Wondering how to improve gut health? It’s all about getting a healthy balance of bacteria. If you nourish your gut and look after it, you’ll enable the friendly bacteria to thrive – and when your gut bacteria become healthier, you feel better too.

'Good gut health can be linked to the health of many other parts of the body because 70 per cent of the body’s immune cells lay along the digestive tract,' says nutrition expert, Penny Weston. 'While some bacteria are associated with causing illness, others are extremely important for our immune system, heart, weight and many other aspects of health.'

This is because your gut not only helps to digest the foods you eat and absorb nutrients to fuel your body, it also helps get rid of waste and toxins, too. But, if gut isn’t happy, your body will struggle to do this, which can lead to a variety of health problems such as a weakened immune system, poor mental health, as well as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to show your gut some TLC and boost your health and wellbeing. Here, our experts reveal all...

How to improve gut health

1. Eat fermented food

According to the British Heart Foundation, fermented foods are those that have undergone microbial growth and fermentation. This is where microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria break down food components (eg sugars such as glucose) into other products (eg organic acids, gases or alcohol). This gives fermented foods that unique and desirable sour taste, smell, texture and appearance.

‘Including fermented foods in our diet can give our guts regular exposure to live bacteria. Good food sources include fermented dairy like natural yoghurt or Yakult, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and pickled vegetables,’ says dietitian and Yakult advisor Lucy Kerrison. Since different fermented foods provide different bacteria, variety is key.

Other fermented foods include:

• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Cheese
• Sourdough
• Vinegar

Make sure you always read the label when buying fermented foods from the supermarket as some may contain high levels of sugar or additives.

2. Fill up on prebiotics

'Prebiotic foods are high in a special type of plant fibre, which helps look after your digestive system, increasing good bacteria in the gut and also improving metabolic health,' says Penny.

'Prebiotics come from types of fibre that humans can’t actually digest but the good bacteria in your gut will eat. Prebiotics are found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain complex carbohydrates.'

Research from the American Gut Project found that individuals who eat over 30 different plant foods a week have a more diverse gut, compared to those who eat ten. A varied diet packed with plant foods also benefits your mood, weight and overall health and wellbeing.

'Upping your intake of plant foods doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and it is not just the more obvious healthiest vegetables and fruit which counts, but also legumes such as beans and lentils, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices,' says Lucy.

Prebiotic foods include:

• Jerusalem artichoke
• Garlic
• Onions
• Leeks
• Asparagus
• Bananas

3. Boost your probiotic intake

Asking yourself 'Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health: what's the difference?' Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts, which help to restore the balance of gut bacteria after it has been affected by illness and can help ease the symptoms of IBS. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are a type of dietary fibre, and are found in foods such as leeks, onions and garlic, which feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.

Probiotic foods include:

• Sour cream
• Pickles
• Miso soup
• Yoghurt
• Aged cheese
• Kombucha

4. Take supplements

While you can get the majority of good bacteria through your diet, taking a prebiotic or probiotic supplement can give you extra benefits.

A study published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) saw improvements in stool consistency, reduction in bloating and gas, and even improvements in anxiety after taking a prebiotic supplement.

You can take prebiotics and probiotics together. However, it's recommended to wait around 15 minutes to avoid bloating. Take your probiotic first thing in the morning.

5. Reduce alcohol

Alcohol is a gut irritant. 'If you drink alcohol in excess, it can interfere with the production of digestive enzymes and juices so it becomes harder for your body to digest and absorb nutrients from food,' says Penny.

'This can lead to excessive fermentation in your gut, which causes bloating, gas and loose stools.' Alcohol also increases cravings for processed, sugary foods which can make these symptoms worse. Why not swap for one of the best non-alcoholic wines instead?

'Drinking water during or after a meal will help your body break down and process food and therefore help the digestion process,' says Penny. 'This breaking down of food helps your body to absorb those important nutrients and flush out the toxins. It also helps make your stools softer, preventing constipation.'

6. Snack on dark chocolate

Yes, eating this sweet treat really does have health benefits. Dark chocolate contains fibre that moves undigested through our digestive tract to the large intestine where our probiotics feed off of it to grow and boost our health.

Research published in Nutrients found that the flavanols in chocolate help reduce inflammation in the gut – which can cause chronic constipation, abdominal pain and nausea. Another study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that the polyphenols in dark chocolate reduced the risk of colon cancer and intestinal anti-inflammatory disease.

To reap the most benefits, opt for 70% cocoa chocolate and stick to just the recommended 30g of chocolate a day – that's roughly three to four squares.

7. Limit artificial sweeteners

While sweeteners are often used as an alternative to sugar when dieting, or simply cutting down your intake for other health reasons such as diabetes, they can wreak havoc with your gut microbiome. This is because the GI tract doesn't break down sweetener in the same way it does sugar and other processed foods, meaning when they reach your digestive tract, they're undigested.

However, unlike dark chocolate, studies have found that this causes sweetener to negatively impact your gut bacteria, even reducing some of the good stuff! Findings published in The International Journal of Molecular Sciences showed that excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners can become toxic to the gut, leading to health problems such as damage to the liver and intestines.

As well as the sweeteners you add to your own drinks, they can also be found in shop-bought items, such as:

• Diet/ sugar-free drinks
• Energy drinks
• Baked goods such as pastries and cakes
• Sugar-free condiments such as ketchup
• Granola and other cereals
• Greek yoghurt

Aim to stick to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of artificial sweetener which is 50 milligrams for each KG of body weight.

Signs of poor gut health

'Due to the gut-brain axis, which is the direct link between the gut and brain, gut health can have a big impact on mood, mental and physical health, energy and overall wellbeing,' says Lucy. 'Low mood and energy, disrupted sleep and poor immunity can all be signs of poor gut health because of this connection.'

Other signs of poor gut health include:

• Changes to your stools. If your stools are harder and painful to pass you might be dehydrated or not have enough fibre in your diet. Usually, constipation home remedies will help this. If you don't see improvement after a week, book an appointment with your GP. If your stools are a colour other than brown, such as green, black, red or yellow, you should also see your GP,' says Penny. 'With a healthy gut, your poo should also be smooth in a sausage shape and should sink in the toilet bowl. If it floats, it means there could be undigested fat in the poo.'
• Stomach pain: 'Cramping or bloating for example, might also be indications of gut health problems. Bloating can signal stress, indigestion or a reaction to a specific food,' says Lucy.
• Headaches: This is due to the connection between the gut and the brain, and inflammation. The more inflammation there is in the body, the more pain that manifests. For people with celiac disease who also experienced migraine symptoms, research published in Medical Hypotheses found that reducing their gluten intake (and therefore, inflammation) for six months saw a big improvement in the number of migraine attacks they had.
• Bad breath. 'Not passing poo properly can cause a build up of toxins in the body, resulting in bad breath,' says Penny.

Worst foods for gut health

• High protein intakes: Around 15% of protein is malabsorbed, high intakes in the absence of fibre can have a negative impact on the microbiome. What is key here is not to avoid protein, but to ensure a good protein: fibre ratio.
• High levels of saturated fats: These tend to be solid at room temperature and are within animal products as well as foods such as crisps and chocolate. In high quantities, these can cause inflammation.
• High alcohol intake: Alcohol is an irritant, affecting the guts ability to absorb water and nutrients from food.
• Low fibre intake: Fibre can help strengthen gut muscles, draw in water to soften stools and also add roughage to the gut so there is more to ‘grip on to’. Make sure you’re eating a range of different fibre types including vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds to feed your gut optimally.

Lucy recommends limiting the above in your diet if you're looking for ways to improve your gut health.

Knowing how to get Disney+ for free is a pretty nifty trick, especially when you realise that the streaming giant is no longer offering free trials to new customers.

TV streaming has become a regular outgoing for thousands of families, but the cost of living crisis means many people will be looking for ways to cut the cost of Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+. However, as well as reducing the cost, you might be able to get Disney+ and other streaming services for free. This might be especially useful, now that the streamer is cracking down on password sharing.

Disney+ launched in the UK on 24 March 2020, just as the country went into lockdown and saw 73.7 million subscribers in its first year alone. By April 2023, that number has risen to 157.8 million, although it has since fallen back to about 150 million worldwide.

Housing Disney classics, like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid, as well as newer family-favourites like Encanto, Wish and Moana, Disney+ is also home to all the Marvel movies, like Iron Man, Thor and Black Panther, in addition to popular series for adults including The Bear and Only Murders in the Building.

With more than six million households signed up to more than one streaming service (according to Finder) telly-watching can be an expensive pastime. Here we look at how you can save by taking advantage of free subscription offers.

How to get Disney+ for free

While Disney+ no longer offers a free trial to customers in the UK, there are a few clever ways to get anything from two to 12 months of Disney+ for free. If you already have Disney+, you may have to cancel your subscription before taking advantage of the three, six and 12 month free offers mentioned in this article.

Personal finance expert Andrew Hagger from money website MoneyComms adds: “There are so many streaming services to choose from now, you can easily lose track of just how much you're paying out each month in total.

“With many people still struggling due to the cost of living crisis and higher bills, now may be a good time to review what you're paying for and how much you use each one – if you don't want to ditch any, consider downgrading to a plan with ads – it may be a bit more annoying, but it will certainly benefit your bank balance.”

How to get up to two months Disney+ for free

Pay the annual subscription fee: You can get two months of Disney+ for free simply by opting for an annual subscription instead of a monthly one.

A Standard subscription costs £7.99 per month (and means you will pay £95.88 over the course of a year). But if you pay up front in one go, it costs £79.90. This is the equivalent of only paying your subscription for 10 months of the year, meaning you get two months for free.

Disney+'s newer Premium subscription costs £10.99 a month, which adds up to £131.88 a year. But if you pay for a year up front it costs £109.90, which, again, is the equivalent of two months free.

Use a cashback site: Paying for your Disney+ subscription through cashback site TopCashback means you'll get up to £11.55 back, which can help to reduce the cost of your subscription. The amount you get back will depend on which subscription package you choose and whether you opt to pay the annual fee in one go or pay it monthly. All of the details can be found on the TopCashback website.

It's worth remembering that you can use the cashback site for loads of retailers to effectively save money everytime you shop online.

How to get three months Disney+ for free

Use your Tesco Clubcard vouchers: If you have a Tesco Clubcard, you can use your vouchers to get a three-month Disney+ subscription. Remember, you get two times the value of your vouchers when you spend with one of Tesco's Reward Partners, which includes Disney+.

There are two options:

• Use £7.50 of Clubcard vouchers to get three months of Disney+ Standard with ads (worth £14.97)
• Use £12 of Clubcard vouchers to get three months of Disney+ Standard (worth £23.97)

If you don't fancy Disney+, there are plenty of other ways to spend your Tesco Clubcard vouchers, on things like cinema tickets, holidays, and days out.

How to get four months free Disney+

Opt for a plan that includes ads: Disney+ offers a selection of subscription plans, including one where you'll get all the same programmes and films, with some ads in between.

If you go from an annual subscription for £79.90 to a standard (with ads) subscription for £4.99 per month (which works out as £59.88 over 12 months) - you'll save £20.02, which is the equivalent of getting four months of the standard with ads plan for free.

How to get six months free Disney+

Add it to your O2 account: If you are an O2 customer, you could get six months of Disney+ for free when you upgrade. You simply add it to your account as an extra when you upgrade to a new handset or SIM-only deal, and once the six months are over, you can continue to pay the £7.99 monthly fee with the rest of your mobile bill.

All is not lost if you don't want to upgrade. Existing customers can add the Disney+ Extra to their account and pay £7.99 a month for the Disney+ Premium plan (normally £10.99) and O2 will also give you £2 off your bill.

This deal isn't limited to six months like the free offer, and over the course of a year, works out to about £14 cheaper than paying the annual subscription fee as the table below shows:

Samsung used to offer six of 12 months free Disney+ access to customers with an eligible device , but that offer is no longer available, having ended on 31 March 2024.

How to get 12 months free Disney+

As a benefit to a Club Lloyds bank account: If you bank with Lloyds and are a Club Lloyds member, you get a choice of lifestyle benefits, which includes a 12 month-subscription to Disney+. If you opt for this perk, you'll get a year's worth of the standard-with-ads plan, which is worth £4.99 per month, or £59.88 a year. The Lloyds website states that right now, you're not able to upgrade to ad-free plans with this perk, so bear that in mind before you commit.

As a perk of Uber One membership: If you regular travel by Uber and order food via Uber Eats, then you may benefit from becoming an Uber One member (£5.99 per month). You'll get a host of perks including free delivery (where eligible) and exclusive discounts. But if you sign up for an annual Uber One membership (£59.99 per year), then you'll get 12 months of Disney+ (standard plan, worth £7.99 per month or £79.90 per year) for free. After that, it will auto-renew unless you cancel it. This promotion is available until 30 November 2024. If you cancel your Uber One subscription, you may also lose your Disney+ access.

How much does Disney+ normally cost?

How much Disney+ costs depends on which subscription type you pick. The streaming service introduced a new pricing strategy on 1 November 2023. Up until this date it offered just one subscription at £7.99 a month or £79.90 a year if you paid in one go. Its cheapest price is now a £4.99 a month deal if you’re happy to watch adverts.

Disney+ has three subscription options:

• Standard with Ads: £4.99 per month (no annual option). Allows for two concurrent streams; full HD 1080p resolution, 5.1 and Stereo sound. No download functionality.
• Disney+ Standard: £7.99 per month or £79.90 per year. Allows for two concurrent streams; full HD 1080p resolution, and 5.1 and Stereo sound. Download functionality and no adverts.
• Disney+ Premium: £10.99 per month or £109.90 per year. Allows for four concurrent streams; 4K UHD and HDR, and superior Dolby Atmos audio. Download functionality and no adverts.

Existing subscribers were automatically switched to the £10.99 a month option – an increase of £3 a month – unless they actively changed their subscription in their account settings.

 Does Disney+ offer a free trial? 

Disney+ no longer offers a free trial to new customers. When the streaming service first launched in the UK in March 2020, it came with a seven-day free trial to encourage new subscribers. But the freebie was only available for a few months – it was scrapped in June 2020 ahead of the Hamilton and Frozen 2 premieres.

Newer streaming services like Apple TV+ and Paramount+ offer short free trials for new customers, but out of the bigger streaming services like Disney+, Netflix and Amazon Prime, it's only Amazon Prime that still offers a free trial.

Is Disney+ free with with Amazon Prime?

Disney+ isn't free as part of your Amazon Prime subscription - it's a separate streaming service. However, you might find some shows or movies are available on both platforms, although you might have to pay for it. For example, Marvel movies are available for free as part of a Disney+ subscription, but you will need to pay extra (on top of your Amazon Prime subscription fee) to be able to watch them through Prime Video.

It's worth also understanding the hidden benefits of a Prime membership, if you are trying to decide which streaming service to choose.

Which streaming services offer free trials?

Out of the big hitter streaming services, like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, it's only Amazon Prime that offers a free trial. That trial lasts 30 days.

Max Beckett, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, said: “Unfortunately, two of the biggest streaming services, Netflix and Disney+, no longer offer free trials to new customers. However, there are still lots of other big streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video, NOW TV, and BritBox, that offer the chance to try before you buy.

“You may have signed up for more streaming services than you realise, with many running in the background and costing you money each month without you actually watching anything on those platforms. So it’s a good idea to set reminders in your calendar when you sign up for free trials if you decide that you don’t want to pay for the full subscription.”

Apple TV+ and Paramount+ both offer seven day free trials. Don't forget too, that if you buy an Apple product, like an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you will get anything from three to 12 months free Apple TV+ access.

If you are a fan of Netflix, make sure you are aware of the streamer's ban on password sharing to avoid falling fowl of new rules.

Dreaming of a family holiday but wondering how you’ll ever afford it? Three magic words: free child places.

Did you know there’s a way to make your perfect family holiday a whole lot cheaper? Possibly the travel industry’s best-kept secret, free child places are a savvy marketing tactic used by holiday operators to lure in families, but they're also a fantastic way to save serious money on a family holiday.

In this article, we’re spilling the tea on how to uncover the best holiday deals where kids go free, plus any sneaky restrictions to watch out for, so you can finally make that family getaway of your dreams an affordable reality.

What are free child places?

Free Child Places are family-friendly deals that are designed to make holidays more affordable for those travelling with children. When you book a qualifying holiday for two paying adults, one child goes free. The exact details vary from one provider to the next but it's usual to get the child's flight and accommodation completely free of charge.

Free child places: where to find the deals

Many UK travel companies offer Free Child Places deals but working out where to find them isn’t easy, so we've rounded up details of some of the top providers:

TUI

TUI offers Free Child Places (one standard flight ticket and free accommodation for one child per two paying adults) on all sorts of holidays, from all-inclusive holidays to package deals. Look out for their Blue Price Tags which indicate kids-go-free offers, or use the Free Kids Place Finder on their website to search for relevant holiday deals.

Jet2holidays

When two full-paying passengers book a package holiday through Jet2holidays, one child gets their flight, return hotel transfers, and accommodation free of charge. Use the search tool on their website to find qualifying offers. The deal is available across all destinations (including Italy, Turkey, Malta, Bulgaria and the Balearics) as well as all seasons and all months, including school holidays.

First Choice

First Choice allows one child to stay free per two full-paying adults. The deal applies to selected hotel rooms, apartments and villas and cover the child's food and drink too on the same board basis as the two full-paying adults. Destinations with free child places include the Canary Islands, Greece, Spain and Turkey.

EasyJet

EasyJet offers thousands of holidays with Free Child Places. The deal applies to selected 4-, 7-, 10-, 11- and 14-night holidays. Look out for the Free Child Place label for deals where one child can share a room with two paying adults - and pay nothing. Destinations include Turkey, Spain, Greece and Egypt.

Hays Travel

Hays Travel offers Free Child Places holidays to a range of family-friendly destinations including Menorca, Majorca, and Ibiza. Children must be aged between two and 12 years old on departure and upon return to the UK, and a minimum of two adults need to stay in the same room as the child.

Free Child Places: are they worth it?

There's some debate among parents as to whether Free Child Places holidays offer any real savings. Critics argue that the cost is simply absorbed by the full-paying adults. 'My husband thinks the base price for the paying adults gets inflated to soak up the cost of the child so they can claim they go free,' says our Family Editor, Stephanie Lowe. 'And a friend says every time she looks at Free Child Places holidays, the dates are outside school holidays which defeats the purpose for most people.'

It's a valid point and one to factor in when you're pricing up the cost of a family holiday. To check if a deal is genuinely saving you money or not before you book, compare the total cost of the holiday against similar packages without the Free Child Places offer to be sure it's a genuine saving and not a marketing trick.

For mum of two, Aileen Farrell, booking a Free Child Places holiday for her family of four meant they could afford a holiday in a destination that would otherwise have been beyond their budget. They went to a four-star resort in Lanzarote and price-checked with friends before they booked to confirm that they had paid the same rate for a half-board holiday without a child - so their daughter was definitely going free. 'Decent places seemed to cost about £900 per person minimum which was way beyond our budget so when a resort that our neighbour had recommended came up on the Free Child Places list, we booked it,' Aileen says. 'We got good accommodation in a lovely location and good food, so it was well worth it. Lots of Free Child Places apply to basic holidays with nothing fancy but this Free Child deal made a more expensive resort possible for us.'

Tips for booking free child places holidays

If you've never booked a family holiday with a Free Child Places offer it can be tricky to work out when is the best time to do it. Use these tips to time it just right:

• Book early - Holidays with Free Child Places are super-popular with parents and competition is fierce. For your best chance of bagging a cracking holiday where kids go free, be prepared to book well in advance - by even a year or more.
• During school holidays - it's widely assumed that Free Child Places only apply to term-time holidays but that's not true so check with each provider. Places are limited during the peak summer season and tend to get booked up far in advance but if you're prepared to plan far ahead you could save during school summer holidays too.
• Stay flexible - If you can be flexible on your destination and travel dates and are willing to travel at the last minute, you can sometimes get lucky with companies offering last-minute deals with Free Child Places included.

