As the colder days settle in, there’s nothing better than warming up with comforting homemade meals. Igenix offers a range of reliable and easy-to-use kitchen appliances that make preparing your meals quick and simple.
From calming drinks to savoury snacks, here are three easy recipes to enjoy on chilly days, each featuring an Igenix appliance for extra convenience.
Homemade Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate is the perfect drink to share with loved ones on those frosty evenings. With the 1.7 Litre Jug Kettle from Igenix, you can easily boil up to six cups of water, which means plenty of cocoa for everyone. Plus, its 3kW concealed heating element ensures quick boiling and easy cleaning, leaving you more time to relax.
Ingredients
- 250 ml (1 cup) boiling water
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 1-2 teaspoons caster sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon single cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, to enhance the flavour)
- Mini marshmallows or whipped cream (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Boil water: Fill your kettle with fresh water and bring it to a boil.
- Make the cocoa paste: In a mug, mix the cocoa powder, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add a small splash of boiling water and stir to create a smooth chocolate paste. This helps dissolve the cocoa without lumps.
- Add the remaining hot water: Slowly pour in the remaining hot water from the kettle, stirring continuously to blend everything smoothly.
- Add cream (optional): For a richer taste, add a spoonful of single cream and stir.
- Top and enjoy: Add mini marshmallows or a swirl of whipped cream.
Classic cheese toastie
Few things say “comfort food,” like a classic cheese toastie. The 60 Litre Electric Mini Oven from Igenix is perfect for making this crunchy snack. With 2500W of power, it handles everything from roasting to grilling, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of thick white or sourdough bread
- 2-3 slices of mature cheddar (or your favourite cheese)
- Butter, softened (for spreading)
- Optional: A pinch of salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of Worcestershire sauce for added flavour
Instructions
- Preheat the mini oven: Set your mini oven to 200°C on grill mode and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
- Butter the bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will give a golden, crispy finish.
- Assemble the toastie: Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a small baking tray or the mini oven rack. Layer the cheese slices on top, ensuring even coverage. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce, salt, or pepper if desired. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
- Bake in the mini oven: Put the baking tray or rack in the mini oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Flip the toastie halfway through cooking for an even crisp.
- Serve: Carefully remove the toastie from the oven, let it cool slightly, then slice in half and enjoy!
Microwave tomato soup
Tomato soup is a staple for chilly days, and it pairs beautifully with the cheese toastie. Our 30 Litre 1000W Digital Combination Microwave makes it easy to whip up this soup in minutes with its powerful microwave and fan-assisted oven features.
Ingredients
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon tomato purée
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil or oregano (optional, for flavour)
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) cream or milk (optional, for creaminess)
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, stock, tomato purée, sugar, salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir well to mix.
- Microwave: Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate and microwave on high for 4-5 minutes. Stop and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Blend for smoothness (optional): If you prefer a smooth soup, carefully use a handheld blender directly in the bowl, or pour the soup into a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be cautious, as the soup will be hot!
- Add cream or milk (optional): Stir in the cream or milk for a creamy texture, and microwave for another 30-60 seconds to warm it through.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the microwave, adjust seasoning to taste, and enjoy with a slice of crusty bread or a cheese toastie!
Learn more about our appliances
These are just a few of the recipes you can make using kitchen appliances from Igenix. From warm drinks to quick snacks, Igenix helps you create delicious meals effortlessly.
