To meet climate change targets, the UK government wants to install 600,000 low-carbon heat pumps annually by 2028. However, recent warnings show that pumps are considered too expensive and too few people know about them. So what can be done to increase public awareness and reduce costs? [ Find out...
22nd March 2024What are you doing at 9pm? Watching TV, in the pub, reading a book, at the cinema? Lots of younger people are heading off to bed. These days 10 hours sleep is new 8 amongst gen Z, and it could be the secret to a happier, healthier you? [ Find out more here... ] A certain story about a manipulated...
15th March 2024In 2010, a battery with enough power to drive an electric car 4 miles, cost more than £1000. Over the next year, thi is predicted to fall below £100. The economics of cheaper batteries, from cars to mobile devices, is starting to make more sense, and it's good news for the planet. [ Find out more...
8th March 2024Fancy the Samsung Galaxy Ring? How about a transparent laptop screen from Lenovo. This year's MWC event in Barcelona has unveiled some weird and wonderful new gadgets. Which will be the next big thing, and which devices will disappear without a trace? [ Find out more here... ] Colour is a...
1st March 2024Mary Berry bashes the steak for her beef stir-fry before cooking to tenderise it and then fries it as a piece (rather than in strips) for a more succulent flavour. PREPARATION TIME: Less than 30 mins COOKING TIME: 10-30 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS For the marinade 4 tbsp soy sauce...
1st March 2024This colourful Tuscan chicken is a doddle to make in the microwave and sure to be a hit with all the family. Cooking in the microwave keeps the chicken deliciously tender and the creamy tomato and spinach sauce complements it perfectly. It’s fantastic served with microwave rice and also great with sautéed...
29th February 2024Merge cheesy leeks and a classic lasagne to make our mouth-watering family-sized pasta dish. This is an easy and impressive bubbling masterpiece. PREPARATION TIME: 35 mins COOKING TIME: 60 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tin 50g butter 1 bay leaf...
29th February 2024Spruce up beans on toast with this hearty version, topped with pancetta and eggs. It works for brunch or supper, and makes a quick and easy and meal for two. PREPARATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 25 mins SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, sliced 1 small garlic clove...
28th February 2024From a snoozing polar bear to swarming moon jellyfish, wildlife photography fans have been voting on the people's favourite Wildlife Photographer of the Year People's Choice Award. Check out the images here... [ Find out more here... ] We've all heard it, some of us have tried it (several...
23rd February 2024If you've already had a bad week, be prepared for it to get even worse. You may even want to sit down before reading any more. I don't want to panic anyone but, THERE'S A NATIONAL TEA SHORTAGE! According to Tetley, we are reaching a "critical period" of tea supplies. And Sainsbury's are experiencing...
16th February 2024Successfully treating hair loss (for both men and women) is a notoriously difficult challenge. With loads of reasons, from formal-pattern baldness, to stress and anxiety, there is no single solution. But advances in technology could change the hair loss lanscape over the next few years. [ Find out...
9th February 2024Spicy, cheesy and full of flavour – these bean toasties are packed with fibre and protein to keep you fuller for longer. PREPARATION TIME: Less than 30 mins COOKING TIME: Less than 10 mins SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS 400g tin mixed beans, drained and rinsed 1 jarred roasted red pepper...
8th February 2024Do you feel tired all the time? No matter how early you go to bed, or how much sleep you get, are you still always knackered and low in energy? Well you're not alone. These days, one in five adults say they have general fatigue most of the time. But why, and what can you do about it? [ Find out more...
2nd February 2024The Consumer Electrics Show (CES) runs in January every year, and is one of the biggest tech events in the world. This year's event has already announced some supposedly very 'cool' new technology, including a transparent TV, an AI fridge, plus the ever-present robot companion. Will any of it ever catch...
19th January 2024Master the omelette with our simple recipe then add the filling of your choice – grated cheese, ham, fresh herbs, mushrooms and smoked salmon are favourites. PREPARATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 5 mins SERVES: 1 INGREDIENTS 3 eggs, beaten 1 tsp sunflower oil 1 tsp butter ...
15th January 2023We think you might just trick your children into eating their vegetables with this broccoli and cauliflower gratin. Cheesy, delicious and full of veggie goodness. PREPARATION TIME: 30 mins COOKING TIME: 40 mins SERVES: 8 as a side INGREDIENTS 4 tbsp. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, plus...
4th January 2023This simplified take on this Thai classic makes it easy to shop for and tastes simply delicious! PREPARATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 25 mins SERVES: 2-3 INGREDIENTS 125g (half a 250g pack) rice noodles 3 tbsp lime juice about 2 limes ½ tsp cayenne pepper 2 tsp light muscovado...