Free Child Places: what about restrictions?

Always read the small print before you book a holiday with a Free Child Places deal because restrictions usually apply. These vary between providers and travel companies but typical terms and conditions include age restrictions (e.g children must be under two or over 12 years old) and room occupancy rules (e.g there must be two full-paying adults per room). Make sure you know exactly what's included and what additional costs you might have to pay, such as excursions or transfers.

Looking for more family-friendly travel inspiration? Check out Eurocamp - is it worth it? or Are you worried about school fines for holidays?

Running with a pram is a great way to gain a sense of doing something for yourself after having a little one. 

Postnatal exercise will look different for every new mum – for some, it’s some gentle yoga while others are keen to clock up the miles putting their Baby Jogger Summit X3 pushchair to the test. “Buggy running gives your baby much needed fresh air, allows you to make the most of a nap if they’re young enough to still sleep in the day, and if they’re a bit older, gives them a chance to see any number of interesting things to see on your routes,” says mum-of-three and experienced buggy runner Claire Gleave. 

The NHS advises that you wait until after your six-week postnatal check before doing high-impact exercise (such as HIIT or running) during which your GP should monitor your blood pressure and see how you’re doing generally. Once you have the all-clear, getting back into an exercise routine should be a joy – and bring a myriad of health benefits, too. For one thing, postnatal exercise has been proven to reduce postpartum depression, according to research published in the National Library of Medicine. Here, we explore the benefits and practical tips for parents who are eager to pound the pavements with a baby on board.

Running with a pram tips

1. Always lock the front wheel

Whether you’re running on roads or pavements, you never know what might be on the ground that could cause your buggy to wobble and tip. You’ve got precious cargo on board, so locking the front wheel will ensure that your baby’s safety is your number one priority. “Likewise, if you’re running downhill, it wouldn’t take much for the wheel to spin causing an accident,” warns Claire. “The locking of the front wheel also gives you a lot more stability on both uneven surfaces in the event of you encountering something unexpected on the floor en route.”

2. Strap your wrist to the buggy

You wouldn’t run without your baby strapped in – and ensuring that you’re attached to the buggy is going to add that extra element of safety. “[A wrist strap] is essential in preventing your baby going anywhere without you and gives you much more control in the event of an accident,” Claire explains. Plus, it also gives you the security to push with one hand while swinging your free arm to help propel you forward, she adds.

3. Find a safe route

A suitable running route to take your baby would be a clear concrete path so you can push the buggy with ease. Busy roads and country lanes are best to avoid where cars might unexpectedly come flying past. Big parks are ideal for running with a pram because their routes are usually flat with a wide path. And if you’re not sure if a route will be suitable, do a slow walking test ride so you can see. It’s worth having a little bell on the buggy to let people know you are coming, adds Claire.

4. Time your runs with their naps

Sure, some days the thought of getting dressed is too exhausting, but on the days you have more energy, going for a run while your baby naps is a good way for you to make the most of their routine. “The fresh air will often send the most ardent nap refuser off to sleep and it’s a great way for you to get a bit of headspace to listen to a podcast or your favourite music, uninterrupted,” says Claire.

5. Be aware of the weather

Any kind of high-intensity exercise is bound to make you want to take off your layers, but remember that your baby will hardly be moving and they’ll need the right clothing, whether it’s hot or cold outside. “Always make sure they’re wrapped up – a great investment is something like a sheepskin footmuff which allows you to not have to layer up your baby too heavily, and have the added benefit of being able to remove the top layer so your baby can just lie on the bottom layer on warmer days, keeping them cool and comfortable,” Claire suggests. On sunny days, always make sure your baby has a cap and sunscreen on, and if they’re a bit older, you could consider getting them a little pair of the best kids' sunglasses too, Claire adds.

6. Wait until they’re the right age

Once you have the all-clear from the doctor to exercise, it can be tempting to strap your baby in the buggy and go running with them, but it’s advised you wait until they’re six months old as they’ll have more control of their head at this age. “Even with the best suspension, they will get bounced around, so head and neck control are important,” Claire reiterates.

7. Don’t be tempted to use a car seat

As a mum, you’ve probably become a pro at time- and money-saving hacks but on this occasion, it’s a big no-no to double up your car seat for your run with your baby – it won’t keep them safer. “While they are crash safe for cars, they sit high and heavy on a pushchair, changing the centre of gravity in your buggy and making tipping more likely,” warns Claire.

8. Wear the correct trainers

The last thing you need is an injury or niggle, so ensure you have supportive running shoes to counterbalance the resistance of the pram, as well as bouncy cushioning for shock absorption for the varied terrain as well as hard road surfaces.

9. Maintain good posture while running

Do not slouch over the pram with the pram or push too far ahead, this will put a lot of unnecessary pressure on the lower back. Keep it close with softly bent elbows, handles sitting around the height of the belly button.

10. Make it fun for them

There'll be days when your baby will be happy to take in all the sights and sounds of your running route, but on other occasions, they might be more unsettled – and wanting cuddles from mummy. Don’t fret, because a good old fashioned toy can be clipped on to the pram to keep them entertained. This 2-pack of Non-Slip Buggy Clips are perfect for hands-free entertaining, and have one-hand opening so you can keep control of the buggy with the other. If they’re a bit older, Claire suggests getting a good phone case so they can watch TV programmes or YouTube while you run – there’s no judgement from us on this one.

11. Be prepared

Keep all the essentials where you can see them – and within easy reach – by using this super-handy Storksak Stroller Organiser Luxe Scuba, you won’t have to stop for snacks or drinks if your baby needs something.

Fitness professional Haylene Ryan Causer says there are a few factors to consider when shopping for a running pram. Work your way from the bottom to the top: “Three-wheel jogging prams are better designed for running, with one wheel at the front to allow better manoeuvre ability,” states Haylene. That’s because the wheels are air-filled which allows for better shock absorption and a more comfortable ride for your baby.

The same goes if you’re looking for the best travel strollers to take on holiday. Bigger and thicker wheels are a must if you’re planning on heading to the beach and other off-road use. You’ll want to have your hands free in case of emergencies too, the co-founder of Cafe Volonte, says. “Hand braking will allow you to be prepared to stop and attend to your child’s needs.” Having control of a hand brake is more efficient than a foot brake, she adds. 

Best running prams

Knowing how to teach kids about money can help them establish good money habits early on and encourage them to take responsible financial decisions when they’re older. 

You can encourage financial independence by looking for the best bank accounts for kids and the best apps for pocket money, as well as teaching your children essential money lessons. There are also a number of money games for kids that you can use to help them gain a greater understanding of how money works, while also incorporating an element of fun. 

As Alex Price, product expert at retailer Outdoor Toys, told us: “Teaching kids about money at an early age helps build a strong foundation for their financial future. By tailoring the approach to each age group, using games, educational materials and age-appropriate tools, you can make the learning process engaging and effective. 

“Additionally, addressing money worries with honesty and reassurance fosters a healthy attitude towards finances and helps children develop resilience and problem-solving skills.”

How to teach kids about money 

There are several different approaches you can take when it comes to teaching your kids about money, and these can be adapted depending on their age. 

Pre-school children, ages 3-5

It’s best to keep things fairly simple when your children are young. The key is to help them understand that money is exchanged to buy things you need or want, such as food and clothing.

Certified financial coach Philly Ponniah says: “Introduce the concept of money through play; use play money or real coins to help them identify different values, start a piggy bank for saving, and discuss simple concepts of buying and selling with toys.”

You could play shopkeeper games to help with this, where you pretend to buy and sell toys with play money. This will help to reinforce how money works and what the different coins and banknotes look like.

Reading certain books to your children, such as the Moneybunny series by Cinders McLeod, can also be a great way to help them understand more about money. 

Early primary, ages 5-8

Once your children are school age, it’s sensible to start discussing how to save money. You can do this with a traditional piggy bank or you could look into using a pocket money app such as GoHenry or NatWest’s Rooster Money. Many of these are designed for children as young as six, and let you set savings goals and track progress. 

Communications director at EQ Investors, Ben Faulkner, says: “This teaches them that money doesn't have to be spent straight away. Money from the tooth-fairy, birthdays and grandparents can all be saved towards something that will be remembered, rather than small things that are quickly forgotten.”

This can also be a good time to introduce pocket money. You could encourage your children to earn it by setting small tasks such as laying the table or tidying their room. 

In an increasingly cashless society, it’s also worth talking about digital money, as money expert at smart money app Plum, Rajan Lakhani, explains: “If you pay with a debit or credit card, explain how it works - even though you’re not using cash, the money is still coming from what you’ve saved in your bank account.”

Money games for children in this age group include Monopoly Junior, Pop to the Shops and Money Match Cafe. These can help your children understand more about money management, while the TV show ‘Arthur’ also sometimes covers money matters. 

In addition, you could take a look at books such as Get To Know Money by Kalpana Fitzpatrick or Dragon's Den's Deborah Meaden’s Why Money Matters.    

Late primary, ages 9-12

At this point, earning pocket money becomes more important, as does budgeting. You can start to increase the number of chores your children should complete to earn their pocket money, and help them create budgets for their spending and savings goals. 

Online games like Bankaroo, as well as board games such as Pay Day can help kids learn more about managing money and budgets effectively. It’s worth getting older children involved in grocery shopping too. Help them understand how to compare prices and find the best deals. 

It’s also important to start defining needs and wants, as money expert Rajan Lakhani explains: “Helping your children understand the difference between needs and wants is a major life lesson that goes beyond helping understand the value of money. To help explain the difference, you could make a list of what people need and what they want, and then discuss it.”

Early teens, ages 13-15

If your children don’t already have one, this can be a good time to open a traditional kids’ bank account and/or savings account that they can manage themselves. 

Alex Price from Outdoor Toys says: “Explain how banks work, including interest and savings growth. Encourage teens to set short-term and long-term financial goals and assist them in creating plans to achieve them.”

Now that your children are older, you might also want to start talking to them about the stock market, especially if you have opened them a stocks and shares Junior ISA. 

Ben Faulkner of EQ Investors says: “Educating children on the difference between cash savings and investments, and the potential for greater returns in the long term through the power of compounding is important. Understanding the tax benefits of ISAs should help children when they roll their Junior ISA into an ISA at 18.”

In addition, you might want to involve your children in household financial decisions so they gain a realistic understanding of financial responsibilities.

Late teens, ages 16-18

Once they’ve reached the age of 16, you can start to encourage your children to get some part-time work to help them gain real-life experience with earning, spending and saving money. 

Wealth strategist and advisor, Tania King, says: “Keep reinforcing the saving concept - if they want the latest shoes or designer items their friends have, encourage them to save for that goal, to make long-term saving a habit.”

You can also discuss credit cards and responsible borrowing, helping your children to understand the importance of repaying what you owe on time, and not overstretching yourself. This could be particularly crucial if they are heading to university in the near future.

In terms of reading material, Tania King suggests: “Get them reading the teenage version of the classic ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad For Teens: The Secrets About Money That You Don't Learn In School’ by Robert T Kiyosaki.” 

 How to talk to children about money worries 

If your children overhear you discussing money worries, it’s important to be honest with them and help them understand that many people face financial challenges. 

However, there is a balancing act, says personal finance expert at Forbes Advisor, Laura Howard: “Children need to know about the realities of life, but it's also important to ensure they don't feel burdened by these worries. If they overhear you talking about money worries, reassure them that you're working on it and it's an adult problem to solve, and talking about it is an important step.”

Dr. Amanda Gummer, neuro-psychologist and founder of The Good Play Guide adds: “For younger children, find a calm space to talk to them about what they heard and ask them how they feel.  Encourage questions, actively listen and assure them you are working through challenges and have a plan in place. Just making them feel involved and loved will remove a lot of the unknown and uncertainty about what they heard.    

“For older children and even teenagers, openness and honesty are the primary tools to help you talk about money concerns or tackle their anxieties.”

If your children are comparing themselves with friends, you can explain that every household’s financial situation is different and it’s not a reflection of their worth or happiness. 

Teaching kids about money is hugely important, but when you become a parent it's worthwhile thinking their financial wellbeing should the worst happen. This could be making sure you have life insurance, or a will, in place to give your family peace of mind should the worst happen. Knowing how to write a will and what it should include is key, but it's also crucial to understand what you should never put in a will too.

Starting school, or going back after the long summer holidays, is a shock to the system for children and parents. Among the new classes, timetables, books and searching for the best school shoes, for some parents there's also the stress of packed lunches. Not something you might immediately think of when worrying about possible school issues, but believe me, they’re something that has reduced this mum – and her daughter – to tears over the years.

Packed lunches can be a total nightmare if you have a fussy eater, or indeed a child with autism or additional needs. Eating just isn’t the ‘easy’ process everybody else seems to think it is – and creating an acceptable packed lunch every single school day is not just a skill, it’s a feat of magic.

If you’re facing the stomach-lurching anxiety that packed lunches bring, then know you’re not alone. Try these tips for tackling common challenges to help make school lunchtimes better for your child.

Won’t eat ‘smelly’ food? Try wrapped cheese

This was one of my biggest bugbears – everything was deemed smelly by my daughter. Not just eggs and fish, but bananas, cheese, even yoghurt. I didn’t realise it at the time, but she was hypersensitive to food smells – an autistic trait. My way around this was to give her wrapped cheese, such as Babybel. This prevented any smell and she enjoyed peeling off the wax jacket. I also gave her cheese strings – I know they’re processed, but kids love peeling them and they’re individually wrapped too.

Summer temperatures and central heating in winter added to the problem as her school didn’t have fridges in which to store the kids’ lunchboxes. So try freezing tubes of yoghurt and fruit smoothies to keep their lunch cool and prevent food smells; they’ll defrost by lunchtime.
 

Pick at their packed lunch? Give it time

Parenting coach Isobel Mary Champion says it’s really common for children to leave their lunch at the start of term. “Often there are just too many distractions, or they are too anxious or self-conscious. Trust that things that will get better over time as they acclimatise to their new environment.”

Karen Brown, mum of two, says her daughter Hannah didn’t eat a lot at school. “I never stressed about it though because she ate at home and had snacks in her bag as well.”

Donna Burnett is a primary school teacher who works with SEN pupils and mum to two daughters. She says a lot of children just aren’t hungry at lunchtime. “Never make a big thing of it; they will eat when they’re hungry. If you start making it into a problem that’s when it becomes a problem.”

Give them choice

Let you child feel involved in the decisions surrounding their packed lunch and listen to their opinions. “Understand that it's okay for a child to dislike certain foods and encourage them to express their feelings about it,” says psychology expert and life coach Bayu Prihandito. “Conversations about food preferences can be a way of teaching children to articulate their emotions better, improving their emotional intelligence.”

Choice extends to general contents also. “I pack small amounts of many different things, in order to provide options,” reveals mum of two Zoe Diamond. “To be honest, it’s far more like a large snack box than a lunch box.”
 

Won’t eat fruit? Try puree

It’s nutritious, full of fibre and sweet, but some kids just won’t eat fruit. I’ve found that satsumas are great for splitting into segments and popping in a little pot, as are pitted cherries, grapes, blueberries and strawberries. If that doesn’t work, try fruit puree – the kind they get to suck out of the packet. You get a double whammy if you freeze it first, then let it defrost in their lunchbox during the morning – it’s like a healthy ice lolly.

 

Won’t eat sandwiches? Try a bento box

You could use cake cutters to create fun shapes – dogs, cats, teddy bears, smiley faces they’re all better than boring squares. “If your child likes cheese that has been cut into stars or sandwiches that have been cut into teddy bear shapes, go for it,” says Isobel. “But if not, don’t waste your time” (Or the crusts, for that matter.)

Mum of two Treena Renwick says her son isn’t keen on sandwiches. “I use bento boxes now – bits of fruit/sushi/chicken/chocolate buttons – there’s less waste and less packaging.”

• CORYIN Bento Box | £12.99 at Amazon

Won’t drink water? Time for a new bottle

Make it more interesting by buying a snazzy water bottle in their favourite colour, with their favourite superhero or cartoon character pictured on the front, or personalised with their name. Bottles with central sections for fruit also add flavour and make water more interesting. 

• Fjbottle Kids Water Bottle with Straw | £13.99 at Amazon

Doesn’t like veggies? Try growing your own

Tomatoes, carrot and cucumber sticks are great options to include as they’re quite sweet and easy-to-eat – and if your kid has helped grow them, even better. “If a child associates positive experiences or fun activities with a specific food, they may be more willing to try it,” says Bayu. “For example, engaging in interactive activities that involve the food, such as growing their own veggies at home.”

Doesn’t like foods touching? Invest in a new lunchbox

This is known as brumotactillophobia and can be a characteristic displayed by autistic children, though all children can experience this to one degree or another. 

Lizzie Cameron is the founder of Scandibugs, home of the Yumbox. “We know from customer feedback that using a Yumbox with individual separate compartments is a game changer with this issue,” she says. “The silicone seal is moulded to the lid of the box meaning each compartment seals individually, and wet and dry foods can be packed alongside each other without touching.”

• ScandiBugs Bento Lunch Box | £29.95 at ScandiBugs

Doesn’t like eating in front of other people? Let school know

Karen, who is a mental health nurse, says: “Stressing about your child not eating in front of classmates will only upset them and you. Perhaps speak to their teacher and SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) about providing a private space to eat their lunch, or maybe they have a best friend they are comfortable eating with.”

“A lot of autistic children don’t like eating at school in front of people, they find it very difficult, it’s an ordeal. Some won’t go into the dinner hall because there’s too many people,” explains Donna. “We offer them a quiet place to eat their lunch – some prefer to stay in the classroom – with someone to supervise.”

Finally, try to remember not to take uneaten lunches personally. “Often the lunchroom environment is just really overwhelming, or your child might not want to miss out on playtime,” says Isobel. “How much or how little of their packed lunch your child eats is not a reflection of your success as a parent, or of their love for you”.
 

Looking for more back to school content? Try these easy packed lunch ideas or we tell you all you need to know when it comes to wrap around care. 

We all deal with multiple stressors every day – whether it's the kids, work or the cost-of-living crisis – or, indeed, all three – and many more, so finding self-care ideas is unsurprisingly on all of our minds. But, you don't need to spend money to feel better – in fact, there are a whole host of natural anxiety remedies, and spending money you might not have, is only going to lead to more signs of stress, and anxiety in the long run. 

'Natural mood boosters help boost a range of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin,' says Dr Marianne Trent, clinical psychologist and creator of The Feel Better Academy. 'They also work really well for habit-sticking. For example, if you're already taking the bus, you can get off a few stops early and walk through nature to get to your destination.'

Here, we've explored the best self-care ideas and how to boost serotonin naturally, and why they work.

30 self-care ideas

1. Get outside

Yes, self-care can be as easy as opening your front door and getting some fresh air. 'Going outside, especially into nature can allow us to use more of our five senses and to de-stress,' says Dr Trent. 'Having regular time outside has been shown to improve concentration and to improve some measures of physical and mental health too.' The NHS recommends you do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity a week. Exercising just once or twice a week can help reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

2. Listen to relaxing sounds

Too stressed to sleep? White noise can help. 'This is due to its ability to mask or drown out other disruptive sounds that may hinder relaxation and sleep,' says Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay. 'Consisting of a blend of all audible frequencies at equal intensity, white noise creates a steady, soothing background sound that effectively muffles sudden noises and disturbances, such as traffic, snoring, or barking dogs.' 

By providing a constant and consistent auditory stimulus, white noise helps to create a more predictable and calming environment, promoting relaxation and reducing the likelihood of being startled awake. 'The gentle and monotonous nature of white noise also helps to divert attention away from racing thoughts and mental distractions, allowing individuals to enter a state of tranquillity conducive to falling asleep faster and achieving a more restful slumber,' he adds.

