What's the best way to get the flavour out of herbs and spices while blending them together? No, not a machine or contraption that chops and dices but a simple one that crushes - the simple mortar and pestle.

Sometimes though it can get messy. Jamie Oliver knows that and he just did something about it!

"I was in my kitchen a few years ago bashing up some ingredients in my pestle and mortar and I suddenly thought to myself that even though I love the old pestle, there must be an easier and quicker way of bashing and grinding your herbs and spices together. Some way that isn't messy and doesn't take as much time."

Sketch and experiment, he did. The Flavour Shaker creative process became a passion which has taken Jamie four years to complete- he has been working on perfecting it all throughout launching Fifteen, his school dinners crusade and writing his latest books.

How does it work? Jamie's Flavour Shaker is constructed from tough polycarbonate, so is dishwasher safe, and contains a unique ceramic ball to crush and bruise ingredients.

Step 1- Add your ingredients, then drop in the ceramic ball
Step 2- Screw the halves together securely
Step 3- Give it a good shake
Step 4- Open up and pour, scoop or rub on food

Tips and Tricks for using the Flavour Shaker

• Always crush whole ingredients before adding powdered ones
• Try out lots of your own combinations- your imagination is the limit
• Use your creations straight away for ultimate freshness
• Don't overfill- use small amounts for the best results

"I really do think it will transform the way you think about flavouring food. I reach for it all the time at home, and the guys in my restaurant are using them too."

Expected release: September 2006

Worth watching out for!