4th December 2022Salmon fillets cook beautifully in an air fryer and make a delicious meal when coated in a herb seasoning and served with greens and grains. PREPARATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 8-10 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp mixed herbs 1 tsp garlic granules...
1st December 2022Boiling the potatoes for longer, then smashing them, makes for more surface area, meaning golden brown beauties and extra crispy bits everyone will love! PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 1 hour and 20 mins SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS 6 medium Maris Piper potatoes 1 tbsp olive...
30th November 2022The perfect vegetarian festive or Sunday lunch centrepiece – a low-calorie nut loaf packed with grains, root vegetables, mixed mushrooms, herbs and spice. PREPARATION TIME: 50 mins COOKING TIME: 1 hour and 15 mins SERVES: 8 INGREDIENTS 150g pearl barley (uncooked weight) 1 vegan...
30th November 2022Transform stuffing into a new version of everyone favourite, pigs in blankets. There will be empty plates all round! PREPARATION TIME: 30 mins COOKING TIME: 30 mins SERVES: 6-8 INGREDIENTS 170g pack sage & onion stuffing 3 pork sausages 12 smoked streaky bacon rashers, cut in half...
30th November 2022With the colder nights drawing in, this comforting risotto is perfect for a weekend wind-down for special mid-week meal. You can also switch mascarpone with cream cheese for a cheaper alternative. PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 30 minutes SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive...
1st November 2022A deliciously creamy classic. Spinach and mushroom carbonara best served with Parmesan cheese and your favourite tipple. PREPARATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 10 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 300g (10oz) rigatone pasta 1tbsp olive oil 150g (5oz) chestnut mushrooms, sliced 240g...
27th October 2022Try these slow cooker meatballs for a tasty family meal. Turkey mince makes lighter meatballs which kids love. Top Tip: they also freeze well so you can batch cook. PREPARATION TIME: 1 hour COOKING TIME: 5 hours SERVES: 4-5 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 onion, finely chopped...
27th October 2022Make everyone’s favourite side dish, creamy mashed potatoes. This simple recipe results in fluffy, comforting mash that will leave smiles all round! PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 20 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 kg floury potatoes (like Maris Piper), cut into chunks...
26th October 2022Apples are in season so why don't you bake an unforgettable crumble by giving each element a little TLC and choose the topping ingredients to taste. Serve with hot custard, or chilled fresh cream PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 1 hour (plus resting) SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS FOR...
2nd October 2022Sear pork chops, then oven-roast with red onions and root vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner. PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 40 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 4 large parsnips (about 500g/1lb 3oz), peeled and cut lengthways into 6 2 red onions , each cut into 8 wedges...
1st October 2022Crisp and slightly salty shallow-fried halloumi fries make perfect party food, or just a tasty snack. Great with a sprinkling of za’atar and a spicy yogurt for dipping. PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 10 minutes SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS 170g pot Greek yogurt 1 lemon, zested...
1st October 2022A warming vegan supper with porcini mushrooms, leeks, carrots, and butternut squash, topped with crispy potatoes. It’s low calorie, low fat, and perfect for when the nights draw in. PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes COOKING TIME: 1 hr and 20 mins SERVES: Serves 8 (makes eight individual or two large...
1st October 2022You can be tucking into this loaded stir-fry of veggies, rice and gorgeous Asian flavours, in just 15 minutes. Easy to prepare and cook, will be an ideal receipe for when time is short. PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes COOKING TIME: 10 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp vegetable oil...
7th September 2022Now the longer nights are drawing in, give classic stew a veggie twist with creamy sauce and cheesy dumplings. Make it in the slow cooker and be rewarded with a hearty meal at the end of the day. PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 6 hours SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive...
17th July 2022Make this budget-friendly sausage stroganoff tagliatelle for a simple but tasty dinner. It’s on the table in 20 minutes and it might even leave you with some lunchbox leftovers! PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes COOKING TIME: 15 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 20g unsalted butter olive oil...
17th July 2022Love cottage pie but fancy something different? Try this alternative version packed with succulent chicken and crispy bacon lardons and topped with golden potatoes and rich Cheddar. PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 20 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp olive oil 500g...
17th July 2022Create a tasty, spicy vegetarian dish with mushroom and curry in less than half an hour. Trust us when we say it is delicious! PREPARATION TIME: 10 minutes COOKING TIME: 20 minutes SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp oil 1 onion, roughly chopped 1 large potato, chopped into small chunks...
