing and subscription information

Cuisinart's Classic Collection cookware features 18/10 stainless steel construction, with a professional mirrored exterior and an interior which does not react with food. A pure aluminum encapsulated base ensures even heat distribution and precise temperature control. Rims are tapered for drip-free pouring, and tight fitting stainless steel lids seal in food's natural juices. The cast stainless steel riveted handles stay cool on the stovetop. Oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe, the Classic Collection cookware is covered by a lifetime warranty.

7 piece cookware set -- $150.00   save $50
10 piece cookware set -- $225.00   save $75
Save 10% on open stock Cuisinart Classic Collection cookware throughout the sale period

Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless

Cuisinart's premium MultiClad Stainless cookware features professional triple ply construction: a core of pure aluminum bonded to a highly polished stainless steel interior and a brushed stainless steel exterior. Designed to provide professional gourmet cooking results, this cookware offers heat surround technology to maintain even heat distribution along the bottoms and side walls of the cookware, eliminating hot spots. Rims are tapered for drip-free pouring, and tight fitting stainless steel lids seal in food's natural juices. The stainless steel handles have thumb rests and are riveted to the cookware bodies for ultimate control when lifting and pouring. Oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe, the Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless cookware is covered by a lifetime warranty.

7 piece cookware set* -- $315.00   save 10%
10 piece cookware set -- $382.50   save 10%
Save 20% on open stock Cuisinart MultiClad Stainless cookware throughout the sale period
* very limited quantities available

Cuisinox Elite

The Cuisinox Elite three-ply professional cookware features a core of pure aluminum bonded to a highly polished 18/10 stainless steel interior and a hand polished mirror finish 18/10 stainless steel exterior. Designed to provide professional gourmet cooking results, Cuisinox cookware offers heat surround technology to maintain even heat distribution along the bottoms and side walls of the cookware, eliminating hot spots. The pure aluminum cores provide unsurpassed heat conductivity and heat and cool quickly for precise temperature control. The stainless steel cooking surfaces do not react with food or alter food flavours, and are easy to clean. Cast stainless steel handles are permanently attached with stainless steel capped rivets, keeping them cool to the touch. The stainless steel lids have a deep draw to retain food's natural juices and nutrients for more flavourful results. Oven, broiler, and dishwasher safe, Cuisinox cookware is covered by a 25 year warranty.

7 piece cookware set -- $350.00   save $105
8" skillet -- $35.00   save 50%
8" non-stick skillet -- $45.00   save 50%
Save 20% on all other open stock Cuisinox Elite cookware throughout the sale period

Calphalon One

Calphalon One is a new hybrid cookware that combines the best qualities of both traditional metal and nonstick cooking surfaces. The interior and exterior surfaces of these anodized aluminum pans are infused with an advanced release polymer. Unlike non-stick coatings that simply sit on top of metal, this material penetrates below the surface into the pores of the metal. The infused anodized cooking surface offers superb durability and versatility in the kitchen; it sears perfectly, releases with ease, deglazes beautifully, and provides easy cleanup. Use any type of utensils you like--including metal--when you cook with Calphalon One. The pans feature flared rims for extra strength and ease of pouring, brushed stainless steel lids, and balanced stainless steel handles which stay comfortably cool during stove-top cooking. Oven and broiler safe, the Calphalon One cookware is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Introductory promotion prices:
• 8 piece cookware set -- $659.00
• 10 piece cookware set -- $799.00
• 9" chef's skillet* -- $79.00
• 2 quart sauté pan -- $79.00
• 7 quart sauté pan* -- $149.00
• 3 quart shallow sauce pan* -- $129.00
• Save 20% on all other open stock Calphalon One cookware throughout the sale period
* some promotion and open stock items are currently available by special order only

