Toy storys

  It's been a while since I raved about some of my favourite toys and to make up for it, today's episode features two of them. First off, my hand blender. A few months ago part of the hand blender that had been a faithful companion for many years finally snapped. After a look at a bunch of reviews, I headed over to John Lewis to pick up a highly rated Kenwood number. They make the Kenwood chef. What could go wrong?

  Unfortunately these cretins made their mini chopper in such a way that it couldn't be submerged in water. It was the bain of may life as it's one of the toys I use most. Washing it was a nightmare and after four months of frustration, I snapped. I went to John Lewis and told them of my pain. Instead of telling me to get lost for trying to exchange a four month old item without its original packaging, they took it off my hands and allowed me to order another. Let there be no doubt in your mind that they are the kings of customer service. I get my new blender on Friday so expect a report soon.

  Last night's supper needed a little sweetness at the end, and as it's both easy and delicious my first port of call is generally a crumble and probably full of apples. Yesterday's also got blackcurrants and ginger and a topping with loads of oats and almonds. But I'm not here to set your mouth watering with a description of my outstanding desserts, it's toy time.

  Apples need to be peeled, cored and sliced before they're any use in a crumble and that's where the contraption in the picture comes in so usefully. It does all three things at once so in no time I had a bowl of sliced apples ready to meet some blackcurrants, ginger and lemon juice. Not only can I not recommend these enough but I can also tell you that if you search for a 'peeler, corer, slicer' on eBay you can find one for less than a tenner, delivered! Phenomenal.

  If your freeloading children are having trouble thinking of what to get you for christmas then this is perfect. Or you could buy one for yourself and keep dropping hints that what you'd like more than anything is a new iPhone, but unless you plan on giving them a pocket money hike anytime soon you may be disappointed, so I'd plan for the apple peeler instead of the apple phone. (Oh look, you managed a joke. -Ed.)

Kirk out

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