16th July 2022An easy chicken kebab recipe that’s ready in 15 minutes. An easy family friendly dinner, perfect for summer nights with a mix of hot and fresh flavours. PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes COOKING TIME: 10 minutes SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS 200g/7oz chicken breasts (one large or two small) 1...
6th July 2022Mildly spicy and satisfying, these easy enchiladas stuffed with refried beans, onion and red pepper will be popular with the whole family PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 50 minutes SERVES: 10 INGREDIENTS 3 tbsp olive oil 2 red onions, sliced 2 red peppers, sliced 2...
6th July 2022Fly the flag with this refreshing twist on a great British classic – Pimm’s and lemonade. Pefect for the summer! PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes plus 8 hours' freezing time SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 175 ml Pimm's 175 g caster sugar 14 g fresh mint 2 limes, juiced 200 g strawberries...
6th July 2022Do you want waffles, but no waffle maker? No problem – use a griddle pan! Adding sugar to the mixture helps it crisp up. If you’re making sweet waffles, use vanilla extract. Don’t over-stir them or the mixture becomes tough. A breakfast treat for the whole family. PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes ...
6th July 2022Tomatoes are in season during August and this recipe makes tomatoes the star of the show! Slow-roasting results in sweet, sticky, intensely flavoured tomatoes that are delicious in a punchy Mediterranean salad PREPARATION TIME: 5 minutes COOKING TIME: 1 hr 45 minutes SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS...
6th July 2022If you’re after a summer dessert to impress, try this decadent Eton mess cheesecake filled with creamy mascarpone, topped with meringues and strawberries. Perfect summertime sweetness! PREPARATION TIME: 20 mins - plus 4 hours chilling, no cook SERVES: 8-10- INGREDIENTS 100g butter , plus...
5th July 2022Serve these chicken wing dippers with sauces for easy BBQ food. Also try the moreish teriyaki and sweet curry dipping sauces below, they work really well, and taste amazing! PREPARATION TIME: 20 mins COOKING TIME: 50 mins - plus one hour chilling SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS 1 kg chicken...
3rd July 2022Capture the flavours of summer in this simple, hearty couscous salad. With fried halloumi, vine tomatoes and courgettes, it's perfect for an al fresco lunch COOKING TIME: 40 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 250g couscous 250ml vegetable stock , boiling 400g can chickpeas , drained and rinsed...
5th June 2022A summer brunch of veg-packed pancakes topped with a spicy jalapeño sauce, avocado and feta, that the whole family will enjoy! PREPERATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 15 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 500g sweet potatoes 1 x 200g tin of sweetcorn in water 150g of self-raising flour...
30th May 2022Jazz up a shop-bought lamb burger with garlic mayo, gherkins and chilli for a hot and spicy twist. Perfect for lazy summer weekends PREPERATION TIME: 10 mins COOKING TIME: 10 mins SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp fat-free yogurt 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1 small garlic clove , grated ½ tbsp...
30th May 2022Jazz up a shop-bought lamb burger with garlic mayo, gherkins and chilli for a hot and spicy twist. Perfect for lazy summer weekends PREPERATION TIME: 10 mins COOKING TIME: 10 mins SERVES: 2 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp fat-free yogurt 1 tbsp mayonnaise 1 small garlic clove , grated ½ tbsp...
30th May 2022Minimise your washing-up with this delicious one-pan chicken pie with spinach and herbs and topped with crispy filo pastry. It’s ideal for busy weeknights PREPERATION TIME: 10 mins COOKING TIME: 30 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp olive oil , plus a little extra for brushing over...
30th May 2022A quick and easy take on a traditional Mexican beef stew, this fiery one-pot can be prepared in no time at all! PREPERATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 15 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp oil 350g beef stir-fry strips 1 red onion, cut into wedges 31g pack coriander, leaves and...
30th May 2022Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with this fruity flag tray bake. An easy sponge and seasonal fruit that is perfectly patriotic! PREPERATION TIME: 45 mins COOKING TIME: 30 mins SERVES: 15 INGREDIENTS 100g butter or baking spread, softened, plus extra for the tin 175g self-raising...
19th May 2022With BBQ season approaching, try this burger in a bowl as a twist on a traditional BBQ classic - it's healthy too! COOKING TIME: 25 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 500g lean beef mince 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1⁄2 iceberg lettuce, roughly shredded 8 gherkins...
19th April 2022The honey is the star of the show in this easy to make cheesecake. Simple and tasty... what more could you want! PREPARATION TIME: 20 mins COOKING TIME: 1 hr and 10 mins SERVES: 10 INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 cups sweet biscuit crumbs 70g butter, melted 750g cream cheese softened 1/2 cup...
