Category: News

Easy To Make Chocolate Yule Log!

8th December 2021 No Comments Blog, News

The yule log has been a Christmas tradition since way before the medieval times. Originating in Norway, a giant log would be hoisted onto the hearth to celebrate the return of the sun each year. A simple ritual would be held by having each family member write down wishes, place them on the log and burn them on the fireplace. What a wonderful tradition to have, I personally would love to begin this tradition with my own family, why don’t you give it a go too?! (Don’t forget your Firemizer)

In the 19th century the chocolate log was invented in France, a rolled chocolate sponge cake to resemble a miniature actual yule log. Here we have an easy to follow recipe to make this delicious Christmas treat for you to enjoy.

Ingredients

For the sponge
  • 5 eggs
  • 100g plain flour
  • 50g cocoa powder
  • 100g caster sugar
For the topping
  • 300ml double cream
  • 300g dark chocolate
For the filling
  • 300ml double cream, whipped

Method

For the sponge
  1. Preheat your oven to 180C. Grease and then line the base and sides of a 30 x 35cm Swiss roll tin with baking parchment.
  2. Separate your eggs, and put into large mixing bowls. Add the sugar and 2 tbsp of water to the egg yolks. Using an electric whisk or mixer, whisk the sugar and yolks for around 5 minutes until the mixture is light in colour and thick enough to leave a trail when the whisk blades are lifted. Sift in the flour and cocoa, then fold in lightly, using a large metal spoon.
  3. Next beat the egg whites until stiff, then fold into the cake mixture in three batches, using the blades to preserve as much air as possible.
  4. Pour the mixture into your tin, carefully spreading to the edges. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cake feels firm to the touch.
  5. Place a large piece of baking parchment onto your work surface and sprinkle lightly with caster sugar. Turn the cake out onto the parchment and peel off the lining paper. Cover with a clean tea towel, then leave to cool completely.
  6. Then score along the edge of one of the long sides of the cake and roll up from there, using the paper to help you, rolling the paper inside the cake.
For the topping

  1. Heat the cream in a pan then remove from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring until it is melted. Cool to room temperature, then put into the fridge to firm up.

  2. Unroll the cold Swiss roll and remove the paper. Spread the whipped cream on top, and re-roll tightly.

  3. Put the chocolate icing into a piping bag fitted with a star nozzle. Pipe long thick lines along the cake, covering the cake completely so it looks like the bark of a tree. Alternatively, just use a palette knife to spread on the icing and create rough bark texture with a fork.

  4. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar and add your chosen decorations. Tip: sprinkle with edible glitter to make it look extra special!

 

yule log

What is A Yule log

13th December 2019 No Comments Blog, News

The Yule log began as a Nordic tradition. The Yule log is the largest log picked and would be placed into the fire hearth. This Christmas tradition is carried out in several countries all over Europe.

  • It is a tradition to light the log with a previous year’s log. Keeping the wood in storage it is slowly fed to the fire through the 12 days of Christmas
  • In France, it is a tradition for the whole family to help cut down the log.
  • A tradition in Cornwall uses a dried out and bark-free log call the mock.
  • Barrel makers in the UK had unused logs that they couldn’t use therefore they gave their customers them for Yule logs.

Similar traditions

Ashen faggot is an old English tradition from Devon and Somerset. A faggot is a large log or bundle of ash sticks bound with nine green lengths of ash bands preferably from the same tree. They would burn this on Christmas Eve and in the heart of the fireplace.

Types of wood

  • The UK  uses oak
  • Scotland uses birch
  • France uses cherry. They sprinkle wine over the log before its burning, therefore, it smells nice once lit

Sprinkle Chemicals on the log to create coloured flames;

  • Potassium nitrate violet,
  • barium nitrate green,
  • copper sulphate blue,
  • table salt bright yellow

However, throwing ashes out on Christmas Day can be unlucky

Chocolate Yule log

Eaten in France and Belgium this is a popular Christmas pudding. Additionally, made with a chocolate sponge, layered with cream and covered with chocolate and decorated to look like bark.

 

veg and fruit

What can I do to help the environment?

11th January 2019 No Comments News

Helping the environment is a big deal for us, you’d know if you’ve read our previous post on our 2019 resolutions!

You have most likely heard people talking about reducing their dairy and meat consumption. Maybe you’re sick of hearing about vegans. But stick around for a little longer and you might learn something new!

What is veganuary? 

Veganuary is a stepping stone into veganism. In brief, you’ll pledge to be vegan for the whole of January. No meat, no dairy, no fish!

Why do it?

