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Supplier: Cucina Direct  Guide price: £15.95 per set 4

Compared with normal ramekins these are just delightful. Made from high quality glazed stoneware, they won't scratch, craze, crack or discolour in the heat of the oven.

They come as a set of four in any one colour; Green, Yellow, Plum or Cream.

Size: 9cm

Ramekins can be used for:

1. the traditional creme brulee, where the sugar topping is caramelised with a blow torch
2. baking individual portions of everyday puds to store in the freezer for treats
3. dressings and dips or garnishes at the dinner table
4. fill one with water and float a single flower bloom as a table centrepiece
5. use one or two to hold tea lights for a romantic atmosphere
6. serve up ice cream in them - for the kids
7. buy a set of four as a gift for a friend and fill them with goodies: sweets, bath salts, speciality tea bags, a pair of ear rings
8. put them around the house filled with pot pourri
9. fill them with olives and nuts for pre-dinner nibbles
10. store small amounts of leftovers in them - in the fridge

In fact, you probably need a set of each colour!