Though there are too many gems to count within chef Tom Kerridge's new cookware collaboration with M&S, I think I've discovered the true jewel in the crown for anyone looking to get Christmas dinner ready: the 2-in-1 Wooden Butcher's Block (£50 at M&S).
As highlighted in my exclusive first look at the collection, I think this is one of the pieces that's bound to be a sellout thanks to the eye-catching wood grain design and the clever features that will be worth their weight in gold when it comes to carving up the turkey this December.
From the built-in pinch pots to the surprisingly affordable price tag, here's everything I love so far about this clever multi-functional chopping board – plus why I'm stocking up on one for my foodie friend's Christmas pressie!
Currently one of M&S' bestsellers across the entire homeware section, this board is bound to be snapped up fast just in time for gifting season.
There really are two sides to the story with this butcher's block, which doubles as a mise en place prep station and a carving board, all neatly bundled up into one product.
The two built-in 'gathering compartments' make the business of peeling, chopping and organising ingredients more streamlined, while the juice flute carved into the flip side allows your joint of meat to rest without causing a ruckus in your kitchen.
While the debate over wood vs plastic chopping boards is always a lively one (TLDR: the Ideal Home view is that you probably need one of each), those who are keeping their kitchens plastic-free will appreciate the solid acacia construction of this particular product. Plus, it features an end-grain construction (which gives it its lovely checkerboard look) which also means it'll go the distance in your kitchen.
After using this board for a few days now at home, I've come to appreciate the built-in zones even more than I thought I would. I like to clean up as I cook but I'm often hindered by multiple trips to the food waste bin or to the sink meaning I spend way longer than I should on a quick recipe.
That's where a separate space for peelings and offcuts has come in so useful. Rather than constantly clearing the space, I just need one eventual trip to the bin at the end of the process (rather than ten!).
While I'm yet to try the carving side of this board to its full potential, at first glance it seems the deep trench that runs around the outside of the board will be just perfect for collecting the jus needed for a proper gravy. I was happy to find it's definitely big enough for something like a turkey, rather than feeling too contained to carve on.
It's not the only chopping board that features in this collection designed by Tom Kerridge – the pricier Natural Edge Wooden Chopping Board (£70 via M&S) can double as serveware too, with each unique piece cut from a single log. For hosting (or for the host in your life) it'd make a great Christmas centrepiece.
The collection, which went live on the 6th of November, spans kitchen linens, pans, utensils and even a pair of very suave salt and pepper shakers. Here are the other bestsellers from the collaboration so far (according to the M&S website).
What better gift for a foodie at Christmas than a pair of salt and pepper mills – especially this version constructed from extra-thick stainless steel and featuring a wide range of grind sizes.
The recent popularity of stainless steel pans owes as much to the push towards non-toxic kitchens as it does the rise in customers looking for chef-grade cookware. Luckily this pick ticks both of those boxes!
I still can't quite fathom just how reasonably priced this set is, with three pots included for your money. Constructed from cast iron, it includes a griddle, a shallow pan and a 5-litre casserole dish. And it neatly stacks!
While I can safely say that this versatile 2-in-1 chopping board is Ideal Home approved, we also reviews of the Cast Iron Stacking set and Stainless Steel All-in-One Saucepan coming soon. So watch this space for more first-hand try outs if you're thinking of splashing your cash on this collaboration!