For the most part, people go vegan for the ethical impact meat consumption has on animals and the environment. Some want to feel better about themselves and others want a challenge.

graphThe facts and figures

Becoming vegan or reducing your consumption a small amount can have a huge impact.

For example, you’ll save water[1]. The production and transport of food require lots of water. Products that don’t use livestock require less water.

  • A Loaf bread = 600 litres
  • An apple = 70 litres.

You’ll protect nature

Animal agriculture requires a large amount of land to rear animals and to produce food to feed them. 30% of the earth’s surface is used to graze and rear animals. A big issue is palm oil. It’s used to make a whole range of cosmetics, detergents and food products including margarine and ice cream. The demand for palm oil is high therefore has detrimental effects on wildlife and forests.[2] 

bar chart

Reduce your greenhouse gas emissions

Air pollutants are generated through clearing land and growing crops for animals and transport. Scientists at Cornell University found that to produce one calorie of food energy from beef requires 40 calories of fossil fuel energy. In comparison, one calorie of human-edible grain takes 2.2 calories of fossil fuel energy.

Your diet can greatly impact the emissions into the environment which then leads to an impact on our health.

You’ll reduce pollution

The biggest threat to water pollution is from agriculture. Many coastal dead zones populate the UK due to fertiliser, manure and sewage pollution. This causes algal blooms. These decompose and oxygen is sucked out of the water leaving fewer species able to survive.

Eating vegan and you don’t know it

Cutting down on your consumption of certain foods isn’t always bad. For instance, these are just some foods that are accidentally vegan that you’re probably already eating!

  • Doritos: Chilli Heatwave and Lightly Salted
  • Oreos: Original
  • Fox’s: Dark Chocolate Chunkie Cookies, Party Rings
  • Co-op Jam, and custard doughnuts
  • Bird’s Custard(when made with plant milk)
  • Walkers Crisps: Ready Salted, Salt and Vinegar, Pickled Onion, Prawn Cocktail, Worcester Sauce, Crinkles Simply Sea Salted, Chipsticks Salt ‘n’ Vinegar Flavour, Sensations Lime & Coriander Chutney Poppadoms, Sensations Balsamic Vinegar & Caramalised Onion, Sunbites Sweet Chilli, Sunbites Original, Sausage and Brown Sauce
  • Pringles: Original, Paprika, BBQ and Smokey Bacon
  • Mr Kipling: Treacle Tart, Jam Tarts, Apple and Blackcurrant Pies[3]

In a lifetime, each of us will eat more than 7,000 animals! It’s not about trying to change your whole lifestyle straight away. Small changes can make a big difference for you and the environment!

In short, realistically it would be hard to cut out everything and go cold turkey. However, why not try meat-free Mondays? Or switching up your milk in your coffee (coconut milk is my favourite).

 

Referances

[1] https://waterfootprint.org/media/downloads/Report49-WaterFootprintSoy.pdf

[2] https://veganuary.com/why/environment/youll-protect-nature/

[3] https://veganuary.com/starter-kit/accidentally-vegan-products-uk/

BBC Countryfile Live!

10th August 2018 No Comments News

This past weekend Countryfile Live returned to Woodstock for the third successive year, celebrating their 30th anniversary and hosted ‘world’s biggest country fair’.

While it was The BBC’s third event, it was our first and the crowds didn’t disappoint! Even with rising temperatures, the family-friendly atmosphere enticed an estimated 120,000 people over the four days.

With activities and attractions ranging from canoeing to driving experiences and exhibitors selling their goods. A few favourites from the event were;

The STIHL Timber sports, situated not too far away the timber championships had begun and we heard more than we saw, the delightful tones of chainsaws accompanied by a classic rock soundtrack and the notable phrase ‘stand to your timber’.

Secondly, the wildlife zone, a pop-up nature reserve with beehives, butterflies and bird nests. Across from this, there were volunteers handing out paper butterflies for people to write what they can do to help the environment. Once you’d written one, you were given a pack of butterfly-friendly flower seeds. Finally the shopping village, we couldn’t resist exploring what treats were on offer and we were spoilt for choice, car merchandise, delicious food and Knick Knacks.

Over the weekend temperatures rose to 29 degrees, this normally wouldn’t bode well for selling a fire product, however, this didn’t stop us! Stood in our black gazebo armed with dragon stickers, leaflets and buckets of knowledge, we were ready!

It was great to speak to curious and some sceptical customers about the simplicity of firemizer, encouraging them to think about their fire appliances.

Around the grounds of Blenheim Palace, were stages with an assortment of entertainment and live music, including a variety of brass bands playing musical show tunes and modern classics, spreading feel-good vibes all across the event.

