“Don’t eat the peanuts on the bar!” my Mother exclaimed, as my little hand reached for a dish piled high with the salted treats. Little known to me then was the fact that this is where one of the most loved Spanish cuisines had its humble origins. Each Tapas dish, with their unique flavours and composition reflect the personality of the individual Spanish hotel owners who have served these little dishes for more than 700 years. The word ‘Tapas’, derived from the Spanish word ‘tapar’ meaning “to cover” is believed by many to refer to an old practice of covering sherry with a slice of bread so as to keep out fruit flies. From there it became tradition to add small snacks atop the bread. The modern day experience of tapas in small terracotta dishes has been attributed to the obvious space constraints of crowded bars.

From it's emergence as a humble bar snack, tapas began to take on international influence and significance. The Roman occupation of the Iberian peninsula added olives amongst other ingredients, and the Moors in the 8th century introduced almonds, dates, citrus and spices. The discovery of the Americas also herald in the era of many tomato and maze based dishes which have come to represent the very essence of the tapas dish.

  Today you would be hard pressed to find a bar anywhere in the world that was not serving tapas in one form or another. From the salted peanuts that my mother warned me about, to sizzling salt and pepper squid and Spanish meatballs, there is a tapas dish to suit just about any taste or occasion.

Essential Ingredient Rozelle is one of Sydney's premier suppliers of Graupera tapas dishes and serving platters to restaurants and venues, and also offers these items to retail customers. We also stock a comprehensive range of ingredients from saffron threads to sweet smoked paprika.

Tapas dishes are available in a range of sizes starting from $3.95. You can also enjoy a 30% discount on the entire Graupera range.

A noticeable trend in food preparation is a return to pure materials. Clay, stone, cast iron and glass have all re-emerged as superior in composition and application to their modern manmade counterparts, such as Teflon and stainless steel. Continuing on this theme the culinary world has uncovered a both beautiful and practical kitchen tool in Himalayan salt bricks. Honed from 600 million year old deposits in Northern Pakistan, each slab is unique, exhibiting tones of peach, fuchsia and cerise. These beautiful pieces represent both a striking table piece and a unique way to prepare both hot and cold dishes and simply have to be seen to be appreciated.

Dishes perfect for your salt brick:

Buffalo mozarella, fresh basil and tomato

Scalops with caramelised eschallot and clarified butter

Slivered wagyu beef with fresh horseradish

Dark chocolate melting heart pudding with butterscotch creme anglaise

Due to the crystaline composition of the salt, the bricks are only semi-porous, giving a light salt and delicate mineral flavour to dishes.Salt blocks are easy to care for requiring only light rinsing and can be dried with a paper towel.

Essential Ingredient is currently stocking Himalayan salt bricks in three sizes:

Small: $11.95
Medium: $21.95
Large: $45.95

Gefu digital thermometer: for all purposes in the kitchen!

The Gefu thermometer is reliable, giving fast and precise measuring of the temperature. It's LCD display has large digits for easy readability, as well as an easy switch between Celsius and Farenheit. The probe and frame are made of German stainless steel, so they're built to last!

Gefu Stainless Steel Tea Stick:

This tea stick makes for the pleasure of aromatic tea, just fill with loose tea, herbal or black, put in a glass or cup and let it sit with hot water. Great for work or travel! It's stainless steel design makes it easy to clean, as t is dishwasher safe.

Gefu Hand-held gourmet slicer/grater with adjustable blade:

This slicer/grater is made with hardened, sharpened stainless steel, so it is ideal for slicing truffles, parmesan, mushrooms and much more!

The original Marcato Pasta Machines

Made in Italy

Now you can make your own pasta! Gift set includes lasagne, fettucine, tagliolini, spaghetti and ravioli attachments. Made with rollers that do not release harmful heavy metals into the dough.

Fine Italian "00" flour also available.

Great for those winter warming meals, lightweight ceramic for slow natural cooking!

Suitable for oven, microwave, stovetop. Ceramic material makes it light to handle and lift, and also makes it easy to clean, as it is dishwasher safe.

Made in France, the Round 7 Litre variant is now only $199 (20% off RRP)