Swiss Diamond

Swiss Diamond cookware features a revolutionary diamond reinforced non-stick cooking surface that provides optimum non-stick performance, durability, and easy clean up. The secret behind this advanced cookware technology is the result of combining diamond crystals--the hardest material known to man--with a non-stick nanocomposite to form a virtually indestructible non-stick cooking surface which is fused to the pan (rather than layered over the pan, as is the case with most other non-stick coatings). It's guaranteed never to crack, blister, or peel off and is so durable that it is safe to use with metal utensils. And, since nothing conducts heat more efficiently or quickly than diamonds, the cookware ensures optimum heat transfer without hot spots, no matter what you are cooking. The precision cast aluminum cookware has a perfectly flat extra thick base which will never warp. It has stay-cool handles ergonomically designed for comfort and balance and vented, heat tempered glass lids which offer see-though convenience to prevent boil-overs or over cooking. Oven safe to 500°F and dishwasher safe, the Swiss Diamond cookware is covered by a lifetime warranty.

7 piece cookware set -- $562.50   save 10%
10 piece cookware set -- $765.00   save 10%
Save 10% on all other open stock Swiss Diamond cookware throughout the sale period

Le Creuset

Le Creuset's enameled cast iron French ovens and casseroles are ideal for braising meats and vegetables and cooking long-simmering soups or stews, and are elegant enough for serving at the table. Enameled cast iron distributes heat evenly; combined with tight fitting lids, this creates a blanket of heat gently cooking foods while sealing in moisture and flavour, whether on the stove or in the oven. Once the pans get hot, they stay hot, meaning you can cook with lower temperatures; the cookware also keeps food warm longer at the table. The porcelain enamel coating is non-reactive and won't absorb food odours or flavours, and is dishwasher safe; you can even use the cookware to store food in the refrigerator or freezer. Le Creuset cookware is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Save 20% on all Le Creuset cookware throughout the sale period

	KitchenArt Select-a-Spice spice carousel provides storage for twelve spices on a rotating base. The individual removable spice containers dispense 1/4 teaspoon of spices with each click of the dial, and have both a shaker port and a large pour spout. $76.00
	KitchenCalc recipe conversion calculator scales recipe ingredients up or down to achieve the portion and serving sizes desired and converts all common food preparation measurements (including metric/Imperial). The large LCD display shows you the units you're working in, avoiding confusion. The built-in timer displays hours, minutes, and seconds and features a beeper alarm with a distinct sound alerting you when timing is complete; the timer counts up or down and continues to track the time even while the calculator is performing other functions. Of course, the recipe conversion calculator also functions as a standard math calculator, with memory function. Handheld and countertop versions available. $46.50/$63.00
	StirChef hands-free saucepan stirrer is battery-operated and stirs sauces, soups, puddings, risotto, and any dish that calls for continuous stirring, allowing you to spend time preparing other dishes, entertain, or look after the kids. An intermittent speed setting stirs the food for 12 seconds, then waits 12 seconds before stirring again. StirChef stirs from the bottom of the pan up, for greater consistency, and the steady speed will not splatter food. Specially designed heat-resistant paddles reach into the corners of the pan on every sweep. StirChef folds up easily to store in your kitchen drawer and batteries are included! $35.00
	Zyliss salad spinners have an easy to pull cord which spins the lettuce in the bowl, removing water. Automatically changes direction of rotation of the spinning basket to ensure crisp, dry lettuce. Gentle enough to use for spinning vegetables and berries. The basket can be used as a strainer, and the stainless steel bowl as a salad bowl. Available with a stainless steel or ABS plastic bowl in 10" and 8" diameters. $23.00 - $59.50 Limited to stock on hand; limited quantities available.
	Chicago Metallic's Commercial jelly roll pans are crafted from heavy-weight aluminized steel, combining the durability, strength, and superior heat conduction of steel with the corrosion-resistance of an aluminum-silicone alloy. The pans have a wire rod curled inside the rims to provide extra strength and warp-resistance. The pans show almost no wear even after years of use, are dishwasher safe, and are covered by a 25 year warranty. 9 × 12, $13.25; set of 2 13 × 18, $37.00
	Chicago Metallic's Professional jelly roll pans are manufactured of the same materials as the Commercial pans and have a Silverstone non-stick coating bonded to the metal in a high-temperature coil-coating process, ensuring strong, long-lasting adhesion, even coverage, and superior performance. Dishwasher safe and covered by a 25 year warranty. 9 × 12, $16.50; set of 2 13 × 18 with a bonus cooling grid, $49.25
	Nordic Ware's Bundt and Wilton's Dimensions non-stick cast aluminum pans enable you to create impressive cakes with the greatest of ease. Use for a variety of cakes, breads, entrees, salads, and frozen desserts. Because of the detailed design, baked cakes only require a dusting of icing sugar for decoration. Choose from a classic Bundt pan, a lovely rose, the new chrysanthemum pan, mini flowers, or any of the more than 30 different traditional round shapes, rectangular cakes, and Bundt-style muffins. $36.75 - $42.50 The new Bundt Classics cookbook contains a collection of 150 of the best classic and award winning Bundt recipes. $35.00