3. Boost your diet

You are what you eat, as the saying goes. And there are certain foods that can have a big impact on your mood. Nutrition expert, Penny Weston, suggests adding these nutritious foods to your plate to perk you up and boost your overall health:

• ‘Nuts and seeds are great mood boosters to include in a salad, and can also add a nice crunch to the meal. Nuts and seeds are high in fibre and healthy fats, as well as being a good source of plant-based protein. Nuts and seeds can improve your mood as they contain an amino acid called tryptophan, which produces serotonin – our body’s ‘feel good’ chemical.’'
  
• ‘Beans and lentils are high in fibre. Fibre can take longer to pass through the body so will spend more time soaking up excess sugars. This is a great natural way to maintain our blood sugar levels, as we know that this can have a huge impact on our moods. I love adding kidney beans to my salads’
  
• ‘Red bell peppers are filled with vitamin C, and actually contain more vitamin C than an orange! Vitamin C is important for helping our neurotransmitters function. Red bell peppers are also high in vitamin B6, which helps our body produce serotonin. An added bonus of bell peppers is that they are great for our skin and immune system.’
  
• ‘Avocados contain something called folate, and studies have proven that a lack of folate can cause anxiety. I love to add a squeeze of lime to my avocado to bring out the flavour!’

4. Hug yourself

'Hugging someone you like for at least 20 seconds or more can trigger the release of oxytocin – one of our happy hormones to flow,' says Dr Trent. 'Oxytocin is a bonding hormone and is also released with other forms of physical and feel good bonding activities touch such as massage /stroking, breastfeeding and sexual activity.' No one to cuddle? Hugging yourself has the same benefits. You can also try self-massage. Treat yourself to a lovely scented lotion and massage your own hands and feet. 

5. Volunteer

The selfless act of helping others can give what scientists call a "helper's high" – these are the positive emotions we experience after using our time and skills to help those in need. This includes oxytocin and dopamine.

One study published in the British Medical Journals (BMJ) found that those who volunteered regularly appeared to experience higher levels of mental well-being than those who never volunteered. However, those in their forties and beyond seemed to reap the most benefits. 

6. Stroke a pet

Petting and playing with your furry friend can help reduce stress-related hormones, such as cortisol and boost levels of serotonin and dopamine – hormones that calm the nervous system. 

This is supported by a study published in Frontiers in Psychology which found that interactions with a pet – especially a dog – increase oxytocin levels in the brain and help to reduce stress and anxiety.

7. Stay hydrated

Simply getting your NHS recommended six to eight 200m glasses of fluid a day can have a big impact on your wellbeing. Research published in The World Journal of Psychiatry found that drinking plain water was linked to reduced risk of depression and anxiety in adults. 

‘This includes water found in food as well as milk, juices, tea and coffee. However, there are times when we will need more water than this,' says Penny. 'For example, we will need more water when we exercise – when you move, the more liquid you will lose through sweating so make sure you rehydrate after a workout.' 

Also, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need to drink more water because the body is working so hard to produce extra blood, tissue and amniotic fluid or to produce breast milk, which is mostly water, adds Penny.

8. Appreciate the stars

Feelings of awe from stargazing – known as skychology – can help trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine. A study by Coventry University found that the act of looking up promotes feelings of fascination, transcendence and feeling connected to others. 

‘Stargazing allows us to connect with something greater than ourselves,’ says consultant psychologist Dr Elena Touroni. ‘This can be very beneficial for those with depression, where there tends to be more focus on the self.'

9. Go off grid

'Setting limits and boundaries around when we will or won’t respond to messages on our phones can allow us to prioritise our own self-care, sleep and time with our families,' says Dr Trent. 'This can allow people to feel calmer and to be less likely to have feelings of hyper-alertness ‘just in case’ someone rings or texts.' Getting a separate work mobile you switch off as soon as you finish work, and placing limits on your personal phone use can be helpful.

10. Do a jigsaw

Getting stuck into a puzzle can do wonders for your brain health and your mood. In fact, research published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that those who do jigsaws long-term improved a variety of cognitive abilities, such as flexibility, speed and reasoning. 

11. Chew gum

A study published in the Journal of Healthcare Engineering found that chewing gum can reduce self-reported stress and anxiety, as well as improve alertness. 

A further study by Cardiff University found that students chewing two pieces of gum for just 20 minutes a day helped to reduce their stress levels.

12. Prioritise sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in regulating our emotions and overall mental well-being. 'When we experience consistent, high-quality sleep, our brains have the opportunity to restore and reset, which contributes to improved emotional resilience and a more balanced mood,' says Martin. 'On the other hand, inadequate or disrupted sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and an increased susceptibility to stress.' 

Lack of sleep affects the brain's ability to regulate emotions effectively, making individuals more prone to negative emotional states, such as sadness, anxiety, and frustration, adds Martin. Therefore, prioritising and consistently achieving restful sleep is essential for promoting a healthy and positive mood.

13. Make time for fun

With a never-ending to-do list, it can be easy to forget to schedule fun into your day. But even if it's dancing along to the radio while making breakfast, having a quick kick around with your kids or listening to a comedy podcast, small things can have a big impact on your mood. 

14. Put the kettle on

A review commissioned by the Tea Advisory Panel  (TAP) found that drinking two cups of regular black tea, green tea, German Chamomile, Lavender, Rose, Jasmine or Passionflower can improve poor sleeping habits and help cut stress. 

 'The active compounds L-theanine, an amino acid, and GABA, which are found in tea, have direct effects on the brain, helping to activate pathways that lower stress and create calm and relaxation. Tea is the main natural source of L-theanine in our diet,' says author of the study, and a member of TAP, Dr Tim Bond. 

15. Stretch

Stretching can help help increase serotonin levels – which help stabilise our mood, reduce stress levels and boost our overall well-being, helping to decrease anxiety and depression. 

Try this routine:

• 10 forward shoulder rolls
• 10 backward rolls
• 15 squats – feet hip-width apart, bend your knees and lower your bottom, raising your arms out in front of you
• 30 knee lifts – bring your knee up in front and touch it with your opposite hand
• 30 heel taps – putting alternative knees in front.

16. Practice gratitude

Research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies , found that gratitude was more beneficial for mood than other forms of expressive writing in particularly stressful times. 

It might be difficult to stick to at first, but practice is key. 'Like any parts of our body if we don’t use aspects for a while, they can become under-developed,' says Dr Trent. 'When we regularly become aware of and practice gratitude – for example by using a journal, we can strengthen the neural pathways in our brain which make it easier for us to do this in future,’ says Dr Marianne Trent. 

Aim to write down three things you're grateful for each day – no matter how big or small. For example, the sun shining, your first sip of coffee in the morning, or an unexpected visit from a friend.

17. Meditate

Meditation is the art of focusing your mind on the present the moment. A study published in the journal Brain, Behaviour and Immunity, found that practicing for eight weeks reduced the inflammation response to stress.

Over time, inflammation can lead to diseases such as lupus, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. 

19. Eat dark chocolate

‘Dark chocolate is rich in iron and magnesium. Magnesium is really helpful for mood-boosting because it helps regulate serotonin levels,' says Penny. A study published in Nutrients even found this tasty treat can help improve memory – particularly verbal recall. 

'However, there can definitely be too much of a good thing, so I would recommend no more than 30-60 grams of dark chocolate a day,' says Penny. And make sure it's at least 70% cocoa to reap the benefits.

‘Dark chocolate is quite bitter so it definitely is not for everyone, but I think it goes nicely with fruit. I like to put mine with mango as the sweetness of the fruit goes really well!' says Penny.

20. Smile

Even if you don't feel like it – smiling can lift your mood, lower stress and boost your immune system.

This is because it releases molecules called neuropeptides which help fight stress. Those feel-good hormones dopamine and endorphins get released too which can help reduce pain and make you feel happier.

21. De-clutter

You've more than likely heard of 'tidy home, tidy mind' – and according to research in Current Psychology – it's true! When looking at people who had a lot of "stuff" they were unable to focus on the task at hand, and more likely to procrastinate. They were also more likely to experience feelings of overwhelm, negative emotions, and disruption to their social lives, than those living in a clutter-free space. 

22. Let the sun in

No matter the time of year – getting your fix of daylight is important for raising your serotonin levels. It's also important for regulating your sleep-wake cycle, meaning you'll be ready for sleep 16-18 hours earlier. 

23. Fill up on omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat often referred to as “essential’’ – the body can’t make them, so they need to be obtained from the diet. 'Foods such as salmon and tuna are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as flaxseeds, walnuts, eggs, and yogurts,' says Penny. 

Research by King's College London found that omega-3 can help reduce symptoms of patients diagnosed with depression. Results showed that when omega-3 is given to patients with depression, they are metabolised into molecules called lipid mediators. The levels of these in the blood are linked to an improvement in symptoms.

24. Admire flowers

Whether you see them on a walk or a loved-one treats you to a bouquet, research from The State University of New Jersey found that flowers trigger happy emotions and are linked to life satisfaction. Display them in a communal area of your home to spread the joy!

25. Have a spritz

Our sense of smell is linked to parts of the limbic system in the brain which process emotions and learning. Citrus scents can help boost our mood and our energy levels – such as lemon and grapefruit. This is thanks to their light fragrance which reminds us of summer. Want to relax? Try soothing lavender or rosemary.

26. Cut down on booze

While you might be tempted to reach for a glass of wine at the end of an exhausting week, it might actually do you more harm than good.

'In the short-term, alcohol can cause dehydration, sickness, and impair mood and libido,' says Penny. Yes – short term, that gin and tonic can provide feelings of relaxation and help us feel more confident, but Penny points out that when this wears off the chemical changes in our brain can cause us to feel anger, depression or anxiety.

Penny suggests opting for a yoga or meditation to help soothe you instead. Not only will they instantly make you feel better, but they are more beneficial long-term, for the body and mind.’

27. Get intimate

During sex, the body releases endorphins, which improve your mood, beat stress levels and boost self-esteem. According to American scientist Dr Debby Herbenick, couples who have sex first thing in the morning are more upbeat for the rest of the day.

28. Go barefoot

Also known as "grounding" – walking barefoot in nature can help improve sleep and reduce pain according to research published in The Journal of Environmental Public Health.Grounding works by enabling our body to absorb free irons from the earth which act as antioxidants. 

Other benefits include elevated mood, reduced inflammation in the body, and improved blood flow.

29. Do a spot of gardening

You don't need to be a seasoned gardener to enjoy the benefits. Research by the University of Florida found that gardening activities lowered stress, anxiety and depression in healthy women who attended fortnightly gardening classes. 

30. Phone a friend

Just one daily phone call with a friend can make you feel happier and less stressed by the end of the day, says a study by Kansas University. in America. And don't worry if you don't have anything exciting to say – the very act of calling a friend still has a big impact. This can help reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and depression.

Looking for more ways to take care of yourself? Take a look at our article on I can't sleep! 15 easy ways to fall asleep fast.

Video of the week

Wondering how to improve gut health? Asking yourself  ‘why is my stomach bloated?’ or maybe you often find yourself researching, ‘how to get rid of trapped wind?’ It’s all about getting a healthy balance of bacteria. If you nourish your gut and look after it, you’ll enable the friendly bacteria to thrive – and when your gut bacteria become healthier, you feel better too. 

'Good gut health can be linked to the health of many other parts of the body because 70 per cent of the body’s immune cells lay along the digestive tract,' says nutrition expert, Penny Weston. 'While some bacteria are associated with causing illness, others are extremely important for our immune system, heart, weight and many other aspects of health.' 

This is because your gut not only helps to digest the foods you eat and absorb nutrients to fuel your body, it also helps get rid of waste and toxins, too. But, if gut isn’t happy, your body will struggle to do this, which can lead to a variety of health problems such as a weakened immune system, poor mental health, as well as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Luckily, there are plenty of easy ways to show your gut some TLC and boost your health and wellbeing. Here, our experts reveal all...

How to improve gut health

1. Eat fermented food

According to the British Heart Foundation, fermented foods are those that have undergone microbial growth and fermentation. This is where microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria break down food components (eg sugars such as glucose) into other products (eg organic acids, gases or alcohol). This gives fermented foods that unique and desirable sour taste, smell, texture and appearance. 

‘Including fermented foods in our diet can give our guts regular exposure to live bacteria. Good food sources include fermented dairy like natural yoghurt or Yakult, sauerkraut, miso, tempeh and pickled vegetables,’ says dietitian and Yakult advisor Lucy Kerrison. Since different fermented foods provide different bacteria, variety is key. 

Other fermented foods include:

• Kefir
• Kimchi
• Kombucha
• Cheese
• Sourdough
• Vinegar

Make sure you always read the label when buying fermented foods from the supermarket as some may contain high levels of sugar or additives.

2. Fill up on prebiotics

'Prebiotic foods are high in a special type of plant fibre, which helps look after your digestive system, increasing good bacteria in the gut and also improving metabolic health,' says Penny. 

'Prebiotics come from types of fibre that humans can’t actually digest but the good bacteria in your gut will eat. Prebiotics are found in many fruits and vegetables, especially those that contain complex carbohydrates.'

Research from the American Gut Project found that individuals who eat over 30 different plant foods a week have a more diverse gut, compared to those who eat ten. A varied diet packed with plant foods also benefits your mood, weight and overall health and wellbeing. 

'Upping your intake of plant foods doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and it is not just the more obvious healthiest vegetables and fruit which counts, but also legumes such as beans and lentils, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices,' says Lucy.

Prebiotic foods include:

• Jerusalem artichoke
• Garlic
• Onions
• Leeks
• Asparagus
• Bananas

3. Boost your probiotic intake

Asking yourself 'Prebiotics and probiotics for gut health: what's the difference?' Simply put, probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts, which help to restore the balance of gut bacteria after it has been affected by illness and can help ease the symptoms of IBS. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are a type of dietary fibre, and are found in foods such as leeks, onions and garlic, which feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. 

Probiotic foods include:

• Sour cream
• Pickles
• Miso soup
• Yoghurt
• Aged cheese
• Kombucha

4. Take supplements

While you can get the majority of good bacteria through your diet, taking a prebiotic or probiotic supplement can give you extra benefits. 

A study published in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) saw improvements in stool consistency, reduction in bloating and gas, and even improvements in anxiety after taking a prebiotic supplement. 

You can take prebiotics and probiotics together. However, it's recommended to wait around 15 minutes to avoid bloating. Take your probiotic first thing in the morning.

5. Reduce alcohol

Alcohol is a gut irritant. 'If you drink alcohol in excess, it can interfere with the production of digestive enzymes and juices so it becomes harder for your body to digest and absorb nutrients from food,' says Penny. 

'This can lead to excessive fermentation in your gut, which causes bloating, gas and loose stools.' Alcohol also increases cravings for processed, sugary foods which can make these symptoms worse. Why not swap for one of the best non-alcoholic wines instead?

'Drinking water during or after a meal will help your body break down and process food and therefore help the digestion process,' says Penny. 'This breaking down of food helps your body to absorb those important nutrients and flush out the toxins. It also helps make your stools softer, preventing constipation.'

6. Snack on dark chocolate

Yes, eating this sweet treat really does have health benefits. Dark chocolate contains fibre that moves undigested through our digestive tract to the large intestine where our probiotics feed off of it to grow and boost our health.

Research published in Nutrients found that the flavanols in chocolate help reduce inflammation in the gut – which can cause chronic constipation, abdominal pain and nausea. Another study published in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that the polyphenols in dark chocolate reduced the risk of colon cancer and intestinal anti-inflammatory disease.

To reap the most benefits, opt for 70% cocoa chocolate and stick to just the recommended 30g of chocolate a day – that's roughly three to four squares.

7. Limit artificial sweeteners

While sweeteners are often used as an alternative to sugar when dieting, or simply cutting down your intake for other health reasons such as diabetes, they can wreak havoc with your gut microbiome. This is because the GI tract doesn't break down sweetener in the same way it does sugar and other processed foods, meaning when they reach your digestive tract, they're undigested.

However, unlike dark chocolate, studies have found that this causes sweetener to negatively impact your gut bacteria, even reducing some of the good stuff! Findings published in The International Journal of Molecular Sciences showed that excessive consumption of artificial sweeteners can become toxic to the gut, leading to health problems such as damage to the liver and intestines.  

As well as the sweeteners you add to your own drinks, they can also be found in shop-bought items, such as:

• Diet/ sugar-free drinks
• Energy drinks
• Baked goods such as pastries and cakes
• Sugar-free condiments such as ketchup
• Granola and other cereals
• Greek yoghurt

Aim to stick to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of artificial sweetener which is 50 milligrams for each KG of body weight.

Signs of poor gut health

'Due to the gut-brain axis, which is the direct link between the gut and brain, gut health can have a big impact on mood, mental and physical health, energy and overall wellbeing,' says Lucy. 'Low mood and energy, disrupted sleep and poor immunity can all be signs of poor gut health because of this connection.'

Other signs of poor gut health include:

• Changes to your stools. If your stools are harder and painful to pass you might be dehydrated or not have enough fibre in your diet. Usually, constipation home remedies will help this. If you don't see improvement after a week, book an appointment with your GP. If your stools are a colour other than brown, such as green, black, red or yellow, you should also see your GP,' says Penny. 'With a healthy gut, your poo should also be smooth in a sausage shape and should sink in the toilet bowl. If it floats, it means there could be undigested fat in the poo.'
• Stomach pain: 'Cramping or bloating for example, might also be indications of gut health problems. Bloating can signal stress, indigestion or a reaction to a specific food,' says Lucy.
• Headaches: This is due to the connection between the gut and the brain, and inflammation. The more inflammation there is in the body, the more pain that manifests. For people with celiac disease who also experienced migraine symptoms, research published in Medical Hypotheses found that reducing their gluten intake (and therefore, inflammation) for six months saw a big improvement in the number of migraine attacks they had.
• Bad breath. 'Not passing poo properly can cause a build up of toxins in the body, resulting in bad breath,' says Penny.

Worst foods for gut health

• High protein intakes: Around 15% of protein is malabsorbed, high intakes in the absence of fibre can have a negative impact on the microbiome. What is key here is not to avoid protein, but to ensure a good protein: fibre ratio.
  
• High levels of saturated fats: These tend to be solid at room temperature and are within animal products as well as foods such as crisps and chocolate. In high quantities, these can cause inflammation.
  
• High alcohol intake: Alcohol is an irritant, affecting the guts ability to absorb water and nutrients from food.
  
• Low fibre intake: Fibre can help strengthen gut muscles, draw in water to soften stools and also add roughage to the gut so there is more to ‘grip on to’. Make sure you’re eating a range of different fibre types including vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds to feed your gut optimally. 

Lucy recommends limiting the above in your diet if you're looking for ways to improve your gut health.

We've asked the experts how to clean an oven, and these are their top tips to make it a quick and easy job. 

Cleaning the oven is one of those chores that most people try to put off for as long as possible. Unlike cleaning a microwave or cleaning a dishwasher, it has a reputation for being an arduous task. But, as fans of Mrs Hinch cleaning tips will know, the longer you leave it the harder it will be to clean. Luckily for us, the experts have shared that cleaning an oven isn't actually that difficult if you know how.

As Mira Yordanova, owner at TopCleaningGB, explains: "Cleaning an oven is one of the most dreaded tasks when it comes to household upkeep, as removing the often thick layers of dirt and build-up from the walls and racks can seem an impossible task. However, ensuring your oven stays clean will not only make it look nicer, but could save you money in the long run. An oven with food stuck to the interior could not only be a fire hazard but also a cause of inefficiency, meaning your food takes longer to cook." 

We've asked Mira and other cleaning experts how to clean an oven, and here's what they said...

How to clean an oven

There are plenty of chemical oven cleaners on offer that you can use to clean your oven, but you can also use household items such as lemon and baking soda. However, as Joyce French from DIY experts Home How told Goodto: "A chemical oven cleaner is one of the best ways to ensure your oven is sparkling clean."

Whichever method you use to clean your oven, the first thing to do is make sure your oven is cool before you start. You’ll also want to remove all the racks to be cleaned separately and use an old cloth or paper towels to remove any excess food from the walls and bottom of your oven.

