With Chinese New Year just around the corner once again, we’ve come up with a handy guide to spring cleaning your kitchen! Delve into our tips and tricks to ditch the dirt, leaving your kitchen spick and span, just in time to start the Chinese New Year festivities!

Spring Cleaning Tip #1: Get ready!
Don’t create any unnecessary stress for yourself! Here are some tips you can use to make your spring cleaning a tad more enjoyable:

• Put on some good tunes
• Do dishes, dry and put away
• Remove any non-kitchen clutter
• Set up large box or bag for items to trash
• Set up large box or bag for items to donate

Spring Cleaning Tip #2: Grab all of your cleaning supplies together!
Never underestimate the value of preparation! Having all your supplies within reach will help you to clean up your kitchen faster and more efficiently once you get started. Here’s what we like to always have on hand when the holidays are around the corner; these will come in handy when the festivities are in full swing and you don’t have time to run to the supermarket! Here are some supplies that we think will come in handy:

Cleaning Supplies: Town Talk Washing Up Liquid, If You Care Sponge Cloths & Food Waste Compostable Trash Bags

Don’t forget your arsenal of basic pantry needs too! We like the Salt & Pepper Mills from Cole & Mason for its style and functionality. Grab these from our online store if you’re feeling lazy – enjoy free shipping for orders above $150!

Spring Cleaning Tip #3: Give your pots and pans a good scrub-down
Scrub cast iron cookware with a soft sponge and coarse salt, then rinse away the salt. For stubborn stains, try removing them with a cloth and white vinegar. Tip: Never soak stainless steel cookware as their surfaces might become pitted!
Looking to refresh your cookware for the coming year? Here are some useful guides to get you started:

Tips and Tricks to Buying Cookware
Quick & Easy Guide to Buying Aluminium Cookware
Taking Care of Your Carbon Steel Cookware

Spring Cleaning Tip #4: Have your knives professionally sharpened
A set of good knives is the start of a great dish. Not only will sharp knives make your prep work easier, but they’ll make it safer as well! Invest in a durable knife sharpener and your knives will be with you for years to come. We like the Jamie Oliver Knife Block with 5 Knives that includes a carving knife, utility knife, paring knife and more!

Spring Cleaning Tip #5: Put everything in its place
A brand new year calls for new resolutions. Made a promise to yourself to clean up your diet for 2016? Stocking your kitchen with healthier choices is the first step to healthy eating. To ensure your healthy eating habits stick around and to encourage clean eating, it’s important to put some thought into the way you store your foods. From the pantry all the way to your fridge, place nutritious foods at eye level, front and centre, and put the sinful stuff at the back. You might be less tempted to snack! Remember to arrange your storage areas in a manner that encourages you to reach for them will be a kick-start to a healthy new year!

Spring Cleaning Tip #6: Clean your cutting boards
No kitchen can do without a reliable cutting board. Many people usually have a particular preference, such as wood or plastic. Whichever you prefer, always take steps to ensure that your cutting board lasts a long time and is safe from any food-borne bacteria. Whenever your cutting board is dirty, clean both sides with a damp cloth and a mild antibacterial soap. Rinse it with hot water, and wipe it clean with a clean cloth. Finally, let it try in an upright position.
Wooden cutting boards require more attention – give it a generous sprinkling of coarse salt once every few weeks, and rub it with a slice of lemon. Finish by rinsing well with hot water, then wipe it with a clean cloth.

Here’s a handy guide if you are looking at purchasing a new cutting board!

We hope you find these tips helpful in cleaning up your kitchen!

The holiday season is once again upon us.

Shop for gifts early at the ToTTful Christmas Sale to avoid the stress of last-minute shopping!

With more than 100 carefully selected kitchenware bundles going at up to 50% off, it’s easy to find the perfect gift.

Need help with your selection? Here are some of our favourites:

1. Nordic Ware Cake Pops Baking Pan and Meri Meri Santa Cake Pop Treat Kit (Bundle Price $60, U.P $85.75)

Ideal for baking enthusiasts, this exclusive bundle comes with Nordic Ware’s 2-piece pan and the adorable Meri Meri Cake Pop Treat Kit which includes 6 stand-up Santa cake pop holders.

2. Magisso Carafe + Mini Serving Cup, Set of 2 (Bundle Price $69, U.P $99.80)

You can never go wrong with a Red Dot Design Award winner! Made out of Magisso’s Naturally Cooling Ceramics, the Magisso Carafe and Mini Serving Cup keep your drinks cool for one to two hours. Simply soak the them in water for a minute or two before use.