Click here to see more Mother's Day gift suggestions!

Purchase a KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer before May 9, 2004 and you'll receive* the KitchenAid Baker's Collection for your mom to enjoy. The 5 quart, 325 watt Artisan stand mixer is available in 11 colours to suit every mom. The baker's collection includes a cookie sheet, cooling rack, silicone spatula and turner, measuring cups and spoons ($110 approximate value).

* Offer valid only for Artisan Stand Mixer 4KSM150PS purchases made between April 5 and May 9, 2004. To receive the bonus offer, fill in a claim form (provided at time of delivery) and mail it with a copy of your purchase receipt (e-mailed to you at time of order placement) and product UPC code. Offer valid only in Canada while supplies last. Some restrictions apply. See claim form for eligibility requirements and offer details.

I don't know about your Mum, but mine never would have agreed to be pampered with breakfast in bed on Mother's Day -- or any day, in fact. A hard-working woman all of her life, she just wasn't a bon-bon and magazine sort of Mum. She certainly treated me to it, from time to time when, as a child I might be occasionally less than well. Then, a tray laden with her own very good chicken soup, hot buttered toast (crusts removed) and tea with milk and sugar served in one of her best cups would be brought up the stairs to me. Once in a while, on a Saturday morning, she would make special little toasted bacon sandwiches, made even better because she smeared good marmalade on the toast before adding the bacon. These were cut into neat little squares -- all the easier to eat while still abed -- and enjoyed with orange juice Mum made using her old heavy glass juicer.

Any meal presented with love and enjoyed out of the usual context is always very appealing, and when the new 'context' is your bed, it becomes absolutely luxurious.

Buy a pile of her favourite magazines, double-stack her pillows, light a scented candle -- during the day, how decadent -- put her favourite piece of music on the CD player, all of which will set the scene nicely for the repast to follow. Bacon, eggs and toast will be received warmly by her, no doubt, but why not pump up the culinary volume a little -- you've only got one Mum.

So, with all of the above in mind, here is a colourful trio of delights to be presented to your Mum on Mother's Day, or to Dad on Father's Day, to your best guy or girl, or anyone at all. It will make them feel ultra special and isn't that what breakfast in bed is all about.

Until next month, cook and eat with love,

Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh

Kathleen Sloan-McIntosh is a Toronto-born food writer whose work has appeared in major Canadian newspapers and magazines. Author of seven cookbooks -- Rustic Italian Cooking, The Global Grill, The Sticks & Stones Cookbook (with Ted Reader), The Wine Lover Cooks (with Tony Aspler), Great Potatoes: A Cook's Guide to Over 150 Delicious Recipes, A Year in Niagara: The People and Food of Wine Country, and New Celtic Cooking (with Ted McIntosh) -- she lives with her beau and their black lab and assorted children who come and go, in Niagara wine country.

Grand Orange Fruit Cup

Choose the largest seedless oranges you can find for this recipe. Failing that, a grapefruit will make a good stand-in, but make sure to add some fresh orange to the fruit mixture. Vary the fruit according to what you can readily obtain, just make sure it is all fresh, not canned. Especially good is the combination of apple, banana, pineapple, seedless red and green grapes, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries.

