If you want the bell to ring, you must wind up the spring.
It is important to preset the spring, by winding it up all the way!
Then – turn the dial back, and set it to your chosen time.

Ring tone too weak – did you preset the spring?
Ring tone too short – did you preset the spring?

How to set a Mechanical Kitchen Timer in detail

first – wind up the spring

• turn the dial clockwise as far as it will go
• this is often one full turn – or as far as 55-60 minutes

second – set your chosen time

• turn the dial anti – clockwise
• until the pointer on your timer lines up with your chosen time.

That’s all.
   

You can see a selection of Mechanical Kitchen Timers here at Richmond Cookshop

Italian Parmesan Grater – grates fresh parmesan, with just a few turns of the handle.

This is a traditional Italian parmesan grater; designed for use in the home.
You should use it to grate small quantities of parmesan, at the very last minute, for maximum flavour.

It’s fast and easy to use, and will grind right down to the very last piece of cheese.
And of course, you won’t need to worry about grating your fingertips.

• keeps finger safe!
• easy to use – just insert the cheese, squeeze the grater, and turn the handle
• grates powder fine parmesan, for sprinkling over pasta dishes
• or for topping dishes that are about to go in the oven, or under the grill
• suitable for use in the kitchen, or at the table
• stainless steel grating drum
• stainless steel frame
• comfortable black plastic handle
• easy to clean
• simply boxed

Have you used this parmesan grater, or do you have a favourite grater?

You can see the Acea Parmesan Grater here at Richmond Cookshop

You can see a selection of Parmesan Graters here at Richmond Cookshop

The rollers on your pasta machine are made from carbon steel.
If you wash them with water, they will rust, no matter how careful you are.
Rusted and pitted rollers, will tear in to your pasta as you process it, and will ruin it.

• you may clean the main frame with warm soapy water and a soft sponge
• work carefully, to ensure that water does not spill onto the rollers
• dry immediately 
• clean the rollers by turning the handle, and running a pastry brush back and forth across each roller
• Italian cooks have been doing it like this for generations!
• store your pasta machine in a dry area
• try to store it on a low shelf – it is quite a heavy gadget

If you are looking for a pasta machine you can see one here at Richmond Cookshop

Use it just like a garlic press – but add cooked potatoes instead of garlic

You’ll get light, fluffy potatoes every time – smooth and lump free!

• choose floury potatoes – King Edwards and Maris Piper are good
• most large baking potatoes will also work well
• cut in to even sized pieces
• cook in salted water until tender
• drain
• place back in the hot pot for a few minutes to dry
• add a few pieces of potato to the potato ricer
• squeeze the arms together to rice the potatoes
• continue, until all of your potatoes are ready
• serve immediately, whilst still hot
• or add your favourite flavourings and serve hot
• wash your potato ricer immediately – it’s easier

• don’t overfill your ricer – the arms will be difficult to squeeze together!

Some cooks advise cooking potatoes in their skin to retain flavour and nutrients, others advise baking your potaotes in the oven before ricing.
Most cooks cut large baking potatoes in to pieces before boiling.
New potatoes and salad potaotes are not recommended.

You can see a selection of Potato Ricers at Richmond Cookshop

Do you use a potato ricer?
Do you have any suggestions for quick, tasty additions to riced potatoes?

There are only three parts, and the first two just slot together.
Fitting the last piece is a little bit of a fiddle, but there is an easy way of doing this.

Your Mouli – you should have three parts

• A bowl with a handle.
  . Inside the bowl, near the top, there will be 2 loops or 2 hooks.
• A domed sieving disc.
  If you have more than one, you must choose which one you wish to use.
• A pushing plate with a handle.
  Half way along the handle there is a bar, with a hook or a loop at either end.

Assembling your Mouli - there are only a few steps

First – Fit the Domed Sieve

• Place the bowl on a work surface.
• Drop the sieve into the bowl – with the centre pointing upwards

Second – Fit the Pushing Plate

• Pick up the pushing plate.
• Place the central rod into the hole in middle of the sieve.

Third – Fit the Retaining Bar to the Bowl

• Wiggle the bar about a bit, and attempt to marry up one of  the loops with one of the hooks.
• One of them will fit in easily.
• Now place the mouli on a work surface – with the “free” bar at 12 – o – clock to yourself.
• Cup your hands under the bowl
• Place your thumbs on the free bar – near the end – and press down.
• Finished!
• Trying to find a Mouli? We have a selection of Mouli and Baby Mouli food mills, which may be of interest.