If you’ve already started planning to visit next year, we might see you there!

Earth Hour

23rd March 2018 No Comments Blog, News

Earth Hour

Following on from last week’s commemorative International Day of Forests, this week we celebrate Earth Hour! Hosted by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF), the event encourages everyone to show his or her commitment to the planet. It has not fixed date other than it takes place at the end of March – this year it’s March 24th. Between the hours of 8:30 – 9:30pm, from individuals to communities to business, everyone is encouraged to turn off non-essential lights. This is to display a unified message of solidarity, a symbol of commitment in protecting preserving our beautiful planet. It is not an exercise is reducing energy however, but rather a simply gesture that highlights the fight against pollution.

Earth Hour’s History:

The event originated in 2007 when Sydney turned off all the lights of their major landmarks. The following year saw 35 countries join in, and larger companies like Google shut down their websites. Over the succeeding ten years, various TV and Radio stations have joined the cause in going ‘dark’ for the hour. Last year, 187 countries and territories took part, from New York to New Zealand; over 3,100 landmarks turned their lights off, nearly 16,000 Facebook pages donated their feed, and #EarthHour trended in 30 countries.

Do Your Part:

Doing your part is as effortless as turning off lights at home, or as involved as hosting a candlelit dinner! Get your workplace involved and go ‘dark’ for the hour, or turn off your phone, grab a bunch of friends and go enjoy a walk in the park – it’s that easy to take part and spread awareness of the cause.

It is all in the name of showing solidarity and support for the protection of our planet. Firemizer and Firebuilder are both emission-reducing, recyclable products – Firemizer helps reduce your solid fuel consumption and amount of particulates produced by your fire, and Firebuilder is completely kerosene and chemical-free, meaning your fires stay clean and green.

Keep updated over at the Earth Hour blog and post your contributions using the hashtags #EarthHour and #togetherpossible.

International Day of Forests 2018

21st March 2018 No Comments Blog, News

International Day of Forests 2018

The United Nations proclaim that the International Day of Forests will take place on 21st of March 2018. The purpose of this day is to highlight all the wonderful things that trees and forests provide for our planet, and raise awareness of what we can do to help protect and preserve them. Whether it’s on a local, national or international level, the aim is to participate in projects benefitting our fantastic greenery. This could be a small photo competition, art exhibition showcasing natural imagery, or mass tree-planting across communities; everything helps.

Each year, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests designates a particular theme or area to focus on with regards to sustainability. This year, the theme is Sustainable Cities, placing emphasis on the unprecedented urbanisation of the 21st century and subsequent pollution. With the implementation of inner-city parks and forests, we can reduce the vast levels of carbon emissions and pollution for the some 6 billion people living there.

 

The key messages for the International Day of Forests are simple. They are:

  • Trees store carbon, which helps with the reduction of climate change (particularly in areas of high-pollution like cities).
  • Trees and forests improve the local climate, reducing energy needed for heating by between 20%-50%.
  • The placement of trees within cities reduces air temperature by up to 8°C, further reducing energy used on air-conditioning. Trees also act as air filters, removing harmful particulates and pollutants.
  • They produce fruits, nuts, leaves and insects which are used in food and medicines, providing a source of income. Trees and forests also make for perfect animal habitats, keeping the ecosystem stable and helping to maintain biodiversity.
  • Wood from these urban landscapes can be later purposed as fuel, providing a source of renewable energy. This is important as it takes reliance off the burning and consumption of harmful fossil fuels.
  • Also, forests help to filter and regulate water systems and, by storing water in branches and soil, can prevent flooding.
  • The planting and maintaining of forests generates jobs and tourism within green economies, and encourages active and healthy lifestyles that results in better mental health, more sociability and stronger immunity to disease.

Furthermore, the benefits of increased greenery are continuous, and there are lots of parts we can play in the protection of our trees and forests. Do you bit for the planet – plant a tree in your garden, donate to your local park, or perhaps use sustainable, locally-sourced wood as your main heat source, helping it last up to 38% longer (and reducing harmful particulates by 72%) by purchasing a Firemizer today.

Follow the latest news and information over at the International Day of Forests 2018.

Still to come in 2018

15th March 2018 No Comments Blog, News

Still to come in 2018! 

Now that it’s 2018, Microtex have lots of exciting things on the horizon for Firemizer and Firebuilder this year. From new offers and campaigns, to new partnerships and products, to more exhibitions and shows – there’s so much going on! 2018 is going to be Firemizer and Firebuilder’s biggest year yet.