How to clean an oven with oven cleaner

1. Spray your chosen oven cleaner evenly around the interior of the oven.
2. Leave the cleaner to sit for at least 30 minutes so it can really get to work.
3. Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the oven cleaning solution.
4. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to ensure all of the cleaner is removed and the oven is dry.

How to clean an oven with baking soda

1. Mix around 125ml (½ cup) of baking soda with enough water to form a paste.
2. Spread this around the inside of your oven by hand (whilst wearing rubber gloves), but avoid the heating elements.
3. Leave this mixture to sit overnight, so the baking soda has time to work.
4. After you’ve left your baking soda to work its magic overnight, simply use a damp cloth to wipe it away.
5. To remove any lingering residue, spray a white vinegar and water solution on any remaining areas of grime.
6. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the vinegar solution.

Mira Yordanova adds that you can use the same mixture for cleaning the oven door - simply leave it for half an hour and wipe away the grime with a cloth.

How to clean an oven with lemon

1. Fill an oven-proof bowl or tray with water.
2. Halve two or three lemons and squeeze the juice into the bowl of water.
3. Put the bowl inside your oven, and leave the oven switched on for around 30 minutes.
4. Once the oven is cool, wipe the inside with a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.

Joyce French recommends this method, explaining, "The steam and lemon juice will work wonders to loosen any debris and melt away any grease or grime."

How to clean oven racks

1. Run a shallow bath with hot water (just enough to ensure the racks are submerged).
2. Add a washing up tablet, or your standard measurement of dish soap.
3. Place your oven racks into the water and leave them overnight to soak.

Mira Yordanova  says, "Oven racks can be tremendously difficult to clean, but there is a much easier way than scraping the grime off each individual wire. This deep clean will make removing grime a breeze the next day."

How to use your oven's self-cleaning function

It might be worth checking if your oven has a self-cleaning function, as this could prevent you from needing to give your oven a deep clean as often. The function uses either high temperatures or steam to remove any leftover residue or food from the oven's interior.

1. Prepare the oven for self-cleaning by removing any racks and trays, and wiping the interior with a damp cloth
2. Ensure there is good ventilation in your home, to allow the heat and any smells that might be produced to escape
3. Close the oven door and select the self-cleaning function
4. Depending on your make of oven, it could take anywhere from 1.5 to 4.5 hours to complete the self-cleaning cycle
5. Once the cycle in finished and the oven has cooled down, wipe the interior clean with a damp cloth to remove any residue

Your oven will get very hot when it is self-cleaning, so make sure you don't touch it, and keep children and pets away from it to. It's important that you do not leave  your oven unattended while it is self-cleaning.

Top tips for cleaning your oven

• Use a toothbrush or toothpick on areas where a cloth or scrubbing brush isn't doing the job, such as the seal around the door.
• Remove the door of the oven for an even deeper clean - though you might need help from another person if you plan to do this.
• Open the windows or turn on an extractor fan for ventilations while clean - especially if you're using a chemical oven cleaner.
• Preheat your oven before cleaning to help loosen any burnt food or dry out spills. Turn your oven on the lowest temperature, and leave for 10-15 minutes.

How often should you clean your oven?

As a general rule, you should clean your oven around once a month, but this can vary depending on how much you use it. If you notice any burnt food in your oven or smoke when you use the appliance, this is a sign that it's time to give it a good clean.

If you want to make each deep clean of your oven easier, the best thing to do is to give it a once-over after each use. You can do this with a sponge or cloth dipped in warm soapy water, which will prevent the build-up of grease and grime.

If you do this, you might find that you only need to clean your oven every three months instead. 

If you're looking for more cleaning tips, we've shared how to clean an air fryer and how to clean a washing machine too. You might also want to check out these 5 tips for cleaning with vinegar, or 10 expert tips for cleaning school uniform.

We spoke to the following cleaning experts:

We've asked the experts how to clean a microwave. Here are their top tips - including how to clean a microwave with natural ingredients.

Microwaves are one of the quickest and easiest ways to cook or heat up food and they're energy efficient too, so it's no wonder microwaves are one of the most used kitchen appliances. But they're not without their downside, because it only takes one bowl of overflowing porridge or a portion of splattering soup for your microwave to be covered in food stains. 

Luckily for the fans of Mrs Hinch's cleaning tips among us, cleaning your microwave is much easier than cleaning an oven or cleaning a dishwasher. The experts have a few hacks for keeping your microwave sparkling clean - and most of them use natural ingredients. Courtney Walsh, cleaning expert at Homeaglow, told Goodto: "Using natural, homemade cleaners inside your microwave is a much better option than using toxic chemical cleaners. These gentle cleaners can remove cooking smells, grease, and dried food just as easily as commercial solutions."

How to clean a microwave

To clean your microwave, you first need to remove the turntable and plate, and wipe down the inside with a microfibre cloth. If your microwave has stubborn food stains on the interior, dip the cloth in hot soapy water before scrubbing at the stains.

If your microwave has vents or filters inside, make sure to clean them too. You can use a clean toothbrush or toothpick to remove any dirt or debris, but make sure whenever you're putting your hands inside the microwave to clean it that the appliance is switched off and unplugged.

While you're wiping down and cleaning the interior, put the turntable and plate in a bowl of hot soapy water and leave to soak, before giving it a wipe to get rid of any dirt or stains and putting aside to drain. 

You should avoid using kitchen spray or multi-purpose cleaner on the interior of your microwave, as you don't want to risk the reside mixing with your food. The spray can also cause a pretty nasty smell when you next turn your microwave on!

How to clean a microwave naturally

1. How to clean a microwave with lemon

Tor Rydder, founder of Organizing.TV, suggests putting lemon juice in your microwave to give the appliance a thorough clean.

He explains: "To deep clean a microwave, you need to use the heat from the appliance. Take a small microwave-safe bowl and fill it with water and a teaspoon of lemon juice, then place it in the centre of the microwave and turn it on full heat for five minutes. 

"When this is done, let the dish cool for another five minutes, take it out of the microwave and wipe down the interior with a cloth. Any hard stains should come out straight away."

Tor recommends using this method to clean you microwave as it will also leave a pleasant, clean smell while the lemon juice and water is heated.

2. How to clean a microwave with baking soda

Baking soda is another great ingredient for cleaning your microwave, as it will not only clean the interior but it can also neutralise any unpleasant odours lingering in the appliance.

Joyce French, cleaning expert with HomeHow, advises placing three heaped tablespoons of baking soda in a microwave-safe bowl before adding hot water and stirring the mixture.

You can then use the same method as Tor suggested with the lemon juice mixture. Put the bowl in the microwave on full heat for five minutes before removing it and wiping the microwave with a clean, dry cloth.

Joyce says, "This simple method should be enough to get rid of most dirt and grime out of a microwave."

3. How to clean a microwave with vinegar

There are so many household items you can clean with vinegar, and your microwave is one of them. As Courtney Walsh explains: "White vinegar is a household champion. It has strong cleaning and antibacterial properties that help you effortlessly clean mirrors and freshen up floor grouting, as well as cleaning microwaves."

She recommends adding half a cup of vinegar to a bowl and putting it in the microwave on a medium-high setting for five minutes. After this, leave the bowl for another couple of minutes before dipping a sponge or cloth into the solution and wiping down the inside of the microwave.

Courtney adds: "If you’re not a fan of the smell of vinegar, you can add two tablespoons of lemon juice to the bowl of water as well. This will mask the vinegar odour and leave your microwave lemony fresh."

What is the best way to clean a dirty microwave?

If you've been overlooking your microwave and have some really stubborn stains that you just can't get rid of, you may need to a take a more hands-on approach.

Joyce French suggests mixing four tablespoons of baking soda to roughly a litre of warm water, stirring the mixture and then wiping it all over the inside of the microwave with a cloth or sponge.

Then, try the vinegar method Courtney suggested above, before wiping the microwave's interior with the warmed vinegar solution until all of the baking soda has been removed.

How to clean the outside of a microwave

Fortunately, cleaning the outside of a microwave is much simpler that deep cleaning the interior. Tor Rydder told Goodto: "Cleaning the outside of the microwave just requires a microfibre cloth with some kitchen cleaner - the same cleaner you use for other appliances and countertops."

He adds: "Make sure not to put too much cleaner on your cloth and you could leave watermarks on the door or use window cleaner instead, as it is designed to avoid watermarks on glass."

We spoke to the following cleaning experts:

Related features:

• How to clean a dishwasher
• How to clean a washing machine
• How to clean an air fryer
• How to clean a hairbrush 
• 10 expert tips for cleaning school uniform
• How to dry clothes without a dryer
• How to get foundation out of clothes - 9 quick hacks
• How often should you change your sheets?

Video of the Week

You're not the only one Googling ‘how to get rid of neck wrinkles’. The neck is one of those neglected areas that immediately gives the age game away, but horizontal creases, crinkles and crepey skin below the chin are a natural, unavoidable part of the ageing process.

"As we age, skin loses its elasticity, due to a drop in collagen production," explains Faye Purcell, Q+A's Skincare Expert & Development Chemist. "Posture and weight loss can also lead to sagging. Combined with the fact that our neck has fewer oil glands, this area of the skin is more vulnerable to dryness, sun damage, and over time, wrinkles." Let’s be clear - unless you’re going down the tweakment or plastic surgery route, nothing is going to get rid of neck wrinkles completely. Choosing dermal fillers, a thread lift or full neck lift are all perfectly justifiable and arguably more efficient ways of treating wrinkles across the neck - but for many of us, they may be too extreme and expensive. That’s where a good skincare regime comes in. 

Extend every product, from cleanser to skin toner, down your neck too, then follow with a targeted treatment. No topical cream is going to funnel volume back into deep creases the way an injectable will, but a solid skincare routine with the right active ingredients can help to prevent wrinkles and make creases look less obvious. Neck lines are totally normal, but if you’re self-conscious about yours that’s okay. There are ways to soften their appearance and delay new ones from forming. Here’s how to get rid of neck wrinkles, from simple lifestyle changes to the latest lifting creams and at-home treatments.

How to get rid of neck wrinkles:

1. Use a targeted neck cream

No topical product is going to magic away wrinkles, and conquering slack skin around the neck and jawline is no mean feat, but according to Dr Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic Surgeon & Facial Aesthetics Doctor, and Founder of MZ Skin, skincare and lifestyle can absolutely support "graceful ageing".

"As we age, the skin cycle elongates, and it takes longer for the production of collagen, elastin and skin regrowth," she tells us. "Often the effects of volume loss appear cumulatively later in life and therefore we are trying to reverse the impact. It is hugely important to use good skincare as early as possible to minimise and prevent the skin changes we have control over.” 

Your regular face cream will impart moisture, providing a temporary plumping effect but to make a real dent in the wrinkles across your neck and decolletage, choose elasticity-boosting creams designed for this delicate area. If you're wondering how to get rid of neck wrinkles the simple way, this would be our suggestion. 

• StriVectin TL Advanced™ Tightening Plus Neck Cream - £49 | Boots

• Vichy Neovadiol Phytosculpt Tightening Face and Neck Cream - £32 | Boots

• Q+A 5-HTP Face & Neck Cream - £12 | Amazon

2. Sort smartphone sag

Whether you’re in the office or working from home, if you sit at a desk for eight hours a day, five days a week, pay attention to how you sit. Slouching and slumping increases the gravitational pull on your face, which will advance the onset of jowls, while glancing down towards a laptop, phone or tablet will shorten your neck muscles and lead to horizontal wrinkles across your neck. This is what professionals have dubbed ‘tech neck’. 

“A great way to prevent cases of tech neck is to be conscious of your posture when using technology,” advises Dr. Dev Patel, aesthetic doctor and founder of Perfect Skin Solutions. “Try using a laptop stand to elevate your device whilst at work and adjust your computer chair to the correct height to avoid subconsciously angling your neck to see the screen.

"Also try to hold electronic devices, such as your phone or tablet, upwards and in front of your face, rather than looking downwards. This will also benefit the health of your spine.” 

3. Tone with microcurrent

There are more high-tech ways that you can investigate when you're looking into how to get rid of neck wrinkles. Remember the ads for Slendertone, the pack that zaps your tummy muscles to tone them? Well, there are a host of new tools that do the same to your neck using microcurrent stimulation to re-educate muscles that have lost tone. 

“Microcurrent therapy is a type of treatment that uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and tissues in the face,” explains Dr Maryam, who warns that the efficacy of microcurrent on sagging is not well established and requires further research. 

“I do not think microcurrent helps sagging skin long term,” she says, “however, any treatment that helps with lymphatic drainage and improved circulation can temporarily make the area look better.” 

Microcurrent has actually been around for hundreds of years. The first documented account dates back to 1748 when Swiss professor Jean Jallabert used a series of electric shocks to regenerate muscles in the paralyzed arm of a locksmith. Used across the neck and face, microcurrent stimulates the muscles and encourages collagen production. 

“I’ve made the Foreo Bear part of my nighttime routine,” says Beauty Editor, Stephanie Maylor. “You download the app and select the ‘workout’ you want, then just follow along with the movements in the video. It’s quick and easy, and doesn’t hurt one jot." 

Wrinkles aren’t going to disappear overnight - you’ll need to keep it up for 2 minutes per day for 30-60 days to see the full results.

• FOREO Bear Facial Toning Device - £319 | LOOKFANTASTIC

• NuFace Mini+ - £240 | CURRENTBODY

4. Wear sunscreen

Prevention is better than cure, and you may not need to consider how to get rid of neck wrinkles if you've kept up good habits. 

Recently, a shot of a woman’s neck went viral - originally published in The Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, it was used to demonstrate the importance of wearing sunscreen (if you haven’t seen it, google ‘woman sunscreen face and neck’). The 92 year old’s face, protected by an unwavering dedication to sunscreen is flawless - unblemished and taut. Her neck, however, wasn’t afforded the same due diligence, and appears crepey, slack and wrinkled. The take away? Using the best sunscreen for your face, with an SPF of at least 30, on your neck and decolletage will help keep wrinkles at bay. 

It might not have a smoothing effect on current lines and wrinkles but the act of applying sunscreen below the chin is proven to slow the breakdown of collagen and keep the skin looking younger for longer. 

Apply around ½ tsp of sunscreen to the face and neck as the last step in your morning regimen before makeup, and reapply every 2 hours if out in the sun. 

• Garnier Ambre Solaire Invisible Serum Super UV SPF50 - £14 | Boots

5. Don't forget to exfoliate

If your neck doesn't usually get a look in on your regular facial exfoliation, give it some love - it's important to slough dead skin from below the chin, too. 

"Dead skin cells make the skin look dull and dry," explains skincare expert and chemist Faye Purcell. Physical exfoliators with beads that scrub can be too harsh for the delicate skin across the neck and chest. 

Purcell recommends using a liquid or chemical exfoliant instead. "Use a gentle exfoliator containing acids such as glycolic, lactic or salicylic. Remember, chemical exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to UV, so ensure you protect any exposed skin with SPF, including your neck."

• Liz Earle Smooth & Glow Exfoliating Tonic - £20 | Boots

6. Exercise your neck daily

Treating your neck to a daily workout has multiple benefits, including getting rid of neck wrinkles. By isolating and working each muscle, you can smooth lines and redefine your bone structure. 

Carme Farré is a Pilates teacher and founder of the FaceToned® method, an on-demand facial fitness programme. It works like an online gym - once you download the app, you can log on for live and on-demand workouts. 

"With FaceToned® you can achieve your best self by combining lotions – to improve the skin, exercises – the most important part of the method to tone and increase muscle volume, and massages – to increase blood circulation," explains Farré.  You can download the app on the Apple or Google app store, with a Facelift membership offering access to all content as well as live classes priced at £24.99 a month.            

Farré has a particular routine that works like a lower facelift, to tone the neck, cheeks and jowls. If you're thinking about how to get rid of neck wrinkles, make this routine a daily habit.

Carme Farré's neck toning technique - step by step:

• Before you begin, cleanse your skin and apply a serum to condition the skin and at the end, apply oil to massage.
• For the massage, I recommend using a Gua Sha or Face Roller as it helps to increase the blood circulation and improve the results of the exercises.
• Lengthen the neck upwards and bring the chin up slightly holding your collarbones with your hands, and slightly pulling down.
• Now bring the chin forward and slightly up to hold the top lip with lower teeth, then try to touch the tip of the nose with your lower lip.
• Now, lift up the corners of the mouth and pulse up and slightly down as if smiling for eight counts. Hold this position for eight counts and then relax. 
• Perform three times.

7. Try LED therapy

Once restricted to the salon, LED gadgets have hit the mainstream so you can treat skin from the comfort of your own home. These light therapy tools vary from handbag-sized wands to robotic-looking masks. 

The LED part stands for ‘light emitting diode’, and involves sending different wavelengths of light into the skin to alter cellular function. Many devices offer different light colours to target your skin’s specific needs. Blue light kills acne-causing bacteria to treat spots and blemishes, while yellow light targets hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. For neck wrinkles, choose red light, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin to improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles. 

"LED light therapy (notably red light LED) does have some anti-ageing effects on the skin, by encouraging the body to produce more collagen, thus improving skin health," says Dr. Patel. "Red LED light stimulates fibroblast growth factors and also reduces inflammation." 

Don't expect dramatic results, warns Dr. Patel. "Many devices, especially those for home use, will just not be powerful enough to deliver great results but used regularly, may still give benefit. In clinic we use both red light and near-infared light (NIR) in the form of Dermalux Triwave MD, for a more powerful anti-ageing result," he explains.

• Sensse Silhouette LED Neck Mask - £129.99 | Amazon

8. Master a massage

The way you apply products is a key part of how to get rid of neck wrinkles. Lifting your skin, toning your jawline and smoothing out neck wrinkles is as much to do with application as it is about ingredients. 

Apply your creams using upwards sweeping motions to encourage lift and keep your muscles strong. “Neck lines are a natural process of ageing, but using regular massage movements to work your skincare products in for a more efficacious delivery can help to reduce the depth of lines and wrinkles,” explains facialist and skincare expert, Michaella Bolder. Here she shares her special massage technique to help smooth the neck.

Michaella Bolder neck massage - step by step:

• After cleansing, apply a rich, nourishing moisturiser, neck cream or facial oil across your face and neck to perform the massage.
• Stretching the neck to one side and working with the opposite hand, slide underneath and along the jaw finishing around the back of the neck using a firm pressure. Take the hand off and place at the beginning again, repeating the same move 8-10 times on each side.
• Next bending the fingers, glide your finger knuckles down the sides of the neck at the same time finishing deep in the clavicle bone to stimulate the Lymphatic system. Repeat this move 10 times using a soft pressure.
• To finish, bend both your index and middle fingers. Using the opposite hand to the face side pinch your chin between the fingers and move across the jaw with a firm pressure slowly out to the ear lobe. Repeating 6-10 times on each side.

What causes a very wrinkled neck?

Neck wrinkles are also compounded by lifestyle choices - and these are the things you CAN control. Constantly looking down at our phones, tablets and laptops will speed up ageing below the chin.

Sagging jowls, marionette lines (the vertical creases that run from the corners of the mouth down to the chin), and horizontal wrinkles across the neck could be down to overzealous screen time. 

"The skin on our neck is particularly delicate and is constantly fighting against gravity as we move our heads around in daily life," explains aesthetician Kimberley Medd, who is Head of Clinic at online beauty retailer Face The Future. 

It’s not just the irresistible effect of gravity that causes a wrinkly neck. Lower oestrogen levels and the cumulative effect of years of sun exposure deplete collagen, affecting the skin’s bounce and elasticity. Too much sugar, smoking, yo-yo dieting and regular jogging (AKA ‘runner’s face’) are also said to have a negative impact on jawline and neck definition.

"There are two types of neck wrinkles," explains Medd, "horizontal and vertical. Vertical neck creases are usually caused by sleeping in certain positions for a long period of time and are mostly genetic, while horizontal creases usually occur from a myriad of factors including loss of collagen production, sun and environmental damage, and keeping the neck flexed forwards for long periods of time, for example, while looking at your phone, or laptop screen."