3. Jamie Oliver Large Oven Dish (Yellow) + Wooden Salad Server + Single Oven Glove (Bundle Price $42, U.P $64.70)

Pretty yet practical, Jamie Oliver’s dining ware has won the hearts of home cooks everywhere. This bundle includes 3 items – a cheery and versatile Large Oven Dish (Yellow), a rustic Wooden Salad Server and a Single Oven Glove. You simply cannot beat this value, so grab a set for yourself while you’re at it

4. Nordic Ware Oven Essentials Roaster + Fold Up Roasting Rack (Now $64, U.P $90.80)

Like Mac and Cheese, these two roasting essentials by Nordic Ware are simply made for each other. Prepare a small roast in the Essentials Roaster while achieving the perfect crisp outside with the Fold up Roasting Rack. No more uneven roasts at the dinner table

5. Cole & Mason 6-Jar Herb & Spice Rack (now $36, U.P $51.90)

Chic and sleek, the Cole & Mason 6-Jar Herb & Spice Rack is ideal for the style-conscious home owner.  The spice jars are made of beautifully blown glass and chrome accents. The caps twist to close/open, pour or sprinkle spices.

6. Jamie Oliver Embossed Mug, Set of 4 + Embossed Serving Jug (Bundle Price $43.90, U.P $62.80)

The Jamie Oliver Embossed Mug and Jug bundle would make lovely additions to any home. White with accented handles, the collection adds a pop of colour to the dining table while retaining its understated charm. A great gift for new homeowners, or anybody who would like to give their dining ware collection and affordable facelift.

7. Jamie Oliver San Acrylic Jug + San Acrylic Goblet (Bundle Price $45. U.P $64.80)

The vintage inspired Jamie Oliver San Acrylic Jug and Goblet are dishwasher safe and shatterproof, making them awesome gifts for families with children and pets. Durable and easy to clean, the bundle is also great for serving up sodas at picnics and porches.

Shop our ToTTful Christmas Sale from 14 November – 27 December 2015 at both Dunearn and Suntec outlets!

Get in the mood for National Day with these red hot picks from ToTT that are sure to brighten up any kitchen!

1. KitchenAid Artisan® Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in Empire Red

Make your favourite cakes and multiple batches of cookie dough easily with the 5-quart/4.8 Litre stainless steel mixing bowl that comes with a comfortable handle. With 10 speeds, the stand mixer will quickly become your kitchen’s culinary centre as you mix, knead and whip ingredients with ease. And for even more versatility, the power hub fits optional attachments from food grinders to pasta makers and more.

2. Microplane Cube Grater in Red

The Cube Grater by Microplane has three convenient blade styles- fine, ribbon and coarse. Makes preparing your favourite dish easy as pie! The Cube Grater’s dual-purpose catch feature can also be used as a measuring device and a protective cover.

3. Quench Martini Master in Red

Whether you like your Martinis shaken or stirred, mastering making the secret service’s most popular cocktail is now super easy. Use the Martini Master’s jigger to measure two shots of Gin and one of vermouth, add into your cocktail spinner (yes, we disagree with your cocktail mixing methods Mr Bond!) with lots of ice, after the gin and vermouth are mixed together pour into a classic martini glass and use the handy zester to create a beautiful garnish for your Martini. Add an olive for an authentic look.

4.  Theo+Co. Pizza Perfector in Red

The Pizza Perfector takes the hard work out of making a great pizza. You know you are in good hands as the appliance is developed by triple-world Champion Pizza Maker Theo Kalogeracos.

Frustrated with not being able to find a competent domestic pizza cooker for his private event engagements, he decided to develop his own. The Pizza Perfector is a uniquely designed piece of equipment that can make anyone cook consistent pizza like a World Champion.

5. Jamie Oliver Pasta Machine

A new and improved Pasta machine from Jamie Oliver, for a smoother pasta making experience. Impress your guests by creating a variety of home-made pasta types (including lasagne, spaghetti, fettucine and tagliatelle) which are healthy and of high quality too. A staple in every contemporary kitchen.

6. The Cooking Doctor Macaron Pastry Set

Packed in an exclusive box, this pastry set contains a double-sided silicone pastry mat, 6 medium size nozzles, an adaptor, a large silicone piping bag and a recipe booklet. Perfect for own use or as a gift.

The mat can be used to make 30 traditional standard macaron of 3.8cm, 8 large (5 cm) macaron or whoopee pie, heart and flower shaped macarons. The mat is made of premium silicone to ensure that it is 100 % non-stick, and with even heat distribution, it is guaranteed to produce macarons with feet.

