September Newsletter

Dear Mint Shoppers

Thanks to all of you who came along to the jewellery afternoon. We really enjoyed having you call in to meet Michelle, the Zsiska rep and share the first viewing of the gorgeous new range. 

Signature range

Fragile Range

Fragile Range

Arabesque Range

Arabesque Range

All designs available in a range of colours, click on this link to see all the options, plus more of the Zsiska jewel colours and sleek designs. Jan Lankow of Martinborough won the draw, a prize of a large hanami disc pendant, a black bird design on 24 karat silver leaf . This looked extremely elegant on Jan – congratulations!

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Newly in, fine gossamer scarves of silk & merino felted onto silk gauze fabric. They come from Jenny Ladd, who just walked in one day wearing one, which I discovered she made; the best things really do just come through the door.  Only in last week, but they are selling like hot cakes already; instead of a new outfit just accessorise!

Apple machines continue to be a hit with cooks who make baked apples. 

Top Tip: Leave the peel on the apples, slice & core on the apple machine, then put a small plug of the core back into the base of the apple & fill it with dates, brown sugar etc. A swirl of Muirlea Rise in the syrup is also delicious according to one enthusiastic chap.  Muirlea dessert wine is a perfect match with baked apples so my customers tell me. I love learning titbits & hints from my lovely chatty customers. Follow this link to see the apple machine in action!

Do let me know if there is something you would like me to source, especially in the kitchen range; I’m very happy to source things if I can.

Best wishes

Sue

Winter Warmer Giveaway

Hope you are keeping cosy and warm. To celebrate the wonderful old church that Mint resides in turning 90, we are giving you a birthday present!

Please become a follower of the blog to go into the draw for this wonderful soup tureen.

Will be drawn at the end of the month. (Sorry open to New Zealand residents only)

Good luck!

Sue

Salt and Pepper Mills

Back by popular demand, the fabulous, stylish iconic T&G Woodware Red Pepper Mill's

and not to be out done, the little brother and sister red pepper & salt mills

why not add a bit of Autumn colour to your kitchen and dining table!

MOR is Morish

Long inspired by lavish bathing rituals the MOR classics collection adds a splendid touch to the hand and body ritual.

We are totally hooked on these new hand and body creams, come in and try we know you will be too.

Heavenly Snow Gardinia

Sumptuous Italian Blood Orange

To see more in the MOR range click here

A Sweet Tooths Delight

There can't be much that beats a homemade cupcake with a cup of tea or coffee as the days grow cooler. Why not try the famous Hummingbird Bakery Red Velvet?

Red Velvet Cupcake Recipe

It seems people can’t resist the red velvet cupcakes’ deep red sponge with white
Cream Cheese Frosting. Mix all the ingredients well so that the sponge has an even
colour and texture. Red food colourings vary in strength, but we recommend Dr. Oetker
Red Food Colouring for the best result. To make a red velvet cake instead, double the
quantities below, divide between three 20-cm cake tins and bake for 25 minutes at
the same oven temperature. Frost with 2 quantities of Cream Cheese Frosting.

60 g unsalted butter,
at room temperature
150 g caster sugar
1 egg
10 g cocoa powder
20 ml red food colouring (preferably
Dr. Oetker Red Food Colouring)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
120 ml buttermilk
150 g plain flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1½ teaspoons white wine vinegar
1 quantity Cream Cheese Frosting
a 12-hole cupcake tray,
lined with paper cases

Makes 12
Preheat the oven to 170°C (325°F) Gas 3
Put the butter and the sugar in a freestanding electric mixer
with a paddle attachment (or use a handheld electric whisk)
and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy and well mixed.
Turn the mixer up to high speed, slowly add the egg and beat
until everything is well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, red food
colouring and vanilla extract to make a thick, dark paste. Add
to the butter mixture and mix thoroughly until evenly combined
and coloured (scrape any unmixed ingredients from the side
of the bowl with a rubber spatula). Turn the mixer down to slow
speed and slowly pour in half the buttermilk. Beat until well
mixed, then add half the flour, and beat until everything is well
incorporated. Repeat this process until all the buttermilk and
flour have been added. Scrape down the side of the bowl
again. Turn the mixer up to high speed and beat until you have
a smooth, even mixture. Turn the mixer down to low speed and
add the salt, bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Beat until well
mixed, then turn up the speed again and beat for a couple
more minutes.

Spoon the mixture into the paper cases until two-thirds full
and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until
the sponge bounces back when touched. A skewer inserted
in the centre should come out clean. Leave the cupcakes to
cool slightly in the tray before turning out onto a wire cooling
rack to cool completely.
When the cupcakes are cold, spoon the Cream Cheese
Frosting on top.

If you love this recipe, why not indulge in your own copy of the Hummingbird Bakery cookbook, that you can find in store. 

Also at Mint we have everything you need to make the prettiest cupcakes on the block

Gorgeous Robert Gordon cases

Fun Stands

we also have stands in cardboard and old fashioned depression style glass stands

HAPPY BAKING!

Quirky Kitchen

I just had to share these new wonderful measuring cups that we found at gift fair and recently arrived in Mint.

Babushka Dolls

that are measuring cups!

just like the classic version they stack away neatly so the cups will always be clean ready to use, or look super cute on display. At $29.50 (NZD) a set of 3, they are a fun and affordable kitchen accessory!

designed by Carl Mitsch at World Wide Fred 

Zsiska - Jewellery

As promised we now have images of the gorgeous new Zsiska range of jewellery we ordered at the gift fair; it should be arriving soon.

Fusion - mix of resin and wood, available in black and white, this earthy fresh combo is perfect summer and winter

Fusion necklace - available in black and white

Fusion earrings - available in black and white

The fun and funky elements range - high impact and style

Cubist inspired homage - available in brights

Subdued colours

Or chic black and white

The elegant Isis range - inspired by the Egyptian goddess Isis

Available in a gorgeous range of colours for every season

Fresh and fun Pop Art

and last but not least - the cheeky Parrot

My daughter and I were fascinated when we meet Zsiska, as she explained how each individual piece was hand painted and finished. I thought you might like to see their ultra organised and extremely tidy workshop.

Thanks to all the incredibly talented crafts people at Zsiska!

Scandinavian Style

We are really excited at Mint to have this new range of Scandinavian woolen throws, table linen, tea towels and napkins.

Made from the finest NZ wool, in Latvia, they are available in a range of textures and colours, from punchy brights, to subtle neutrals

It takes so little to make such a huge difference, brighten up your look with a colourful cushion.

Currently we have the following designs in stock

Elegant Alma

Bright and colourful Birds

Other designs available on request

The recipe for a successful party, we have the ingredients you need.

Table Runners, Paper Napkins and Tea Towels in the following designs 

Flower Power

Candy

Alma Blue

Birds

Black Sheep

Hearts

any even gorgeous felted napkin rings

Images and more information from Klippan