What age do neck wrinkles start?

“Neck wrinkles and bands typically begin to develop in our 20s and 30s, as active collagen production ceases and current levels begin to deplete,” says Dr. Patel. 

“Neck wrinkles often appear before we start to notice them on our faces, due to how often we move our necks. They’re becoming increasingly common in younger people in today’s society, owing to how ingrained mobile phones and computer screens are in our lives.”

We spoke to the following skincare experts:

Video of the Week

How to clean a dishwasher is easier than it sounds, and we've asked the experts for their tips to keep this kitchen appliance sparkling clean.

Calling all fans of Mrs Hinch cleaning tips, we've got an expert guide on how to clean one of the most overlooked appliances - the dishwasher. You might think your dishwasher cleans itself, but believe it or not they need a deep clean every once in a while. Unlike cleaning a microwave or cleaning an oven, dishwashers are more complex to clean than other household appliances - which is why we've asked the experts for their advice.

Joyce French from DIY experts Home How told Goodto: "Learning how to clean and maintain your dishwasher properly is essential to ensure it runs efficiently. If left too long, limescale can build up in the machine or the filter may become clogged with bits of old food, which means that your dishwasher will have to work harder to clean the dishes and result in higher energy usage." Keep reading to find out how to clean a dishwasher...

How to clean a dishwasher

Step 1: Remove pieces of food daily

Any leftover food on your plates and cutlery can clog your dishwasher filter and get stuck to your crockery during a cycle, so make sure you remove these after each dishwasher use.

Joyce French told us: "When food collects in the dishwasher, this can leave some nasty odours, so get into the habit of cleaning away any bits of food left over after each dishwasher cycle."

"Pull out the bottom rack and look for any bits of food that may have fallen and become stuck in the filter well, screen, or heating element, and remove the food with your fingers or use a paper towel to wipe and lift them away."

Step 2: Remove the filter, utensil holders, and dishwasher racks

If you're giving your dishwasher a deep clean, you'll need to remove everything inside to really get at every crevice of the machine - but bear in mind you might need to use tools to remove some of the parts.

Once you've taken everything you can out of the dishwasher, place the racks and utensil holders in hot soapy water and leave to soak for at least thirty minutes, before giving them a good scrub to remove any old bits of food.

You could also use a toothbrush or toothpick to scrape out any debris lodged in small crevices.

Step 3: Clean the spray attachments

The dishwasher spray arms are responsible for distributing the water around the appliance so your dishes can be cleaned, but they can also get clogged with debris if you don't clean them regularly. 

Mira Yordanova, owner of TopCleaningGB, explains: "Ensure both water spraying attachments (on the roof and floor of the dishwasher) are clear of build-up or food waste. If any holes are clogged, a toothpick is ideal to clean them out. Once these attachments have been scrubbed, you can pop the filter back in."

Step 4: Use baking soda

If your dishwasher is looking pretty clean, and you just want to give it a quick spruce to keep it shiny and remove any unpleasant odours, then this quick baking soda trick is the way to go.

Mira explains: "If you’re after a standard clean, simply sprinkle baking soda onto the floor of the dishwasher and set to run on an eco-cycle."

Step 5: Use vinegar

However, if you're after a deeper clean, try using vinegar to clean your dishwasher. Mira suggests filling a small bowl with 250ml or 1 cup of white vinegar and placing on the top shelf of the dishwasher before running a hot water cycle - without a tablet or detergent.

Joyce French reminds us to make sure the bowl you use is dishwasher safe, and adds that you could even try the baking soda method with a short cycle after you've cleaned your dishwasher with vinegar, to give the machine and extra deep clean.

How to clean a dishwasher filter

Cleaning your dishwasher filter is essential to preventing food waste becoming trapped in the filter and getting stuck to your dishes. Luckily, dishwasher filters are easily cleaned with hot water and a soft brush.

Joyce French explains, "The dishwasher filter is located below the bottom spray arm. Start by pulling out the bottom rack so that you can easily access the dishwasher filter. If you’re not sure how to remove the filter, check the user manual for your dishwasher or take a look on your manufacturer’s website for more information."

To clean the dishwasher filter, she says: "Once you’ve removed the filter, rinse it under hot water. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub the plastic frame and mesh screen and rinse it once more to ensure it’s completely clean."

How to clean the outside of a dishwasher

Make sure you clean the outside of your dishwasher using warm soapy water, because while cleaning the inside of your dishwasher might be essential to keeping your dishes clean, it's also important to clean the outside to keep your kitchen mess-free and hygienic. 

Joyce told us, "Residue and splatters can build up on the door of the dishwasher. Use a damp microfibre cloth to wipe the interior surface of the door as well as underneath the door, around the edges of the door, the controls area, and the handle. Gently scrub any dirt or gunk from the rubber seal around the door using an old toothbrush and some warm, soapy water."

How often should you clean a dishwasher?

Joyce says, "It’s important to give your dishwasher a good deep clean once a month." 

Cleaning your dishwasher regularly prevents limescale build up in the machine and also stops the filter getting clogged with bits of food, which reduces the efficiency of you dishwasher and may result in higher energy usage.

In between each deep clean, try Mira's bicarbonate of soda trick to keep the inside of the machine odour-free.

How to keep your dishwasher clean

• Scrape off and pre-rinse your dishes before loading them in your dishwasher. 
• Deep clean your dishwasher quarterly.
• Clean your drain filter periodically.
• Run occasional vinegar and baking soda cycles to kill bacteria and keep your dishwasher smelling fresh.
• Avoid overfilling the racks so water and soap can easily pass through the dishes.
• If you use cold cycles regularly to save energy, run a hot cycle now and again to kill the bugs.

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• How to clean a hairbrush 
• 10 expert tips for cleaning school uniform
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• How to get foundation out of clothes - 9 quick hacks
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Video of the Week

Whether they're made from canvas, leather or mesh, this is how to clean white shoes - according to the experts.

If you're a fan of Mrs Hinch cleaning tips, then you're probably already a whizz when it comes to sprucing up household items. From how to clean a TV screen to how to clean a hairbrush, no doubt you're up to date on the best methods to keep your belongings dirt free. But there are a few items that are harder to clean than others - footwear being one of them. They collect scuffs, stains and dirt pretty quickly, and if they're white this can be a problem.

Nevertheless, white shoes are a wardrobe staple we're not willing to give up, which is why we've asked the experts how to clean white shoes. Sarah Dempsey, cleaning expert with My Job Quote, says: "There are several ways you can clean white shoes and get them looking bright and white again, just like new. Most methods use household products that you likely already have around the home." If you want to find out the best and easiest ways to clean white shoes, you've come to the right place...

How to clean white shoes

How you clean white shoes will likely depend on the material they are made from. But as a general rule, using soapy water is one of the best methods for removing dirt and stains from white shoes.

Sarah Dempsey told Goodto: "Warm Soapy water is perfect for cleaning white shoes, no matter what material they’re made from. Simply add one teaspoon of liquid dish soap to one cup of water and stir the mixture, then use a cloth or toothbrush and gently scrub the shoe with the soapy water. Continue to scrub until the shoes are clean, then wipe away any excess water and leave the shoes to air dry."

For more stubborn stains, Sarah adds that you can use toothpaste to clean your white shoes. She told us: "Toothpaste can work wonders for cleaning white shoes, but make sure you use a white, creamy toothpaste rather than a coloured gel toothpaste." 

To try this method, apply the toothpaste to your shoes with a toothbrush, working in circular motions. Leave the toothpaste on the shoes and set them aside for around 10 minutes, before wiping it away using a damp towel.

Once you've cleaned your white shoes, it's important to always let them air dry. Vittoria Wellen‑Bombelli, buying assistant at wide fit shoe specialists Pavers, says: "It’s important to avoid trying to rush the drying process, so don’t be tempted to place your shoes on a radiator or use a hairdryer as a heat source, as this may cause damage to your shoes."

How to clean white canvas shoes

Sarah advises using baking soda and white vinegar for cleaning canvas shoes - though make sure you check the label beforehand as some shoes may have specific cleaning instructions. 

1. Mix one tablespoon of hot water with one tablespoon of white vinegar.
2. Add one tablespoon of baking soda and mix the solution together until it forms a paste.
3. Use a toothbrush to apply this mixture to the shoes, working in a circular motion.
4. Leave the shoes to air dry before brushing off the dried paste.

How to clean white leather shoes

Leather shoes are more delicate, so you'll want to use cleaning tools that are less abrasive, such as a soft-bristled toothbrush or a microfibre cloth. You can use the below method with soap and water to clean leather shoes, but micellar water also works on removing stains, or you could invest in some leather cleaner too.

1. Add one teaspoon of liquid dish soap to one cup of water and stir the mixture.
2. Use a microfibre cloth or toothbrush to gently scrub the shoe with the soapy water.
3. Continue to scrub until the shoes are clean, then wipe away any excess water with a towel or paper towel.
4. Leave the shoes to air dry.

• View Kaps Gel Cleaner for Sneakers and Casual Shoes | Amazon - £6.49

How to clean white mesh shoes

Sarah says: "Bleach is a great product for cleaning fabric shoes. However, it’s important that you do this method in a well-ventilated room and you must make an effort to protect your eyes and skin while doing the cleaning."

1. Add one part bleach to five parts water (avoid adding too much bleach as this could turn your shoes yellow).
2. Work the solution into the shoes with a toothbrush, using a circular motion.
3. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the solution before leaving the shoes to air dry.

Expert tips for cleaning white shoes

1. Cleaning the inside of your shoes

If you want to clean the inside of your white shoes too, then Vittoria has a couple of tips. She told Goodto: "To keep the inside of your trainers fresh, remove the soles if possible and leave them out to air. Then go back in with a damp cloth to clean the inside of your shoes."

She adds: "Instead of using a shoe freshener spray for deodorising, sprinkle some baking soda in your trainers for a cheaper alternative - though you may have chalky footprints for a while!"

2. Cleaning the inner soles

Laura Harnett, founder of Seep eco-cleaning tools, also recommends using baking soda to clean the soles of you shoes. She says: "For the inner soles, if they can be removed then I pop these into Seep compostable bin bag with enough baking soda to cover them completely. Leave them tied in the bag over night and in the morning any odours will have been removed. If they are especially dirty, then you can gently wash by hand with a small amount of soap and water."

3. Use newspaper to absorb extra moisture

If you've cleaned the inside of your white shoes, or they got wet while you're cleaning the exterior, you can use newspaper to help dry them quicker.

Vittoria told us: "If you’ve cleaned the inside of any of your shoes, it’s important to make sure that they don’t remain damp, so grab some newspaper and scrunch it up inside your shoes to absorb any remaining moisture. You should then avoid wearing your shoes until they’re completely dry."

Avoid using sheets with excessive ink on - as they could leave marks on your trainers - and make sure to stuff the newspaper all the way into the toe of the shoe.

4. Use a mesh bag or pillowcase for machine washing trainers

Putting you shoes in the washing machine to clean them is not recommended, as it can damage your shoes. However, if you're struggling to find the time to clean your white shoes by hand, the there are some steps you can take to make machine washing your shoes safer.

Vittoria says: "If you would prefer to use the washing machine to clean your trainers, place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase and wash at 20°C to 30°C." 

Placing your shoes in a laundry bag or pillowcase protects the shoes from snagging in the washing machine, and will also reduce the noise as they tumble around in the wash.

5. Use baking soda to neutralise odours

A popular hack that has emerged on TikTok is to use baking soda to reduce any unpleasant smells in shoes. Cleaning influencer Clean That Up shared a video in which he suggested pouring two tablespoons of baking soda into a coffee filter, sealing it with a rubber band and placing the bundle inside of your shoes.

Vittoria says: "Baking soda is a natural deodoriser that can absorb odours  and bacteria, so it’s no surprise that many TikTokers have chosen this approach to combat smelly shoes."

She adds that instead of a coffee filter, you could also use a dryer sheet or sock to hold the baking soda in the shoes. Vittoria advises, "I wouldn’t recommend pouring baking soda directly into the shoe itself without a protective layer."

How to clean white shoelaces

Shoelaces can be washed by hand, or you can put them in a washing machine in a mesh bag. If you're washing the laces by hand, first brush off excess dirt and then soak them for 20 minutes in a bowl of warm water and washing up liquid.

If you choose to wash your white shoe laces in the washing machine, Vittoria says: "You can add your shoelaces in with your regular washing to freshen them up and speed up the process. First, remove any tough dirt debris with a toothbrush or water, then place your shoelaces in a mesh washing bag for delicate items before a regular cycle."

You can also use vinegar to clean shoelaces. Laura Harnett advises placing the laces in a bowl with a 1:1 ratio of white vinegar and water. Using a cloth, she says, "Rub the vinegar liquid into the laces and then leave to air dry. When they’re dry they’ll be white again with no lingering vinegar smell."

If you want to whiten your shoelaces, you could also soak them in bleach. Add one part bleach to five parts water, and submerge the laces for five minutes before putting them in the washing machine.

How to keep white shoes clean

Once you’ve got your shoes looking clean and fresh again, you’ll want to keep on top of maintaining them. Follow Sarah's tips below to keep your shoes looking good as new:

• Apply a stain and water-repellent spray once every few weeks to prevent stains before they happen. You may still need to give them a clean every once in a while, but the repellent spray will make it much more difficult for dirt and grime to penetrate right into the shoe.
• Keep on top of spot cleaning your shoes. As soon as you notice a stain on the shoes, get it cleaned up, as the longer you leave a stain, the longer it has to set and penetrate into the shoe’s material. This will make it much harder to clean in the future.
• Don't put your shoes in the washing machine, as this can damage both your shoes and the washing machine. Plus, it could also make your shoes age prematurely.

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• How to get foundation out of clothes - 9 quick hacks
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Video of the Week

If you always put your makeup on before getting changed then you've probably wondered how to get foundation out of clothes. We're here to help...

We've all been there. You've just done a full face of make up and had to work out how to get your favourite top on without it touching your face. Or you got over excited after finding your perfect foundation shade and spilt the new bottle down your front. It can feel like a disaster in the moment - especially if you're about to go out. But, much like knowing how to get stains out of school uniform, once you know how to get foundation out of clothes you won't need to stress anymore.

While you should leave delicate fabrics to the professionals rather than tackling foundation stains at home, there are plenty of ways you can remove these pesky makeup marks using household products. Fans of Mrs Hinch cleaning tips, keep reading, because we've rounded up nine of the best hacks to get foundation out of clothes...

How to get foundation out of clothes

1. Shaving cream

You might have seen this hack doing the rounds on the internet, but it really does work! In fact, Kim Kardashian swears by it - as does cleaning influencer and mum of two Chantel Mila.

In a viral TikTok captioned "The stain removal hack makeup artists swear by 🙌", Chantel shared how she uses shaving foam to remove foundation from clothing "instantly". 

After spraying the foam directly on the stain, she advises to leave it for ten minutes before removing with a cloth and washing as usual.

2. Dish soap

If your foundation is oil based, then you should be able to easily remove any stains on your clothing with dish soap.

After gently blotting away any excess foundation, rub dish soap into the stain using your fingers. Leave for 20 minutes to let the dish soap break down the oils, then wash in your machine on the warmest setting that the clothing label allows.

If the garment isn't machine washable, hand wash instead with warm water, before leaving to air dry.

3. Baking soda

Residential cleaning company The Maids recommends using baking soda to tackle foundation stains on cotton and synthetic materials - though they warn against using this hack on silk and other delicate fabrics. 

They recommend sprinkling baking soda on the stain and working it in with a soft cloth, before leaving it for five minutes to absorb the foundation. Then, shake of the excess and flip the garment over to repeat the process on the other side.

Rinse the clothing with cold water and wash as usual, and the stain should have vanished!

4. Makeup remover

It doesn't just work on your face, you can use make up remover to rid your clothes of stains too. You can try makeup wipes or a micellar water - as long as it's not got oil in it. 

While this hack might not be as effective on white or lighter coloured clothing, if you're wearing something dark and need a quick fix before you go out then we'd recommend trying this one.

6. Hairspray

This one's more of a preventative measure if you're prone to getting makeup all over yourself when you're getting ready, as hairspray can stop makeup from sticking to your clothing.

Mother of two Alicia Bailey went viral on TikTok when she posted a video explaining that she sprays hairspray around the neckline over her clothes before waiting 20 minutes to get dressed.

She captioned the video, "Quick hack to stop makeup going on your clothes."

However, commenters were quick to urge caution when trying this hack. One wrote, "Hairspray is flammable just in case some smoke," while another said, "Wow but 🔥 fire hazard central❗️❗️❗️".

7. Hairdryer

If it's powder foundation that you've spilt all over your new white top, then you might be able to get the stain out using just your hair dryer.

Use the cool setting and direct the nozzle at the foundation stain, and most of the powder should just blow off your clothing. 

If there's still some marking left after you've tried this, run warm water through the back of the stain, cover it in liquid laundry detergent and wash as usual.

After you've washed the garment and left it to air dry, the stain should have vanished completely. 

8. Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can break down oily stains, so it's another good one to try on foundation marks. Soak a cloth or a wipe then gently blot and rub over the makeup stain and you should see the mark begin to fade.

However, you don't want to be wiping rubbing alcohol on all your outfits, as the harsh chemical can damage delicate fabrics. You're better of using this hack on more sturdy materials.

9. Detergent pens

If you're prone to staining your clothes with foundation, it might be worth investing in a detergent pen for quick fixes on the go. You can get a pack of three Tide to Go Stain Pens on Amazon for just £10 to help you remove tough stains when out and about.

They won't work on all stains, but if you've got a pesky foundation smear along your collar that you want to get rid of, then having one of these in your handbag can be really helpful.

Press the pen onto the stain to release the powerful cleaning solution, before 'colouring in' the stain with the detergent pen and watching it disappear before your eyes.

Video of the Week

You might be surprised by how versatile this household products is - here's how to clean with vinegar...

If you're on the hunt for new cleaning hacks or are a big fan of Mrs. Hinch's cleaning tips, then you're going to want to know more about how you can clean with vinegar. Non-toxic, eco-friendly and cheap, vinegar can be used to make your own multi-purpose cleaning spray and works wonders on a variety of household items - whether you want to know how to clean a hair brush or a shower head.

New research from Confused.com has revealed that vinegar is the most popular ingredient to use around the home for cleaning. So, if you've been wondering how you can use vinegar to clean, we've found out from the experts exactly how to use this multipurpose cleaner to keep your home sparkling.

How to clean with vinegar

1. Getting rid of limescale

Limescale is caused by a build-up of calcium and magnesium minerals in hard water, and it's an inevitable problem on your showerhead - given its constant contact with water. However, vinegar is an especially effective substance for getting rid of limescale.

Andy Duncan, cleaning expert from Easy Cleaners, says: "If you’re suffering with limescale on you showerhead, the best thing that you can do is fill up a plastic bag with vinegar and wrap it around the showerhead for 40 minutes, allowing the showerhead to soak in it. Once you unwrap the bag, you should reveal a completely limescale-free showerhead."

As well as having a sparkly clean showerhead, removing the limescale will prevent any blockages and maintain the hygiene of shower water.

2. Removing streaky window stains

Andy explains: "If you mix together one part of distilled vinegar to every ten parts water in a spray bottle, it is the perfect solution to getting rid of any serious streaks on your windows. 

 "Spray this on your windows and then wipe it off using a paper towel or microfibre cloth. Make sure you remove all dust and dirt before doing this."

You might want to try this when the sun isn't shining directly on your windows, so you can better see any spots you might have missed.

3. Cleaning cloudy glasses

Hard water doesn't just cause limescale build-up, it can also turn your drinking glasses cloudy. Luckily, there's an easy way to fix this using vinegar.