This set will suit any home baker, as the piping bag is washable and the nozzle can also be used for cupcake or cake decorations. The classic swirl on cupcake, round nozzle for macarons, rose and leave decorations, and even fancy grass shape for novelty cupcakes!

7. Nordic Ware Bavaria Mini Bundts Pan in Red

The Bavaria Mini Bundts Pan from Nordic Ware is perfect for creating bite-sized Bavaria bundt shaped cakelets. The non-stick coated aluminium of the Bavaria Mini Bundts Pan ensures even baking with quick release and easy cleanup. Now, you can create bundt cakelets of a more unique shape with the right amount of rising.

8. de Buyer Mandoline Swing Slicer in Red

The Mandoline Swing Slicer from de Buyer is made from durable stainless steel & composite polymers and with blade produced in Thiers, the French famous town specialized in professional cutlery, this slicer brings professionalism into your kitchen. Technique is inspired from de Buyer’s professional model.

Father’s day is around the corner, but fret not if you haven’t found a gift for dad! Here are 5 gifts from ToTT that Dad is sure to love.

For the Gadget-Loving Dad:

Indulge your gadget-loving dad with arguably the meanest cooking machine around – the Sousvide Supreme. The award-winning SousVide Supreme is the world’s first water oven designed to make the gourmet sous vide cooking technique easy and affordable. Sous vide cooking locks in the juices and flavor and preserves the nutritional quality of the food. The result is incomparable taste and texture: steak perfectly cooked edge-to-edge, vibrant vegetables, juicy tender chicken breasts, and ribs with the meat literally falling off the bone. All at the push of a button.

For the Multi-Tasking Dad:

Reward your old man for his love and dedication to the family with something as efficient as he is. With five separate cooking options, The Cuisinart® Griddler® can handle everything from pancakes to sausages to grilled cheese to steaks, hamburgers and panini. A floating cover and one set of reversible plates that snap in and out turn the Griddler® into a Contact Grill, a Panini Press, a Full Grill, a Full Griddle, or Half Grill/Half Griddle. Dual temperature controls ensure everything is perfectly cooked.

For the Dad Who Loves His Beer:

Remember that time dad gave you your first sip of beer? Honour that memory with the Beer Can Marinade Chicken Roaster by Nordic Ware. This grill or oven roaster lets you make iconic beer can chicken in  two different ways. Use the cone inside of the base or separately. The wide base holds liquid and spices of your choice and may also be used to hold and roast vegetables. The roaster infuses flavour while locking in moisture, giving you chicken that’s crisp on the outside and oh-so-juicy on the inside.

For the “Anything” Dad:

The “Anything”  type of Dad can be hard to shop for, simply because he’s so easygoing. ToTT recommends this foolproof choice – the Pizza Perfector by Theo + Co. Developed by triple-world Champion Pizza Maker, Theo Kalogeracos, the Pizza Perfector takes the hard work out of making the world’s best pizza. With the Pizza Perfector, dad too can cook phenomenal pizzas like a champ.

It’s always fascinating to learn where a chef first got her roots in cooking.

This Mother’s Day, we invite The Cooking Doctor, Dr Jehanne Ali to give us a peek into her life and how she manages being a Mother, Chef and Doctor all at once!

1. How has your mother’s cooking influenced you as a chef?
Food always brings back memories. Little did I know that those years growing up watching my mom tempering chocolates, or running back eagerly from school for the sweet smell of cookies baking in the oven, would shape my passion today. My mom is an excellent baker, who also taught on continental pastries and cakes. It was from her that I learnt my fundamentals of baking.

2. Are there any particular dishes that instantly remind you of Mom?
When I was in medical school in the UK, cooking was not a luxury but a necessity as the halal food scene has not really taken off, like now. I missed my mom’s Sambal chicken, so every time I cooked that for a meal, it instantly reminded me of her. I am also a big fan of her Chocolate Roulade (swiss roll) so she would always baked and carefully packed for me every time I came home for vacation. Those swiss rolls still remind me of home. My mom has kindly shared the recipe with me, so here I am passing it to you. (Recipe here)

3. Would you be able to share a particular fond memory of when she cooked it?
There was one afternoon when I just came back from school and I saw Mom making her chequered swiss rolls for friends. I must be around 8 or 9, and I sulked that she has forgotten to make my favourite roll. That was when she pulled out the fluffiest roll still warm on the pan, and asked me to spread the melted chocolate on top. I was ecstatic, as that was perhaps the first time she ever let me use her kitchen tools!