New Website:

We saw a completely redesigned Firemizer website (courtesy of M360), so everything is optimised and revamped for the New Year. The new design includes a simpler layout, sleek design and much more content! This means that picking up a Firemizer or Firebuilder for your home has never been as straightforward or enjoyable. Try out the website and leave us your thoughts or your experiences using our products at https://firemizer.co.uk/product/firemizer/. By doing this, you’ll automatically be entered in a competition that could win you a free Firemizer and Firebuilder combo!

Exhibitions and Shows:

2018 will be a bigger year for us in shows and exhibitions after such a great success at Grand Designs. We’ll be attending the Dispatch Home & Garden Show in Columbus, OH introducing Firebuilder to the U.S. this month! With the help of our partners over at Ribtec, we’re certain this show will be both educational and exciting. Back in the UK, the Firemizer team will be attending the Countryfile Live! show in August. Hosted at the beautiful Blenheim Castle, we’ll be amongst the best and most innovative products the countryside has to offer. If you’re attending either of the shows and have questions about the products (or just want to see why Firemizer and Firebuilder could be the perfect products for you), swing by and come say hi!

Finally, our partners at OPR have invited us up to Newcastle for some training in social media and website upkeep. These guys are professionals and will really help us get the most out of our online mediums to make sure you get the best content wherever you are and whatever platform you follow us on.

Stay tuned for more exciting developments and news as the year unfolds – this is only the beginning for us!

Pollution

2nd February 2018 No Comments Blog, News

The Dangers of Pollution:

As of the 21st century, growing levels of pollution have contributed to 6.5 million deaths per year. Air pollution in particular (the release of pollutants into the air) causes skin and lung irritation and lasting blood disorders. Dioxins, lead and mercury pollutants can also cause significant damage to the immune, reproductive and central nervous systems.

The origin of these pollutants ranges from wildfires to the release of industrial chemicals to burning fossil fuels resulting in harmful smog, radiation, increased pollen production and the extreme weather. However, the most destructive consequence of pollution is the rising of global surface temperatures – this causes sea levels to rise and the transmission of infectious diseases far more probable. Cities of dangerously high pollution levels are no longer limited to industrial powerhouses like New Delhi and Beijing; London and Los Angeles are rapidly catching up. As the ‘State of the Air’ Association reported in 2017, 125 million Americans lived in counties of elevated particle pollution. Escalated surface temperatures could be one of the prime contributors of the devastating natural disasters that hit America in 2017.

Combating pollution doesn’t have to start on a global scale – we can start it ourselves at home. It can be as simple as cycling to work, or recycling waste goods and generating electricity via solar panels. Buying locally-sourced food and products also reduces the levels of fossil fuels needed in transportation, so it also pays to shop with small businesses too.

Wood-Burning Pollution:

The process of burning wood and coal also contributes to higher levels of air pollutants within our homes. London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Environmental Secretary Michael Gove have both expressed disdain towards the 1.5 million wood stoves already fitted in Britain (with a further 200,000 sold every year). Gove shows an interest in the banning of house coal and unseasoned wood, despite smokeless alternatives being considerably more expensive.

In 2015, 40% of the UK’s particulates originated from domestic stoves and fireplaces, double what was produced by diesel cars. Khan has outlined his ideas for awarding local governments the authority to fine those in high pollution areas who continue to use wood or coal as their primary heating source. Firemizer has backing from Nottingham and Cambridge Universities who have independently tested and confirmed the product’s claims of conserving solid fuel resources whilst improving heat output.

Omni-Test Laboratories in Oregon also concluded that it reduces pollutants (produced by burning wood and coal) by up to 72%. This means that Firemizer can not only help you save up to a third of your wood or coal costs (meaning less solid fuel used overall and less fossil fuel used on transportation if sourced locally), but also it can significantly reduce the harmful pollutants released into your home and potentially prevent those in high-emission areas from receiving fines.

More reading on the dangers of pollution:

 

Natural Resources Defence Council

USA Today

The Times

2017 as one of the hottest years on record

19th January 2018 No Comments Blog, News

According to a new climate change report from the United Nations, UK Met Office and NASA, 2017 was the second hottest year on record – even without the added influence of El Niño.

What is El Niño?

The past three years have been dubbed the ‘hottest on record’ since first recorded in the 19th century. However unlike 2015 and 2016, last year was the only to not feature natural warming phenomenon El Niño. El Niño is caused by the cycle of warm and cold temperatures in the Pacific Ocean and raises the global surface temperature. 2016 still remains the hottest by 0.1°C, but 2015 clocks in just shy of 2017’s global average surface temperature. Comparatively, 2017’s global surface temperature was 0.5°C higher than 1998 and is overall 1°C hotter than the pre-industrial era (1850-1900).