19th April 2022Turn a classic salad into a quick dinner or weekend lunch with this Caesar pasta salad recipe. Perfect hot or cold, this pasta salad has all the classic elements of a great Caesar - juicy chicken, crispy croutons, lots of fresh lettuce and a sprinkle of cheese, all in a creamy dressing. PREPARATION...
18th April 2022Christmas is getting close, which means that Christmas parties are on the way. We’ve found some brilliant gin cocktail recipes that will be perfect for any Christmas celebrations coming up! A great way to impress your party guests! NEGRONI Ingredients 25ml gin 25ml sweet vermouth 25ml...
7th November 2021Try something new with potatoes. Fondant potatoes are favourites with chefs, and are seasoned with rosemary and thyme. They’re the perfect addition to your plate! PREPARATION TIME: 8 minutes COOKING TIME: 40 minutes SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS 6 medium Maris Piper potatoes 1 tbsp olive...
31st October 2021Get the kids excited for Halloween with these spooky bat and spider cookies. Complete with ‘squashed flies’ made from chocolate chips, they’ll be a big hit! PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes COOKING TIME: 20 mins SERVES: 20 (10 bats and 10 spiders) INGREDIENTS 150g butter, softened 50g...
10th October 2021Reach into your storecupboard and freezer to create this sumptuous ice cream medley with salted peanuts, biscuits and caramel PREPERATION TIME: 10 mins COOKING TIME: 5 mins SERVES: 6 INGREDIENTS 100g dark chocolate , broken into chunks 200ml milk 300g/11oz caramel 85g crunchy...
17th June 2021A quick and easy take on a traditional Mexican beef stew, this fiery one-pot can be prepared in no time at all! PREPARATION TIME: 5 mins COOKING TIME: 15 mins SERVES: 4 INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp oil 350g beef stir-fry strips 1 red onion, cut into wedges 31g pack coriander, leaves...
25th April 2021We love salt dough. It's a brilliant art and craft material and perfect for preschoolers through to teens! We have some easy-to-follow instructions on how to make salt dough jewellery that we are sure mum won't want to take off (will you mum?). Let's get started! Click on the image below to view...
30th April 2020It’s starting to feel like spring time around here, so to welcome the warm weather, the boys made these colorful recycled can windsocks to hang up outdoors! They’re SO simple to make, and they look awesome! Let's get started! Click on the image below to view the PDF inspirations. Download...
30th April 2020Turn rocks into anything you fancy, with these fantastic pebble painting ideas for kids! From buzzy bees to pet cactus, from minions to mummies, paint whatever you like!! Let’s get started! Click on the image below to view the PDF inspirations. Download printable PDF version...
24th April 2020The kids will love this; keep the storm clouds at bay, and show your support for our wonderful and essential NHS workers, with this delightful papercraft mobile, which features a massive rainbow to brighten up home! Let’s get started! Click on the image below to view the PDF instructions. ...
30th March 2020Whether you were a loo roll hoarder or you bought sensibly, you’ve probably got at least one empty loo roll tube somewhere in the house. So why not use it to create a bird feeder. It’s really simple to make and once it’s done you can hang it in your garden to attract birds. Let’s get started! Click...
29th March 2020With more and more of us working from home and using video conferencing platforms like Skype and Zoom, we've got some tips on how to look your best on screen (seriously! - But just a bit of fun really) The global pandemic has ground much of the world to a halt. Worldwide, likely tens of millions...
28th March 2020Many of our customers have been chatting to us about what the Government guidelines for Going to Work and there does appear to be a bit of uncertainty. Government advice We got a letter from Boris this week which provides a bit more clarity, and the advice is simple - you may travel for work purposes...
28th March 2020Last week we pulled together some useful links on various Zoo cams. This week we are going one better with animals in the wild, so checkout this list of safari cams, showing all sort of animals doing what they do best, simply being animals. Africam – Always Live, Always Wild https://www...
28th March 2020In this tutorial you’ll learn how to make a sculptural string bowl for your home. This is the kind of satisfying DIY project that is not only extremely straight-forward to make, it also only requires just a few basic supplies. And the end result is nothing short of hand-crafted heaven! Let’s get started...
27th March 2020If the family is beginning to get bored at home and needs a change of scenery, why not take a virtual wander around the zoo. We have pulled together a list of some of the best Zoos and aquariums that are live streaming. But there are loads more out there so why not have a bit of a search yourself.....
24th March 2020With Easter just around the corner, egg decorating is a really fun, and possibly quite messy, activity that will keep the kids (and even you creative adults) entertained. Eggs-ellent Art! Painting and dyeing Easter eggs is fun and easy to do, lots of people buy egg decorating kits, but what...
24th March 2020