4. Being a mother (chef and doctor, too!) yourself, what advice would you give to busy working moms who want to start cooking for their kids?
I am glad to see the current trend of kids being encouraged to cook and bake from early age. I think it’s important to shape the young minds to start eating healthy and wholesome home-cooked food. Even with a busy schedule I think it’s still possible to fit in cooking time after work. Weekly menu planning is essential as it will help to expedite grocery shopping and preparation.

I am also a firm believer in quick healthy meals. For example, with a weekly batch of pizza dough you can always create weeknight pizza in less than 20 minutes! Kids should be allowed to help in the kitchen as this will build their confidence, and make them want to eat more as they have cooked the food!
Always stock up the pantry with wholesome ingredients and kid-friendly tools. Think colourful spinach pasta, fancy cookie cutters or even some good quality chocolates. Best trophy to Mommies who bake impromptu brownies!
Recently I’ve launched a range of healthy Deli products under my daughter’s name, Mishalle. These include healthy low-fat Granola for breakfast or parfait (Check out the quick & easy recipe here!), tomato relish for pizza base or pasta sauce, chilli jam for dipping sauce, multigrain bread mix for quick and healthy breads, and some spice mixes such as za’atar for your quick but delicious meals!

5. Last but not least, what do you think are some of the most essential tools to have in the kitchen for busy working moms?
I do suffer from gadgetitis, so I am a hoarder of all things gadgets! Jokes aside, a well-equipped kitchen does make a big difference in food preparation and cooking time. I swear by good-quality casseroles or dutch ovens that are perfect for pasta sauces, stews, rice and even bread. Of course my very own ‘The Cooking Doctor’ silicone baking mat for baking! Its nonstick fibre element makes it versatile — from kneading or rolling to even baking pizzas, macarons or scones. You also need a good set of knives, a few baking tins and a good wok!
Every mom deserves a little pampering on Mother’s Day, treat mom to Dr Jehanne’s Mocha Roulade and shop the essential bakeware needed for this recipe here!

If you are like us, the same tired tricks will just not cut it. Here are some ideas that are also easy to pull off! And you can thank us later.

1. Instead of… A fancy dinner at a posh restaurant
Why not try… Cooking with your mate!
Date night at a posh restaurant on Valentine’s Day? Groundbreaking. Why not cook instead? You don’t have to shoot for the skies here. Just whip up something simple and earnest, let the wine start flowing and VOILA! You have your very own private, inexpensive Valentine’s Day settled. For recipe ideas, you can get the ToTT store cookbook, “365 Days of Fun: Recipes for any occasion” at just $12.90. You will be surprised at how easy (and cheap) it is to prepare a feast for two!

2. Instead of… A box of fancy chocolates
Why not try… Personalized chocolate cupcakes or cookies!
There’s nothing wrong with a box of fancy, dark chocolates – they’ve been known to be an aphrodisiac. But nothing expresses sincerity more than something that is personalized! If you are strapped for time, try your hand at our Bake&Go corner – all the prep work is done, you literally bake and go! Bake a fresh batch of cookies or a box of delicious chocolate cupcakes and decorate them with icing and sprinkles. Earn bonus points if you shape the cookies with your hands!

3. Instead of… A bottle of bubbly
Why not try… Making your own molecular margaritas!
It’s Valentine’s Day (and Saturday night!), you have made it through the long week and it’s time to treat yourselves and have fun by making your own molecular margaritas. While a bottle of champagne is always a good idea, why not experiment with the Margarita R-Evolution Kit? Concoct different margaritas for each other and keep the champagne as a back-up if all else fails!

4. Instead of… A slice of cake for dessert
Why not try… Making your own dessert table!
Home-made ice cream, granitas, sorbets, hot fudge sundaes, brownies, cakes, cookies, you name it! The Cuisinart Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker is the perfect ice cream machine you need for such an occasion. It makes perfect ice creams, frozen yoghurts in 20 minutes or less, with no fuss and no mess! Spend the day in the kitchen together and just have fun! After all, who has time to think about the calories on Valentine’s Day?

5. Instead of… Staying at home to avoid the crowd (if you are single)
Why not try…  Meeting new friends at a Speed Dating Class?
Meet new friends in this fun and collaborative hands-on cooking class this Valentine’s Day! Pick up cooking tips and techniques along the way with Chef Vivian Pei’s ‘Cook, Eat, Love – It’s a Date!’ Speed Dating Class and who knows, you might end up taking away more than just cooking tips!