2017 saw more frequent natural disasters, particularly in America, with two category 4 hurricanes and forest fires raging across California. Floods hit Asia, earthquakes devastated the Middle East and the effects of Hurricane Maria are still affecting Puerto Rico.

What about CO2 and air quality?

WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas explained that “seventeen of the 18 warmest years on record have all been during this century, and the degree of warming during the past three years has been exceptional.”

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, carbon dioxide levels currently rest at 405 points to a million.

This proves that human-produced carbon emissions are now outpacing the biggest naturally occurring contributor to the planet’s climate. With large areas of poor air quality, it is more important than ever to ensure the fire you’re burning is as clean as possible. Firemizer reduces air particulates by 72% and helps solid fuel to last up to 38% longer, meaning you can do your bit to reduce emissions and help preserve everyone’s home.

Sources:

Firemizer’s round-up of 2017!

8th January 2018 No Comments Blog, News

2017 is over!

As we finish the last of the turkey, now seems a perfect time to reflect on the successes of 2017. with growing purchases of Firemizer in the US market and the introduction of its sister-product Firebuilder in the UK market, homes across both continents have been enjoying their fireplaces and wood-burning stoves for cheaper and longer over the festive period.

Firemizer (a unique heat grid that is easy to use and optimises the performance of solid fuel fires and stoves) continued its strong sales in the UK market and concluded 2017 with its best month of US website sales in December. Firebuilder (an odourless and kerosene-free firelighter that doubles as kindling) enjoyed a strong introduction to the UK market. They received some glowing reviews –

Bloggers:

  • Green & beauty blogger Fifi Friendly said “Honest pants on, I was a little sceptical and set out to test their claims. Better heat, longer burn time, money-saving and easier to clean… bonus! It totally works.”
  • UK-based-attractions website What’s Good To Do described the combination of Firemizer and Firebuilder as able to produce a “warm room very quickly in half the time of my usual fires. These items are without
    Kerosene and odourless, quicker and also made of recycled material so have to recommend them.”
  • Green living Eco Fluffy Mama thought that it “actually made the fire look really pretty. It’s also made cleaning out the ash pan a much more pleasant experience.”
  • French-based Family bloggers Family Makes reported that “our son has been working over there and has certainly seen the benefit. Hhe seems to be using fewer logs, and they last longer and burn more thoroughly.”
  • Craft with Cartwright, a freelance illustrator and craftswoman, taught us how Firemizer is the perfect companion to a BBQ – “it slows down the air flow and reduces the burn rate […] giving you a longer time period to cook for, great when you are entertaining from lunch into evening.” On her BBQ essentials, health blogger Just Average Jen mentioned that Firemizer allowed her to “cook more items than normal as it was still hot so we cooked some food for the following day!”
  • Finally, videogame and tech enthusiast DadGeek said “it gave us a really decent campfire all evening and well into the night. I’d really recommend it for people who are heavy/regular users of a fire pit or barbecue. The main benefit is going to be those mid-to-long term fuel savings.”

Newspapers

Firemizer also found itself featured in national newspaper The Sun’s ‘Sun Savers’. This featured a collection of products that help to save money during the chilly November months.

Our top tips for beating the chills of November without racking up huge bills — plus find out high street deals from Sun Savers

Exhibitions

In 2017, Microtex attended its first Exhibition show – the Grand Designs Exhibition show held in Birmingham’s NEC Arena. Over the course of five (very long but rewarding) days, we had the chance to speak face-to-face with new customers and old supporters of Firemizer and Firebuilder and convey the true ingenuity of the products ourselves. We loved it; we’re even booked to exhibit at the Columbus Home & Garden Show and Countryfile Live this year!

Other Developments

The Firemizer team also participated in Movember last year, trying our hardest to grow out our moustaches in the name of changing the face of men’s health. Though our facial hair wasn’t that impressive, the £292 that we raised certainly was. Here’s to another great Movember helping a great cause!

2017 also marked the beginning of a partnership with Canadian fan and heating manufacturer Caframo. With new packaging, Firemizer is now available to buy on Amazon!

And now 2018 is upon us, Firemizer and Firebuilder are enjoying a completely refreshed website, courtesy of m360 graphic designers – the new website features a cleaner layout, updated research findings and is generally more streamlined and intuitive. This means that buying with us has never been quicker or easier! Be sure to look out for our new website launch in the coming days.

Let’s hope the future of Firemizer and Firebuilder stays bright as we tackle this year with a fire roaring in our bellies and in our hearths too.

 

 

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