Andy suggests filling a bowl with hot water and resting a bottle of vinegar in there for a minute so it warms up. He says: "Once it’s warm, drain the sink and then fill it with the warm vinegar with the plug in. Let the glasses soak in the vinegar for an hour, and use a nylon net to rub the vinegar off. Swill the glasses with warm water and leave them to dry, and this should solve the problem.”

4. Cleaning the dishwasher

Vinegar will not only cut through any build-up and leave your dishwasher sparkling, but it can also remove any unpleasant odours, mould and mildew that it’s built up

“The best way to use vinegar to clean the dishwasher is to firstly remove any bits of food that have come off in the wash." Andy told us. "Then, place a cup of white wine vinegar in a bowl - but make sure that it’s dishwasher safe - on the top shelf of an empty dishwasher. Once you’ve done this, let the dishwasher run on a hot-water cycle, and let it dry."

5. Removing grime in the washing machine

Washing machines can build up grime quickly, yet they're an appliance that people often forget to clean. 

Andy suggests that the best way to clean your washing machine is to add two cups of white wine vinegar into the detergent drawer in you washing machine and running a hot wash. 

You could also add half a cup of baking soda into the drum to get your washing machine super clean and neutralise any odours.

What vinegar can you clean with?

White distilled vinegar is usually the best vinegar to clean with, because it won't leave a stain. However, most vinegars are suitable for cleaning because their acidity enables them to kill germs.

Other types of vinegar include white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, rice wine vinegar, malt vinegar and sherry vinegar. 

If you don't have any white vinegar to hand, apple cider vinegar is the best substitute - and you might find that the smell is slightly more pleasant than that of white vinegar. However, apple cider vinegar is generally much more expensive than distilled white vinegar.

The best way to use vinegar to clean is to mix it with equal parts water and use in a spray bottle. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, try adding a few drops of essential oil to the solution to mask the smell. 

What not to clean with vinegar

• Granite or marble - Vinegar can cause natural stone to lose its shine, so you might want to avoid using it on your kitchen countertops.
• Hardwood floors - Vinegar can dissolve the coating on hardwood floors, which may make your floors look dull or scratched.
• Wool rugs - The acidity in vinegar can permanently damage the fibre of wool.
• Kitchen knives - Vinegar can corrode the blades and dull the edges of knives.
• TV screens - White vinegar will strip away the protective surface on electronic devices and may damage the anti-glare properties.
• Mirrors - You might be tempted because vinegar is so great for cleaning windows, but it can penetrate through the backing and hinder the mirror's shine.

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Video of the Week

Fancy making afternoon tea cakes with a twist? Andrew Gravett, London's Executive Pastry Chef at The Langham shares his best Japanese-style afternoon tea cake recipes: Cream choux buns and Japanese roll cake.

The Langham London is famous for being the birthplace of afternoon tea, many of its cakes created by Andrew Gravett. Often afternoon tea cakes are perceived as hard to make but chef Andrew shares his expert tips and demonstrates just how simple and straightforward they can be to make in our step-by-step video guide.

Preparation: To make these dainty afternoon tea cakes, you will need some professional baking equipment including a silicone baking mat, as this will make sure your cakes do not stick to the bottom of your tray, and piping bag. If you can't get hold of a piping bag or would prefer to not buy one, you can use a spoon for your choux buns and a baking spatula for your Japanese roll cake. However, using these may not achieve the same design as Andrew's.

For your cream choux buns, it is optional on whether you want to make some sweet pastry discs to go on top of your buns before making them. Andrews uses them to simply keep the choux buns in place as well as give them a crunchy texture. He recommends making them the night before making your afternoon tea and storing them in the fridge.

Another thing you can do ahead of your afternoon tea is to make the vanilla mousseline cream the day before. Simply just store in the fridge overnight and serve when needed.

You can also make your cherry jam to go inside the cream choux buns before making them. Andrew uses cherries, a little bit of sugar, and some pectin to set the jam. If you don't have time to make the jam, a shop-bought cherry jam will work just as well.

Finally, you could also cut up any decoration you will need for both your cakes ahead of time. Just slice up your strawberries and cherries into halves and store them in the fridge in an airtight container until they are needed.

Watch how to make the ultimate cream cakes for your afternoon tea with Andrew Gravett

Ingredients:

For the vanilla mousseline:

• 500g milk
• 25g plain flour
• 90g caster sugar
• 90g egg yolks
• 130g butter
• 50g mascarpone

For the choux buns:

• 125g milk
• 125g water
• 7g caster sugar
• 7g salt
• 112g butter
• 140g plain flour
• 250g whole eggs
• Cherry jam, to fill the buns with
• Cherries, to decorate

For the Japanese roll cake:

• 280g milk
• 45g butter
• 1g salt
• 90g egg yolks
• 35g caster sugar
• 45g plain flour
• 135g egg whites
• 50g sugar
• Strawberries and marmalade, to fill

How to make the vanilla mousseline cream

Step 1

Bring to boil the milk with a vanilla pod. Let it infuse for 10 min and sieve.

Step 2

Meanwhile mix with a whisk in a bowl flour, caster sugar and egg yolk.

Step 3

When the liquid boils, temper the egg mix and add it to the pan with the rest of the milk. Boil for 1 minutes.

Step 4

Let it cool down to 40C and add the butter cut in small pieces. Blend to smooth texture and keep it refrigerated.

Before using it, add the mascarpone and mix with a whisk to a smooth texture.

How to make choux buns

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 175C.

Boil together the water, milk, salt, sugar and butter.

Step 2

Make sure the butter is completely melted before adding the flour. Once the flour is been added, mix well over the heat for 2 minutes.

Step 3

Let it cool down before start adding the eggs.

Add the eggs one by one until the dough is homogeneous.

Step 4

Pipe onto a tray and bake for 175C for 30 min. Once the choux is cooked turn off the oven and keep the door ajar to let them dry.

Step 5

Fill with cherry jam and the vanilla mousseline.

Step 6

Top with a cherry.

Watch how to make a Japanese roll cake with Andrew Gravett

How to make a Japanese roll cake

Step 1

Preheat the oven at 160C.

Mix egg yolk, sugar and flour in a bowl with a whisk.

Step 2

Meanwhile whip the egg whites with the sugar to form a meringue. Mix into the egg yolk mixture to get a soft sponge batter.

Step 3

Once you've folded the cream into the meringue and spread onto a baking tray.

Step 4

Bake at 160C for 35 min.

Trim to desired size.

Step 5

Cover the sponge with a thin layer of vanilla mousseline.

Step 6

Pipe on thin lines of marmalade, and fill with quartered strawberries.

Step 7

Roll from the long side, over once.

Step 8

Slice to desired size.

Step 9

Serve and enjoy!

Top tips for making cream choux and Japanese roll cake

For the cream choux buns, Andrew says; "when making the choux pastry, it essential to make sure you dry the pastry out by taking it off the heat and using the existing heat in the pan and folding it so that you get out all the excess moisture. Also when adding the eggs to the pastry, you should gradually add your eggs to your mixture, so that you get it nice and smooth."

For the vanilla mousseline cream, which is used for both of these afternoon tea cakes, it is really important that you dissolve the sugar in the eggs first. If you don't do this first, the sugar will absorb the moisture of the eggs and you will be left with a lumpy cream. Also, when creating the base of the cream using milk, Andrew uses gelatin powder. To make it perfect for this cream, he says that you should use 1g of powder and 5g of water and this should be added to the cream once it is cooked and should let it dissolve while it is still warm. 

Andrew adds; "It is really important that you make sure you let your cream reach 40C before adding in your melted butter. Then voilà, your cream will be ready to go."

Moving on to the Japanese roll cake, it is essential that you follow all of Andrew's tips and tricks. "For the meringue sponge, it is really important to not add the sugar in too early, otherwise there will be less air in the meringue. Also, it is important to only whisk your meringue on a medium speed, as you want it to have an elastic texture and have a light foam to it," says Andrew.

It is also vital when you finally mix it with the base of the sponge, which is the hot cream, that you mix some of your meringue mixtures into your cream mixture first. Andrew advises this because it will help to make the two textures similar when mixing them finally together to make the sponge. 

Another tip from Andrew to finish off your amazing Japanese roll cake is to add two small strips of marmalade into your cake to add a bit of acidity and bitterness to your cake so that it is not too overwhelmingly sweet. This is something they exclusively use in their roll cakes at The Langham hotel, so definitely is worth a try. Also make sure you save some mousseline cream to decorate your cake. If not, whipping cream will work just as well.

What makes vanilla mousseline cream different?

Vanilla mousseline cream is the traditional pastry cream used in many favourite pastries. Using lots of softened silky butter, it is an ultra-indulgent cream and when piped has a super professional and beautiful look to it.

Traditionally, many chefs add vanilla to the cream to give it a sweet finish that compliments most pastries perfectly.

How to store vanilla mousseline cream?

According to cookist, you can store mousseline cream for up to 1 day in the fridge after making it. Just make sure you wrap your bowl of cream tightly in cling film and get it out of the fridge at least half an hour before using it, so you can get it to room temperature. Once it is at the right temperature, whisk it up again to soften it and use it as you please.

How to store afternoon tea cakes

Both these cakes generally can be stored in an airtight container in your cupboard or larder for up to 1-2 days. Any longer and they may become dry.

If you wanted to keep them for a few more days, you could put them into your fridge but it is important to know that pastries and cakes tend to become drier in the fridge, as the cooler temperatures tend to draw the moisture out of them.

Why was afternoon tea invented?

Afternoon tea is quintessentially British. It all started back in the 17th century when the 7th Duchess of Bedford complained that she always had a sinking feeling in the afternoon and her solution was a pot of tea and a light snack that was privately taken in the afternoon.

She then started inviting her friends to join her for her afternoon tea and soon many people picked up on the idea and the practice became respectable enough to move into the drawing room.

Traditionally it started off as only an upper classes tradition, but soon most of society was sipping on tea and nibbling on sandwiches late afternoon. Fast forward to now, despite afternoon tea still being a thing in Britain, it is very much an occasional luxury for many of us and is normally full of elegant sandwiches, savoury goods, and sweet cakes and tarts.

Related features:

How to make jam with Andrew Gravett

How to make scotch eggs with Tim Anderson

How to make katsu sando with Tim Anderson

Theo Randall's homemade pasta recipe is the only base you need to rustle up a range of pasta types, including lasagne sheets, tagliatelle and farfalle.

With just three ingredients, you’d think that making pasta sounds simple enough, but it’s important not to skimp on quality. If the budget allows, go for recently-laid organic eggs with bold-coloured yolks so your pasta has a fresh taste and an attractive yellow hue.

Some chefs omit eggs and use a mix of flour and water (this is the kind of recipe you tend to find in delis and grocers because, without the egg, it is easier to preserve) but if you want to make pasta in true Italian fashion, follow Theo’s step-by-step guide.

When it comes to flour, plain will not do – Tipo '00' flour is a must. This is an extremely fine durum wheat flour that’s typically used to make pasta. Its structure works to form a dough that’s both pliable and smooth, yet durable. Some chefs will only use Tipo '00' flour, eggs and nothing else, while some use semolina flour, which results in a firmer, heartier pasta. Theo’s recipe uses both types of flour.

And while it’s not essential, it’s worth treating yourself to a pasta machine – it will make your life easier and the process quicker.

Preparation

Very little preparation is needed for this recipe, and while it caters for those with a pasta maker, if you scroll further down you’ll see that we have a section on how to make different types of pasta by hand. You will, however, need a deep saucepan in which to cook the pasta, and a clean, damp tea towel to hand – this is used throughout the recipe to prevent the pasta from drying out.

A quick tip – it’s better to let fresh pasta prove, covered, for 30 minutes at room temperature before rolling it out or putting it through a pasta maker. This proving time allows the gluten in the flour to relax, which will help the pasta maintain its shape and flexibility.

Expect to put pasta dough through the pasta maker a few times to achieve the desired thickness. Start on the widest setting, folding the pasta after each roll, and do this half a dozen times before narrowing the rollers notch by notch until you’ve achieved the desired result (don’t forget to lightly dust the pasta with flour every time it goes through the machine, to prevent sticking). The pasta should have an elasticity and silky texture to it and, if you’re rolling it thin, you should able to see the outline of your hand through it.

Watch Theo Randall make homemade fresh pasta

Ingredients

• 350g ‘00’ pasta flour
• 25g semolina flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 whole eggs
• 4 egg yolks

Method

Step 1

Mix all the ingredients, plus 1tsp water in a food processor and blitz until well formed. You don’t need to add any seasoning or oil.

If you don’t have a food processor you can do this by hand – make a mound from the flour and create a well in the centre. Add the eggs to the well. Slowly begin to bring the flour into the centre, gradually pulling it all in.

Step 2

Once your dough has been brought together, by hand or in the food processor, check that it has the texture of Play-Doh – if it’s too dry, add a little more water.

Sprinkle semolina flour onto a clean, flat surface to prevent the dough from sticking and knead until smooth.

Step 3

Cover with a damp towel and leave to rest for 20-30 minutes.

Step 4

Divide the mixture into two, covering the ball you’re not working with. Flatten one ball of dough into a rough rectangle and slowly feed through the pasta machine on the widest setting, folding over each time. Repeat 5-6 times until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 5

Next, begin to work the pasta through the thinner settings, reducing notch by notch each time you feed the dough through. You don’t need to fold the pasta now, but if it gets too long, cut it in half so it’s easier to work with. After this, it will be silky and golden and you should be able to see your hand through the dough.

Step 6

Cut the dough into long rectangles. Lay on top of each other, sprinkling a little semolina flour in between each layer so they don’t stick together.

Step 7

If you’re making tagliatelle or tagliarini (the fresh version of spaghetti) – like Theo shows in the video recipe – set the pasta machine to the right cutting setting and feed each pasta layer through the machine. You can also do this by hand by laying the pasta layers flat, dusting with semolina flour, then slicing into strands.

Step 8

Cook the fresh pasta in boiling, salted water for 2-3 minutes. Serve with butter, black pepper and Parmesan, or add it to a sauce of your choice and mix it in so until the sauce emulsifies.

Theo finishes his dish with his choice of Parmesan, which can be grated before you start the recipe, along with truffle, if you like.

FAQs about making fresh pasta

How do I make pasta without a pasta machine?

If you plan of making your own pasta on a regular basis, a pasta machine is a worthwhile investment. Otherwise, just use a rolling pin and follow these steps:

1. Divide the pasta dough into 3 equal pieces – this makes the process more manageable.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle. The size here depends on the quantity you’re rolling but, as a guide, go for 30cm by 15cm.
3. Roll the dough to the thickness of a £1 coin and then fold in half and roll again. Repeat this several times until you have a smooth sheet to work with.
4. The thickness of the final roll will depend on what you’re planning to make. For something like pappardelle or tagliatelle, roll the sheet quite thinly – around 2mm; Italians say that you should be able to read your newspaper through it. The sheet can become quite long as you roll, so cut into small sheets if necessary.
5. Once you’ve achieved the desired thickness (in this case, 2mm or thereabouts) cut in sheets of around 20-25cm in length. You can use these for lasagne, or loosely roll them up and cut into strips – 2cm wide for pappardelle, 1cm for tagliatelle, and around 2.5 mm for linguini.

Do you have tips for making fresh pasta from scratch?

Follow these handy nuggets of advice and the pasta-making process should be stress-free.

• Place a slightly damp cloth or tea towel over pasta dough until you’re ready to work with it, or between cooking stages. Otherwise, the dough can dry out.
• Put a light dusting of flour on the work surface when working dough. Don’t overdo it though, as too much can dry out the pasta.
• When rolling the dough through a machine, don't force it. Let the machine do the work and take your time.
• Run the dough through each setting until you reach the desired thickness. Don't speed things up by going from the thickest setting to the thinnest too quickly, as this will tear the dough.
• When you make shapes, the sky is the limit. You can let your creativity run wild and experiment with different forms or follow our suggestions, below.

How should I cook fresh pasta?

When it comes to cooking, fresh pasta is a different beast to dry, packaged pasta. Commercially-made dried pasta usually takes 8-12 minutes to cook (longer if it’s wholemeal), while fresh pasta only requires around 2-4 minutes. And if you make your own pasta and dry it at home, it still won’t take as long as shop-bought dried pasta.

To cook, bring a large pan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta carefully – fresh pasta, for example, needs a gentle touch and should be added in small batches.

Depending on the type of pasta you’re using, cook for 2-4 mins if it’s fresh (until the pasta floats to the top), or according to the packet’s instructions if it’s dry.

Drain, then serve immediately. See our handy guide for more advice on how to cook pasta.

What’s the best way to store fresh pasta?

Fresh pasta dough wrapped snugly in cling film or an airtight bag, will last in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Dust the dough in a little flour before chilling, and allow it to come up to room temperature before rolling or shaping – this makes it much easier to work with.

You can also dry out fresh pasta dough that’s been shaped so it can be stored for longer. If you’re cutting the pasta into strips, drape each one over a pasta drying rack until dry and slightly brittle. Don’t have a pasta drying rack? You’re not the only one – drape the strips over the back of a chair, clothes horse, or on coat hangers.

If you’re making shapes, lay the shapes, not touching, on a tray lined with baking paper. Store in a warm dry place for 24 hours before placing in an airtight container and storing in a cool, dark place. Egg pasta lasts for up to 3 months; egg-free for up to 6 months.

How do I make homemade fusilli al ferretto?

This curly shape is one most of us will recognise. It’s not identical to the mass-produced fusilli you find in supermarkets, but it’s similar. The great thing about this shape is that you don't have to roll the dough in a machine, so it's a good one for beginners.

1. Take some dough and roll it into a long strip on the worktop; around the thickness pencil or a chopstick.

2. Cut into lengths of around 5cm and roll around a metal rod “ferretto” starting from the one end and rolling to the other. You can also use a kebab stick or wooden skewer.

3. Gently slide the pasta shape off the device. Repeat.

How do I make homemade orecchiette?

Orecchiette, meaning “little ears”, is possibly the cutest shape in the pasta world (with the exception of stelline, or “little stars”. These little curved discs actually have a practical use – they’re ideal for holding sauce. And you don’t need a pasta machine to make them.

1. Take the dough and roll it into a long thin sausage shape.

2. Cut bite-size pieces of the dough off the end and, using a butter knife drag the blade over the pasta which will stretch the dough.

3. Once stretched, overturn the pasta onto your thumb to create little cups, or “ears”.

How do I make homemade farfalle?

Farfalle is one of the most common pasta shapes. In the UK, we refer to farfalle as “bowties”, though the word translates as “butterflies” in Italian.

1. To get the jagged edge synonymous with farfalle you will need a fluted pasta wheel.

2. Using a pasta machine, roll the dough to 2mm, then cut it into 2cm-wide strips.

3. Next, using the fluted pasta wheel, cut each strip into 4cm rectangles.

4. To fold, pick up the rectangle and fold it in half, along the length.

5. Pinch the centre at the base and then fold the edges back in the opposite direction and pinch again. Still confused? Watch this video with Jamie Oliver’s long-time friend, Gennaro Contaldo.

How do I make homemade tortellini?

Tortellini is a stuffed, ring-shaped pasta from Bologna and Modena. Traditionally packed with a mixture of pork, egg and cheese and served in a broth, these days you’re likely to find tortellini stuffed with a variety of creative fillings and served in a broth or sauce.

1. Using a pasta machine, roll the dough to 2mm then cut it into 5cm squares. Tortellini shouldn't be too big, and the key here is not to overfill, otherwise the filling will burst out.

2. Place a small penny-sized amount of filling in the centre of each square. Pick up and form a triangle by pinching the top and bottom corners together and securing around the edges. You can use a dab of water here to help the edges stick.

3. Take the longest edge of the triangle (the edge you didn't pinch together) and work from one corner, wrap it around your index finger, pinching and securing it with the other corner. This may take a few attempts, but once you have the hang of it you’ll be flying. If you’re still not sure, here's Gennaro to shows us how again (this time on a boat with Jamie).

The best pasta making tools

If you want to make your life a little easier by investing in some equipment, or you just want to experiment with some new gadgets, we've rounded up our favourite pasta tools just for you...

