Food & drink notes: Pulp friction; Top of the morning; Mint condition; Pure porridge

It is somewhat frightening to think that soon we will be facing the New Year - and a whole host of resolutions that will seem increasingly difficult to live up to as January progresses. One useful prop for the conscience would be to invest in a serious juicer for those looming de-tox and dieting weeks. Kenwood make a large juicer, the JE810 Centrifugal Vita-Pro, that is up to the job. Finished in stylish stainless steel, the juicer has a large chute so that you don't have to chop everything up too small before juicing. The bowl holds a litre of liquid; it's got 850 watts power, as well as centrifugal action, which results in a very good yield. Cleaning up all that pulp, perhaps the most off-putting part of juicing, is made easier with a removable container.

Kenwood JE810 Centrifugal Vita-Pro, discounted to £124.98, including UK delivery, at www.electricshopping.com

Top of the morning

In 1988 Rose Carrarini opened the original Villandry food shop in London's West End before moving on in 2002 to establish the iconic Rose Bakery on the Rue des Martyrs in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. The Rose Bakery is an "Anglo-French" bakery and restaurant and Carranini has just published a new book of inspiring breakfast recipes: Breakfast, Lunch, Tea. She has taken it upon herself to try to convert the French to such delights as "oeuf à la coque avec toast Marmite"; perfect scrambled eggs; sultana scones; classic banana smoothie; ricotta, tomato and thyme tart. There are also easy-to-follow recipes for several delicious and practical cakes, all with reduced sugar content for a healthier treat. A perfect marriage between French style and sensible English cooking.

'Breakfast, Lunch, Tea' by Rose Carrarini is published by Phaidon, priced £19.99

Mint condition

Sir Michael Colman is a descendent of Jeremiah Colman (who set up the mustard firm in Norwich) - and having served time as chairman of Reckitt & Colman, he was no mean tycoon himself. Having retired to Hampshire, he has opted to grow an old-fashioned crop: black Mitcham mint, which yields the best peppermint oil. As the over-eating season nears, Sir Michael's Summerdown Pure Mints, made from peppermint fondant and coated in dark chocolate, will aid troubled digestion.

Around £4.95 for a 200g box, at fine food stores, or from www.summerdownmint.com

Pure porridge

Following on from the success of their Muesli range, the Rude Health Company have branched out into porridge. Containing no wheat, dairy or added salt or sugar, the new 100 per cent organic range comprises three kinds each sold in 1kg biodegradable brown paper bags. The "Essential" porridge is for traditionalists and is made with high-grade UK grown oats. The "Hearty" porridge is a blend of UK oats with Scottish oatmeal giving a slightly nutty flavour that's a winner with porridge purists. The "Vitality" porridge adds sunflower and poppy seeds into the mix to provide additional vitamins, minerals and a dose of Omega 3 and Omega 6.

Essential porridge, £2.95; Hearty porridge, £3.75; Vitality porridge, £4.95. For a list of stockists visit www.rudehealthfoods.co.uk or call 08452 020777