1. Slice the orange or grapefruit in half. Using a grapefruit spoon (or any spoon), scoop out the pulp and juice into a medium-sized bowl. Add the prepared fruit to the bowl along with the sugar and liqueur, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Let stand, covered, for about 30 minutes to allow flavours to develop.
2. When ready to serve, spoon the fruit mixture into the halves of the hollowed out orange or grapefruit. Garnish with fresh mint.

Serves 2

French Toast Soufflé

This is a simple-to-prepare breakfast or brunch dish that is absolutely one of the best things to make for a special occasion. It is completely delicious, receiving 'wows' from everyone who enjoys it. Don't fret over the calories/carbs/fat content, just enjoy it. This makes enough for the whole family -- in or out of bed. Make sure to start preparations for this the night before. It requires almost an hour in the oven and then about 15 minutes or so standing time. Choose ordinary supermarket croissants for this dish and if they are day-old, so much the better.

1. Generously spray the base and sides of a 9" × 13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a food processor, coarsely chop the croissants; distribute them evenly in the baking dish. In a food processor, combine cream cheese, butter, and 1/2 cup/125 mL of the maple syrup; distribute evenly over the chopped croissants. In a food processor or a large bowl, beat eggs, 1/2 cup/125 mL of the maple syrup, and the half-and-half. Pour over the croissants. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
3. Remove from refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F/175C. Remove plastic wrap and place in the oven to bake 45 - 50 minutes or until golden brown and puffed. Remove from oven and let stand for about 15 - 20 minutes.
4. In small saucepan, heat 1/2 cup/125 mL butter and 1/2 cup/125 mL maple syrup and pour over the warm soufflé. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and chopped pecans. Serve with lightly whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla-flavoured yogurt.

Serves 8

Rhubarb & Ginger Cordial

Cordials are old-fashioned liquid refreshments from bygone days. While they can be served as an aperitif before dinner or with sparkling water over ice, they are also lovely at the beginning of the day. Make this the night before so it receives a good chilling overnight in the refrigerator. This will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Serve in a clear wine glass so the beautiful colour can be enjoyed.

• In a large stainless steel sauce pan set over medium-high heat, combine rhubarb with sugar, water, cloves, and ginger. Gently bring to the boil, then reduce heat to a simmer until rhubarb is soft, about 5 minutes. Strain through a sieve and serve chilled. Garnish with fresh mint.

Serves 4

Make Ahead Sticky Buns

Next time you’re preparing a special weekend breakfast or brunch, be sure to prepare these make ahead sticky buns. These tasty buns are a delicious, convenient way to feed a crowd. Simply prepare the sticky buns the day before. Then enjoy fresh from the oven the next morning. Your family will love the moist and chewy dough and the irresistible filling of pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Make ahead sticky buns are delicious on their own or try serving them with homemade preserves and an assortment of fresh fruits, tea and coffee.

1. For the dough, combine 2 cups/500 mL flour, sugar, salt and yeast in large bowl. Add milk, margarine and egg. Beat 1 minute. Stir in enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.
2. Knead dough on floured board for 5 minutes. Place in greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise in warm place until doubled, about 75 minutes.
3. While the dough is rising, prepare the topping. Bring brown sugar and margarine to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in syrup. Pour into a 9" × 13" rectangular baking pan. Sprinkle pecan halves on top.
4. Punch dough down. Roll out into a 15" × 10"/37 × 25 cm rectangle. Spread with margarine.
5. Combine pecans, brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over dough.
6. Starting at long side, roll up tightly, pinching seam to seal. Cut into 15 pieces. Place in pan. Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate 12-48 hours.
7. Bake uncovered at 350°F/180C for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 3 minutes in pan, then invert onto serving platter.

Makes 15 buns

Recipe © 2004, Robin Hood Multifoods Inc. Reprinted with permission.
For more great recipes, see the Robin Hood Baking Festival Cookbook or visit the Robin Hood website.