Mexican chef Elias Silva Resinas demonstrates how to make the best salsas you will ever have: Pica de Gallo and Salsa Verde Aguacate within this step-by-step recipe and video guide.

Elias Silva Resinas is a Mexican chef from London restaurant Ella Canta who knows exactly how to cook the most authentic Mexican recipes and loves sharing his family recipes. Two of this favourite recipes are Pica de Gallo and Salsa Verde Aguacate.

Pico De Gallo, is a spicy tomato salsa and Salsa Verge Aguacate is a speedy, fresh avocado salsa that is a great alternative to your typical guacamole and tastes amazing, if not better.

Together, these two salsas create a delicious duo for dunking your corn chips in at a dinner party or BBQ or for using to add a little extra flavour to all your favourite Mexican dishes. Even better, they both only take around 20 minutes to make and are truly delicious.

Preparation: As the dips require very little work, these salsas don't really need much preparation but if you are hosting a dinner party or BBQ, you could cut up your vegetables prior to making them, so that they can be served quickly.

Also, for the Salsa Verde Aguacate, you will need tomatillos, which only tend to be found in food markets, mainly during the summer months. However, if you can't find any, it is worth getting ahead and ordering them online from food retailers.

Watch Mexican chef Elias Silva Resinas make the ultimate dips

Ingredients:

For the Pica De Gallo:

• 1kg tomatoes
• 300g coriander
• 300g white onion
• 200g serrano chillies
• 400ml lime juice
• salt to taste

For the Salsa Verde Aguacate:

• 4 ripe avocadoes
• 300g tomatillos
• 60g onion
• 25g coriander
• 50ml lime juice
• salt ,to taste

How to make Pico De Gallo

Step 1

For the pico de gallo cut the tomatoes into a fine dice.

Step 2

Chop the onion to the same size.

Step 3

Chop the chilli finely, too, discarding the seeds if you prefer a milder salsa.

Step 4

Chop the coriander and place it in the same bowl.

Step 5

Mix everything together with the lime juice and salt to taste.

Step 6

Serve and enjoy.

How to make Salsa Verde Aguacate

Step 1

Prepare the avocado but cutting in half, removing the skin and stone. 

Step 2

Cut the tomatillos in 4 and place them in the blender with everything else and a little bit of salt. Blend everything, (you are looking for a smooth texture), taste it and add more salt if necessary. 

Step 3

Put the salsa in a bowl and place it in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

Pico de Gallo and Salsa Verde Aguacate - all you need to know

What is the difference between Pico de Gallo and Salsa Verde Aguacate?

The main difference between Pico De Gallo and Salsa Verde Aguacate is that one if made predominately with tomatoes and the other is made with mainly avocado.

Pico De Gallo is a fresh, often spicy salsa made with fresh ingredients such as tomato and red onion. It has a strong flavour, and added crunch.

Salsa Verde Aguacate is a much softer, a creamier textured dip made with avocado and tomatillos. 

Both are drizzled with lime and seasoned with salt before serving. 

How to store Pico de Gallo and Salsa Verde Aguacate

Elias advises that the Pico de Gallo should last up to 2-3 days in the fridge if stored correctly. Simply just make sure you either put it in an airtight container or wrap the bowl tightly in cling film.

For Salsa Verde Aguacate, due to its avocado base, it will only last around 1-2 days in the fridge before it starts to turn brown. Therefore, it is essential when storing it to make sure it is in an airtight container with a tight seal, to prevent it discolouring too quickly. Elias believes it is best eaten on the day, as that is when it is at its freshest!

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This fresh tomato pasta sauce recipe by Theo Randall, celebrity chef from the InterContinental hotel, is the real deal. Using only five ingredients, we are sure it will be a winner with the whole family thanks to its sweet flavour and rich finish.

Serve with your choice of pasta, tortelloni, gnocchi, or ravioli, it really couldn't be an easier mid-week meal and is one of our favourite cheap family meal ideas if you're trying to cook on a budget. 

Topped with a good glug of olive oil and basil, this fresh tomato pasta sauce couldn't be more delicious. Chef Theo Randall specialises in Italian cuisine and shares his best tip with us on how to make the ultimate sauce; "do not believe the myth that all Italians use lots of garlic in their recipes. While they do use garlic, they often use it much more subtly than people think, and in this sauce, it is about balancing it with the fresh basil."

Once you have mastered this tomato sauce, you can experiment with it such as by adding meat, prawns, as well as your choice of veggies. Also, if you want to give it a bit of spice, why not add some chilies or dried chilli flakes? Topped with Parmesan cheese, this dish is the ultimate Italian recipe.

Preparation: This super simple recipe really does not require much preparation but before you start, we recommend making sure you have a deep saucepan or casserole pot as well as a blender or hand blender.

Theo also advises that you check the garlic you are going to be using by squeezing it before you start the recipe. If your garlic is firm then it is perfect to use, but if it cracks and is soft on the inside, that means the garlic is too old. Alternatively, if you don't have any garlic in the fridge or want to use cupboard items, you could instead use garlic granules. Although, this may not give the strongest garlic flavour to your pasta sauce.

Also, if you wanted you could get ahead by cutting your tomatoes in half and blending them before starting your recipe so that your tomato mixture is ready to go.

Watch how to make the best tomato pasta sauce with Theo Randall

Ingredients:

• 4tbsp good quality olive oil
• 500g ripe fresh tomatoes
• 600g tomato passata
• 1 clove garlic, finely sliced
• 10 leaves fresh basil

How to make tomato pasta sauce

Step 1

Add half the olive oil and the garlic to a frying pan on a medium heat. Cook gently for a couple of minutes, avoiding getting any colouring on the garlic, as this will make the whole sauce taste bitter.

Step 2

Add half the basil and cook gently for a couple more minutes.

Step 3

Remove the core from the fresh tomatoes and add them to a food processor.

Step 4

Blitz until the tomatoes are smooth.

Step 5

Add this tomato mixture to the pan with the garlic and add the passata.

Step 6

Leave to simmer for twenty minutes, until reduced and sweet. Season to taste and finish with more fresh basil and the rest of the olive oil.

Step 7

Toss through fresh pasta.

Step 8

Serve and enjoy!

FAQs about tomato pasta sauce

Where does tomato pasta sauce originate from?

The first tomato sauce recipe was written by Italian chef Francesco Leonardi in the Italian cookbook L'Apicio in 1790. Originally known as a love remedy and tomatoes being a food that serves the heart, it was created to replace the pepper preserve in the 16th century.

Known as 'pomodoros' in Italy, this is Italian for the fruit of the gold. Back then, many Italians then started to create their own simple tomato sauces by cutting their tomatoes up and boiling them, and letting them melt and pass through a sieve. They would then let their sauces condense over their fires while mixing in salt and pepper and would then when ready serve it to all their families.

Traditionally now, Italians love to serve a simple tomato sauce through fresh pasta but they are also known for their specific pizza called Mariana, which uses homemade tomato sauce topped with fresh garlic and basil.

How to store and reheat tomato pasta sauce

Due to homemade tomato pasta sauce being a lot fresher than those found in the supermarkets, they tend to last not as long in the fridge. However, provided they are stored correctly, your tomato pasta sauce should last up to 5 days in the fridge.

You can either choose your store fresh tomato sauce in the sterilised glass bottle, or any airtight/sealable Tupperware would work just fine. However, Pasta Evangelists suggest consuming fresh pasta sauces within 2 days after making them, as this is when the sauce's flavours are fresher and therefore, will taste nicer.

However, you can also freeze your fresh tomato pasta sauce by putting your sauce into a freezer bag or airtight container, which can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you want to use it, defrost your sauce at room temperature for a few hours before cooking and check that the sauce has not discoloured at all or has a tangy odor. If all is ok, simply add your fresh pasta and cook as normal on the stove or in the microwave for 30-second intervals until it is warmed to your satisfaction.

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Ever wondered how to make ravioli? Well celebrity chef Theo Randall, from the InterContinental hotel, proves pasta really isn't that tricky to make with his easy spinach and ricotta ravioli recipe.

This combination of earthy spinach and creamy ricotta cheese is the perfect Italian pairing for ravioli and is complimented by a good amount of seasoning and a generous handful of Parmesan. Fear not, Theo Randall says if you decide to taste the filling by itself you might think it tastes a little salty, but he says you must stick with it.

The reason why the center of the ravioli is on the strong side is that it needs to have a strong savoury taste, as this will help to make sure the ravioli is packed full of flavour so that it perfectly mixes with its simple butter and sage sauce.

Another tip from Theo when cooking ravioli is to make sure you have dried out the blanched spinach in a colander as much as you can. Otherwise, your filling will be too wet, which will make your pasta soggy.

He also suggests leaving the stalks on your spinach as this will help to create the perfect texture to your filling and says it is essential that you chop it very finely and once you have mixed it with the ricotta, you must heavily season it with salt and pepper.

Another temptation he says you must avoid is overfilling your ravioli. Simply make sure you are only filling a small teaspoon with your filling and that you have a generous amount of pasta surrounding them.

Preparation: For this recipe, we suggest using a deep straight-sided pot along with a non-stick frying pan, like those used in this recipe. Theo uses this type of pan, as you want to make sure your ravioli does not stick to your pan and therefore is super soft rather than overcooked.

You can also learn how to make pasta dough with Theo, however, if you are short of time or don't fancy making your own pasta, you should be able to buy pasta sheets in most supermarkets, which will work just the same.

Also to get ahead of time, prepare your pasta before and pop your ravioli in the fridge for 20 minutes prior to cooking. Theo also suggests not covering them in cling film as this will make the pasta become really soggy. Whereas if you leave your ravioli left open in the fridge, it will evaporate all the excess moisture left in the ravioli and will help to dry them out leaving them with a beautiful al dente finish.

Watch celebrity chef Theo Randall make the ultimate homemade ravioli

Ingredients:

• 350g fresh pasta dough
• 500g fresh spinach
• 200g ricotta cheese
• 100g grated Parmesan

To serve:

• 100g butter
• 8 sage leaves

How to make ravioli

Step 1

Blanch the spinach in boiling water for a couple of minutes until just cooked. Drain and squeeze so the spinach is dry. Chop finely and mix with the ricotta cheese and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Roll out one long pasta sheet. Cover any you’re not working on with a damp tea towel to keep it fresh while you work.

Pipe or spoon the ravioli filling evenly along one sheet with a gap of 3 cm.

Step 3

Fold over pasta, press down to release all the air.

Step 4

Cut with a ravioli cutter to give evenly sized squares.

Step 5

Place on a tray with flour and put in fridge. Leave for two hours to dry.

Step 6

Cook in boiling, salted water for 3-4 minutes until just cooked. Serve with melted butter and sage leaves.

Everything you need to know about ravioli

What are the best fillings for ravioli?

Ravioli is a super versatile dish and your fillings can be whatever your heart desires.

If you fancy a meat filling, why not opt for either ground pork or beef filling mixed in with burrata, ricotta, goat's cheese, or mozzarella? However, if you fancy stronger flavours why not opt for spicy meat along with your favourite soft cheese? And if you fancy a fishy filling, we suggest using either crab, lobster, prawns, or salmon.  

If you are veggie, there are even more options you can use such as mushrooms, butternut squash, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, olives, pumpkin, spinach, and cauliflower. 

All of these filling options work perfectly either with a simple sage and butter sauce or a tomato sauce of your choice.

How to store cooked ravioli

Cooked ravioli like many other pasta dishes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-5 days if stored properly.

This means making sure you store your ravioli in an airtight container. You must also make sure you do not leave your ravioli out at room temperature after cooking it for longer than 2 hours because it will lead to bacteria rapidly growing on it making it unsafe to eat.

You can also alternatively store your cooked ravioli in the freezer indefinitely but it is important to be aware that the dryer your ravioli filling, the mushier it will be when thawed. 

The best ravioli to freeze are those with a sauce, as they can help prevent your ravioli from becoming overly dry and taste better when reheated.

How to reheat ravioli

Your two best options to reheat your ravioli is either by microwave, which is super quick and easy and perfect for those who may not have access to anything else.

Whereas, if you are at home you can alternatively use your hob for a fresher taste to your ravioli.

In the microwave:

1. Place a portion of ravioli in a microwave-safe container
2. Add a tablespoon of water to loosen up your ravioli
3. Cover the bowl with a piece of damp paper towel
4. Microwave your ravioli in 30-20 second intervals (20 if your ravioli isn't in sauce)
5. Stir very gently at each stop – you don’t want any to accidentally break
6. Once warm to your satisfaction, serve immediately

Over the stove:

1. Set your stove to a low heat and heat a teaspoon of oil
2. Gently add in your portion of ravioli
3. Add in 1-2 tablespoons of water to loosen up your ravioli and cover with a lid
4. Cook your ravioli for 3-4 minutes, stirring when necessary
5. Once warm to your satisfaction, serve immediately

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Although the first Prime Day of 2024 is done and dusted, Amazon is always giving families the opportunity to get their hands on some serious bargains. Follow our top tips to find the best deals and get the best value for money.

If you're not sure what or when Amazon Prime day is, it's a 48-hour sale hosted by Amazon each year, where it offers massive reductions on thousands of products, exclusively to Prime members. It normally takes place in early summer. There is also a version of Prime Day that takes place in October, in the lead up to Black Friday.

How to get the best deals on Amazon Prime Day

1. Make sure you have an Amazon Prime membership

If you're keen to shop the sale, you’ll need to make sure you are signed up to Amazon Prime. Prime Day discounts are exclusive to Prime members, so if you don't sign up, then you'll miss out. The good news is, if you’re not already a member, you can get a 30-day free trial that will allow you access to all the benefits of Amazon Prime, including exclusive Prime Day deals for the duration of the trial.

Paying annually works out cheaper, so pay this way if you can. If you do stick with your membership, then check out all the ways you can save money when shopping with Amazon.

2. Create a wishlist

To make sure you bag a bargain on the items you want before they sell out, it helps to have an idea beforehand of the items you want or need, and list them in priority order. It’s also worthwhile knowing that deals come and go throughout the two-day sale. So while it’s good to act fast if you see a product you’re after at a great price, if you don’t see your favourite item discounted on day one, check again on day two. While some reductions will be around for the whole 48-hours, others will only be around for a matter of minutes.

If you are on a budget, Andrea Knowles, the budgeting expert at vouchers.co.uk, says: “Whilst the excitement of an Amazon sale can result in you spending a lot of money, a bargain is only a bargain if you wanted it in the first place.”

3. Be flexible

If you have something in particular you want to buy, you may find that you can get a better deal if you are flexible about what colour or model you choose. But understandably, this is only worth doing if choosing a different colour or model makes no difference to you. If buying the cheaper version means it won’t meet your needs or if you won’t use it in the same way, then it'll be a false economy.

4. Check the price history to see if you’re actually getting a bargain

Before you make any purchases on Prime Day, it can be really useful to check out how much the items cost before they were discounted. Amazon price tracker website, camelcamelcamel, can help you see if you are actually getting a good deal. It might be that the item you want is even cheaper at a different time of year, and in that case, it may be worth holding off.

Martyn James, one of the UK's leading consumer rights experts says: “I get lots of complaints about items in the Amazon sale that turn out to have been more or less permanently discounted on the website throughout the year. Others have questioned whether the items were ever available at the non 'sale' price.”

It’s also sensible to check with other retailers to see if you can get the item cheaper elsewhere before committing. Remember to factor in any delivery costs you might incur from other retailers when determining the cheapest place to buy.

5. Sign up for notifications

Make sure you have the Amazon app installed on your phone and make use of notifications. You can set up an alert in the Prime Day event page so that when the discount you’re waiting for is applied you’ll receive a notification. Not only can this save time, but it will also help you stay focused on the items on your wish list and get them before they sell out.

6. Keep an eye on Lightning Deals

Flash sales, or Lightning Deals, are worth keeping an eye on too. But you’ll need to be quick - some Lightning Deals will only be around for 30-minutes or so, or until the item sells out.

Amazon lists upcoming deals as well as their start time so you can add items to a watchlist. This means you’ll get a notification when the deal begins and you can checkout before it sells out.

7. Don’t leave things in your basket

If you’ve found a really good bargain, then check out as soon as you can rather than leaving an item sitting in your basket, especially in the case of Lightning Deals. Adding an item to your basket doesn't lock in the price, so you could find that the product you want has sold out, or reverted to a higher price and you will have missed out.

8. Now is the time to bag an Amazon-own bargain

While thousands of products will be discounted across Prime Day, you’ll find that the best discounts can be found on Amazon’s own products like Kindles, Fire tablets and Echo Dots. If you’ve had your eye on one of these devices for a while, it’s highly likely you will be able to get a real deal in the 48-hour sale event.

How often does Amazon have a sale?

While there are deals and discounts available on Amazon all year round, the online giant usually runs two massive sale events each year - once on Amazon Prime Day and then again for Black Friday. You might find more discounts available just after Christmas too, but not on the same scale as Prime Day or Black Friday.

In 2022, Amazon trialled an additional sale event in the lead up to Black Friday, called the Prime Early Access Sale, which took place in October. It look place again in October 2023, under the name Prime Big Deal Days, so although nothing has been confirmed for October 2024, it's likely we could see another Prime Day type event taking place.

Not sure what to put in your wish list for Prime Day? Take inspiration from our guide to the best teacher gift ideas, the best perfumes of all time, or best gifts for new mums.

Want to cook a meal that is super simple but guaranteed to impress? Here is Italian chef Alberto Rossetti from Brunello restaurant at Baglioni Hotel in London ultimate risotto Milanese recipe for you to try.

This authentic, rich Italian meal by Alberto Rossetti is all about the ingredients. Made with beautiful fragrant saffron and fresh vegetable stock mixed in with delicious Parmesan to make it super indulgent - one of our favourite risotto recipes.

The saffron gives the risotto a signature yellow colouring and subtly spiced flavour that perfectly compliments its sweet cherry tomato topping. This recipe serves two.

Alberto explains that in his restaurant they "serve this speedy Risotto Milanese as a starter, or as a main course alongside a bone marrow. Bone marrow makes the whole thing more filling and gives the dish a richer finish- perfect for those who are meat-eaters."

Alberto's secret to making sure this risotto recipe has a deliciously creamy finish is to use Carnaroli rice. Alberto particularly loves this rice, as it has an al dente finish with a soft, creamy flavour. If not, you can use Arborio rice, which works well too.

Preparation: For this recipe, we suggest using a deep nonstick straight-sided skillet, like the one used in the recipe for this dish. The reason why Alberto uses this type of skillet, is it ensures the broth is evaporating at about the same rate that the rice is cooking, which helps to makes the risotto creamier and not overcooked.

Alberto also prefers to make his own vegetable stock in his risotto recipes to make it have a fresher flavour. Simply to make your own, Alberto uses some water, an onion, celery, and a carrot and boils it for up to 1 hour. However, if you don't have time to make your own, you can buy any vegetable stock cubes from your local supermarkets that will be just as good.

Watch Italian chef Alberto Rossetti make his traditional risotto Milanese 

Ingredients:

• 140g Carnaroli rice
• 900ml vegetable stock
• 10g olive oil
• 10g white onion
• 40g Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra slices to decorate
• 30g double cream
• 20g butter
• 2 pinches of saffron
• Cherry tomatoes for topping

How to make risotto Milanese

Step 1

Add the oil to a pan on a medium heat. Brown the onion for a couple of minutes, then add the rice.

Step 2

Add add the stock and saffron, and cook for 15 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 3

When the stock has been absorbed add the cream, Parmesan and butter.

Step 4

Stir through, serve and enjoy!

All you need to know about risotto Milanese

What makes risotto Milanese different to other risottos?

Risotto Milanese is cooked like traditional risotto with stock and butter, however, the saffron leaves in the risotto add a yellow colour to the rice. It is also sometimes infused with nutmeg for an earthy flavour.

Traditionally risotto Milanese is made with Arborio rice, however, in this recipe, Alberto Rossetti has chosen to use Carnaroli rice as he says it makes the risotto extra creamy and soft in texture. 

How to reheat risotto alla Milanese

This risotto is best cooked, served and eaten on the same day for the best flavour and texture, however, leftovers once fulled cooled can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat until piping hot using any one of the following methods:

In the microwave:

1. Add some butter and vegetable stock and water to your risotto and put it into a microwavable container 
2. Heat the risotto for three to four minutes in the microwave.
3. Every 30 seconds to one minute, take the risotto out to stir.
4. After 4 minutes, make sure the risotto reheated.
5. If it is hot, enjoy.

Over the stove:

1. Put the risotto in a non-stick skillet, and add some butter and vegetable stock or water.
2. Put the stove on medium heat and as you reheat the risotto, make sure to stir it.
3. Keep stirring throughout the reheating so that the risotto reheats throughout and it does not stick to your pan.
4. If the risotto looks dry, add some more butter or broth, to make it creamier.

In the oven:

1. Get your risotto and leave it out to get to room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
3. Place your risotto into your preferred pan.
4. Then mix in some butter and vegetable stock or water.
5. Bake for around 10 minutes- making sure every few minutes you take the risotto out and stir it, so that it doesn't stick to the pan.

Our best risotto recipes

1. Bacon and pea cheesy risotto

Taking just 20 minutes to cook, this cheesy dish is the ultimate comfort food you must try.

Get the recipe: Bacon and pea cheesy risotto

2. Butternut squash risotto

This low fat recipe is super warm and comforting meal for all the family to enjoy and super healthy at the same time.

Get the recipe: Butternut squash risotto

3. Mushroom risotto

This creamy mushroom risotto is super healthy, despite it feeling like an indulgent treat. Full of flavour, it is a great family dinner. 

Get the recipe: Mushroom risotto

4. Salmon on lemon and herb risotto

This easy salmon dish is packed with goodness and served with delicious, fragrant risotto. It is perfect mid-week family meal that incorporates all essentials nutrients.

Get the recipe: Salmon on lemon and herb risotto

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We've teamed up with our favourite Italian chef Alberto Rossetti from Brunello restaurant at Baglioni Hotel in London to show us how to make an authentic, rich and creamy Italian risotto.

This simple risotto by chef Alberto Rossetti is so versatile and can be eaten as a delicious smaller portion starter, or as a main course. This recipe serves two people, so depending on how many you are feeding make sure to multiply the quantities of the ingredients. 

The secret to achieving a deliciously creamy finish to your risotto, according to Alberto, is to make sure to use Carnaroli rice. You should be able to get this rice in most large supermarket stores. Alberto particularly loves this rice, as it has an al dente finish with a soft, creamy flavour. You can also use Arborio rice, which works well too.

And any leftover risotto can be transformed into arancini balls. Simply mix the cold rice with a little egg and roll into balls, dip them into more egg, then breadcrumbs and fry. You can even stuff the arancini balls with cheese too, for a delicious melted middle. Trust us when we say they are the ultimate snack or starter!

Preparation: For this recipe, we suggest using a deep nonstick straight-sided skillet, like the one used in the recipe. The reason why Alberto uses this type of skillet, is it ensures the broth is evaporating at about the same rate that the rice is cooking, which helps to make the risotto creamier and not overcooked.

Alberto also recommends making your own vegetable stock an hour before making your risotto. Simply just use some water, an onion, celery, and a carrot and boil for up to 1 hour. However, if you don't have time to make your own, you can buy any vegetable stock cubes from your local supermarkets that will be just as good.

If you want to be super prepared, you can also grate your Parmesan and do your shavings for your decoration before starting the risotto. This will just allow you to be able to keep stirring the risotto when making it to stop it from sticking to the bottom.

Watch Alberto Rossetti Italian risotto with Carnaroli rice

Ingredients:

• 120g Carnaroli rice
• 900ml vegetable stock
• 1tbs extra virgin olive oil
• 1tbs butter
• 1tbs double cream
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra slices to decorate

How to make risotto

Step 1

Add the olive oil to a large pan on a medium heat. Toast the rice in the oil for a couple of minutes.

Step 2

Add the stock and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring regularly. If the rice absorbs all the liquid before the 15 minutes is finished, top it up with a little more stock.

Step 3

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter, cream and Parmesan cheese.

Step 4

Decorate with sliced Parmesan

Top tips for cooking perfect risotto

What can I add to risotto?

A bowl of risotto always satisfies everyone's needs for something creamy but even better, you can add so many other ingredients to it to add more texture and flavour.

By adding in any seafood or meat, you are adding more tasty flavour to your risotto as well as incorporating some protein too. Chicken, bacon, salmon, or prawns are some of our favourites to add to your risotto along with some delicious vegetables.

If you want to make your risotto completely vegetarian, you can add any of your favourite vegetables. The best vegetables for risotto are butternut squash, sweet potato, tomatoes, peppers, peas, mushrooms, and asparagus.

How to store cooked risotto

Leftover risotto can be stored in the fridge for up of five days but if it contains meat or fish, we recommend only three days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, no more than two hours after cooking. 

In terms of freezing, it is recommended that you do not freeze risotto. This is because when cooked rice freezes it tends to make the rice become very hard and the texture of the risotto can become very grainy. 

How to reheat risotto

In the microwave:

1. Add some butter and vegetable stock and water to your risotto and put it into a microwavable container 
2. Heat the risotto for three to four minutes in the microwave.
3. Every 30 seconds to one minute, take the risotto out to stir.
4. After 4 minutes, make sure the risotto reheated.
5. If it is hot, enjoy.

Over the stove:

1. Put the risotto in a non-stick skillet, and add some butter and vegetable stock or water.
2. Put the stove on medium heat and as you reheat the risotto, make sure to stir it.
3. Keep stirring throughout the reheating so that the risotto reheats throughout and it does not stick to your pan.
4. If the risotto looks dry, add some more butter or broth, to make it creamier.

In the oven:

1. Get your risotto and leave it out to get to room temperature.
2. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
3. Place your risotto into your preferred pan.
4. Then mix in some butter and vegetable stock or water.
5. Bake for around 10 minutes- making sure every few minutes you take the risotto out and stir it, so that it doesn't stick to the pan.

Our best creamy risotto recipes

1. Char-grilled seafood risotto

This creamy seafood filled with delicious juicy prawns, scallops and smoky chorizo is the perfect dinner for a special family event with its luxury finish.

Get the recipe: Char-grilled seafood risotto

2. Chicken and pea risotto

Flavoured with thyme, white wine, and Parmesan cheese, this luxury dish is a real show stopper.

Get the recipe: Chicken and pea risotto

3. Butternut squash risotto

This low fat recipe is super warm and comforting meal for all the family to enjoy and super healthy at the same time.

Get the recipe: Butternut squash risotto

4. Bacon and pea cheesy risotto

Taking just 20 minutes to cook, this cheesy dish is the ultimate comfort food you must try.

Get the recipe: Bacon and pea cheesy risotto

5. Mushroom risotto

This creamy mushroom risotto is super healthy, despite it feeling like an indulgent treat. Full of flavour, it is a great family dinner. 

Get the recipe: Mushroom risotto

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Asparagus risotto is a delicious, light meal that is perfect for those warm evenings. We've teamed up with Italian chef, Alberto Rossetti, from Brunello restaurant in London to share his signature asparagus risotto recipe along with expert tips.

Risotto is often considered complicated to make however, this simple recipe proves otherwise, taking just 15 minutes to cook. This perfect plate of Italian rice with asparagus and parmesan cheese is one of our favourite risotto recipes.

Alberto Rossetti also uses a light candied lemon peel that perfectly compliments the asparagus in this dish, giving it a real Italian fresh flavour and making the creamy base seem even more irresistible.

Alternatively, if you don't have any asparagus, fear not, you can use other vegetables you have in the fridge such as peas, leeks, courgettes or mushrooms instead work well in this recipe too. Just boil them like you do the asparagus and save some for adding on top. 

This recipe only serves two people but the ingredients work well when multiplied for big parties and is an easy dinner to cook for many with its simple step-by-step format that is easy to follow, giving you the perfect results every time.

As with any risotto recipe, you can serve this as smaller portions for a starter or dish it up as a man course - as the main event.  However you choose to serve this risotto, it will, without a doubt, be a crowd pleaser thanks to its delicious authentic mix of Italian flavours.

Preparation: For this recipe, we suggest using a stainless still nonstick saucepan and a deep nonstick straight-sided skillet, like the one used in the recipe for this dish. The reason why Alberto uses this type of skillet, is it ensures the broth is evaporating at about the same rate that the rice is cooking, which helps to make the risotto creamier and not overcooked.

Alberto also recommends peeling and boiling your lemons and asparagus before starting this recipe so that the lemon mixture and decoration are ready to go before making the risotto.

Watch Italian expert and chef Alberto Rossetti make this creamy asparagus risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, rind only
• 100g sugar
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 140g carnaroli rice
• 6 asparagus spears, sliced, plus more steamed asparagus for garnishing
• 900ml vegetable stock
• 1tbsp double cream
• 1tbsp butter
• 40g Parmesan cheese

How to make asparagus risotto

Step 1

Simmer the lemon peel in water for 3 minutes. Repeat this process three times, refreshing the water in between. For the final time add the sugar and only 100ml water. Cook for 2 minutes to remove any bitterness. Drain for the last time, finely slice, and reserve for garnishing later.

Step 2

Add the oil to a pan, and over a medium heat, add the rice. Toast for two minutes.

Step 3

Add the asparagus and the stock, cook for 15 minutes.

Step 4

When the rice is cooked, stir in the butter, Parmesan, and cream.

Step 5

Serve with the additional asparagus and lemon peel scattered over.

FAQs about cooking risotto

Why is risotto popular in Italy?

The famous Italian rice used for risotto tends to be Risaie, which is grown in paddy rice fields mainly in northern parts of Italy. However, lower parts of Italy such as Pinura, Padana, Lombardia, Vercelli, Novara, and Piedmont are also famous for their rice production too.

Italians have successfully managed to develop many authentic ways to cook their rice, including our favourite dish Italian risotto. 

Known as primo piatto, risotto is super versatile and a great alternative to pasta that can be packed full of different meats and vegetables and is without doubt, always on an Italian menu.

How to store cooked risotto

Leftover risotto can be stored in the fridge for up to five days but if it contains meat or fish, we recommend only three days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, no more than two hours after cooking. 

In terms of freezing, it is recommended that you do not freeze risotto. This is because when cooked rice freezes it tends to make the rice become very hard and the texture of the risotto can become very grainy. 

Therefore, it is better to plan to use up your leftover risotto as a midweek lunch or dinner that same week or make it into delicious arancini balls.

How to reheat risotto

It is really important that you do not reheat your portions of risotto more than once, as this could lead to food bacteria growing and therefore, food poisoning. Reheating risotto in portions will ensure no waste. Make sure your dish is piping hot before serving again.

In the microwave:

1. Add some butter and vegetable stock and water to your risotto and put it into a microwavable container
2. Heat the risotto for three to four minutes in the microwave.
3. Every 30 seconds to one minute, take the risotto out to stir.
4. After 4 minutes, make sure the risotto reheated.
5. If it is hot, enjoy.

Over the stove:

1. Put the risotto in a non-stick skillet, and add some butter and vegetable stock or water.
2. Put the stove on medium heat and as you reheat the risotto, make sure to stir it.
3. Keep stirring throughout the reheating so that the risotto reheats throughout and it does not stick to your pan.
4. If the risotto looks dry, add some more butter or broth, to make it creamier.

In the oven:

• Get your risotto and leave it out to get to room temperature.
• Preheat your oven to 180°C.
• Place your risotto into your preferred pan.
• Then mix in some butter and vegetable stock or water.
• Bake for around 10 minutes- making sure every few minutes you take the risotto out and stir it, so that it doesn't stick to the pan.

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Here's co-founder of Honest Burgers, Tom Barton's recipe for the ultimate cheeseburgers. This signature Honest burger is beautifully tender and topped with British cheddar, bacon, pickles, onion relish, and lettuce.

Packed full of flavour and made only with quality ingredients, without a doubt, this is one of our favourite burger recipes. This recipe serves six so make sure you scale up or down depending on how many you are feeding.

In the video below Tom Barton explains how to use the right cut of meat; beef chuck and rib cap, and the ratios being 80% to 20% rib. He recommends using these cuts of beef over mince, as when the beef is minced it squashes a lot of flavour and goodness out of your burgers. Whereas if you chop up the meat yourself, similar to steak tartare, it brings out more of the beef's natural flavours and has a fresher, less rubbery texture.

Preparation: Before starting, it is important to make sure you have enough time to cook this dish. Without toppings and chips, it takes 20 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. So we strongly recommend you prepare your chips, onion relish, and pickles before cooking your burgers.

Tom suggests heading to a local butcher so that your burgers are made with the highest quality beef that is freshly produced. He also says to use smoked streaky bacon rashers, as they have a higher fat content so they smoke and crisp up nicely, making them the perfect addition to your burgers. Alternatively, if you want to go for less fatty rashers of bacon, it is up to you.

Equipment wise for this recipe, we suggest using a good cast iron frying pan with a flat bottom and smooth non-stick finish, to ensure that your burgers are cooked evenly and do not stick.

You will also need to make sure that you have a very sharp big knife to be able to cut up your steak into thin pieces to start and then you will have to dice them into small pieces so that you are able to mix the meat together easily in your mixing bowl and mold them into your burgers.

Another tip from Tom is to try making your own homemade chips to go alongside these delicious burgers. Simply follow our easy chips recipe and leave the skin on to make them super crispy. It's up to you how you want to cook them, you can either put them into your deep-fat fryer or into your oven to cook. Once cooked, just top them with some crushed lemon zest, rosemary, and Maldon sea salt to elevate your chips and replicate the ultimate Honest Burger meal.

Also if you really want to push the boat out Honest style, why not make your own pickles and onion relish too? To make the pickles, follow our pickled cucumber recipe but instead add some dill and mustard seeds to your brine. Finally, to make the Honest Burgers onion relish, simply mix balsamic vinegar and sugar through your red onion relish to make the ultimate garnish to cut through your delicious, juicy cheeseburgers.

Watch Tom Barton makes these delicious cheeseburgers topped with crispy bacon

Ingredients:

• 800g Chuck steak, ideally grass fed with good marbling
• 200g Rib Cap, ideally grass fed, the fattier the better
• 6 x rashers good quality, dry cured smoked streaky bacon
• Salt & pepper

To serve:

• 200g red onion relish
• 300g cucumber pickles, sliced
• 6 x slices mild cheddar
• 2 x heads little gem lettuce, sliced finely
• 6 x good quality glazed burger buns

How to cook cheeseburgers

Step 1

First prepare your burgers. Take your sharpest knife and start cutting your chuck and rib cap into very thin slices, then cut your slices into strips. Line your strips up and then cut the meat into very small pieces. Your aiming for steak tartare consistency. Then mix all the meat together with your hands and take a small handful onto your chopping board and chop again with your knife, using a rocking motion with the blade. A very sharp knife is absolutely key here, a blunt knife wont work and will make the chopping quite dangerous.

Step 2

Once chopped, give the meat another mix with hands and then weigh out 150g and smash the meat in between your hands 5-6 times. This technique helps combine the meat and melt the fat so the burger is ready to then press into a patty shape, you can do this by hand or using a burger press. Aim for about 10cm diameter and 2cm thick. Leave the patties in the fridge to set for at least 4 hours. If they aren’t given time to set they will fall apart on the grill.

Step 3

Get your heavy-based frying pan or flat skillet on high heat. Add your burgers to the pan and give them a gentle press, this is to make sure the sear is perfect. Liberally season the raw side with salt and pepper and leave for 3 minutes. While they’re cooking add your streaky bacon to the same pan and cook till crispy, nothing worse than flabby bacon in a burger.

When ready to flip your burger make sure you scrape the bottom of the pan with your flipper, the sear is full of flavour so you don’t want to leave it in the pan. Then season liberally again and leave for 3 minutes on medium heat. This will give you a nice medium, obviously up to you how you like your burgers!

Step 4

Once ready, add a slice of cheddar and either cloche with a dome or put under a preheated grill until the cheese is melted.

Step 5

Add the bacon to the burger and leave to rest.

Step 6

Toast your bun and start building from the base up. First add the sliced lettuce, then enough pickles to cover the lettuce, then add your bacon cheeseburger, 30g of relish and your toasted bun top. Burgers done, dig in.

FAQs about cheese burgers

How to make the best cheese burgers

To make the best burgers, you have to make sure you have bought the highest quality beef and dice it as thin and small as you can. This is because when combined together, your patties should be an even mixture of lovely slow cooking beef along with elements of juicy fatty parts of your rib cap too.

You also should make sure you season your burgers heavily in salt and pepper either sides when on the frying pan. Tom suggests doing this while it is cooking, as if you season your burgers whilst preparing them, the salt will suck the moisture out of the meat and your burgers will then have a rubbery texture.

How to store burgers

When storing cooked burgers, it is essential that your burgers are put into your fridge promptly after cooking and they should not be left at room temperature for any more than two hours after cooking them.

As long as you follow this rule, you can store cooked burgers for up to 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 4 months in the freezer.

Simply just make sure to store your burgers in airtight containers or cover them well with cling film when keeping them in the fridge. If looking to freeze them, we suggest using freezer bags or airtight containers too.

How to reheat burgers

To reheat in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Put your burgers directly onto a baking tray.
3. Heat the burgers on both sides-3 minutes each side.

To reheat in the air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
2. Add your burgers into your air fryer basket.
3. Set your timer for three minutes to cook on one side.
4. Flip the burger over and set for another two minutes.
5. Using a spatula, remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve.

To reheat in the microwave:

1. Place your burgers on a microwavable plate.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel.
3. On a medium/low setting, heat your burgers for two minutes.
4. If you have a food thermometer, check that your burgers are around 75°C.
5. If they are not quite done, return them to the microwave and do 60 seconds intervals until they reach the right temperature and are then ready to eat.

To reheat in the pan:

1. Place a splash of water in a non-stick frying pan and heat the pan over medium heat for around sixty seconds.
2. Add your burgers to a pan and make sure they are evenly spaced.
3. Heat your burgers on 90 seconds each side.
4. If you have a food thermometer, check that your burgers are 75°C.
5. If they’re not quite done, return them to the pan for twenty seconds on either side and serve once ready.

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Find out how to make the perfect hamburger with Tom Barton, co-founder of Honest Burgers. Tom shares his top tips as well as why you should always opt to use prime cuts of high-quality beef for the perfect taste and texture.

This classic hamburger step-by-step recipe is one of our favourite burger recipes. This recipe serves seven people but can easily be scaled up or down depending on how many people you're feeding. Topped with Honest Burgers' amazing balsamic onion chutney, crunchy lettuce, and relish and served with mouth-watering homemade rosemary salted chips, this dish is a crowd pleaser.

In the video, Tom Barton explains that this recipe uses beef chuck and beef rib cap, and the ratios are around 80% to 20% rib. He recommends using these cuts of beef over mince meat, as when beef is minced it tends to squash a lot of the flavour and goodness out of your burgers. Whereas if you chop up your meat yourself, similar to steak tartare, it brings out more of the beef's natural flavours and has a fresher, less rubbery texture.

Preparation: Tom recommends finding the best quality beef of these particular cuts you could try heading to your local butchers. Equipment-wise, Tom uses a good cast iron frying pan with a flat bottom and smooth non-stick finish, to ensure that the burgers cook evenly and do not stick.

You will also need to make sure that you have a very sharp big knife to be able to cut up your steak into thin pieces to start and then you will have to dice them into small pieces so that you are able to mix the meat together easily in your mixing bowl and mold them into your burgers.

Tom Barton also uses a hamburger press in this recipe. However, if you don't have one of these, fear not, simply flatten your slider burgers down using your hands and use either a saucer or small bowl to create your perfect burger shapes. Once your burgers are made, it is essential that you leave them in the fridge for 4-6 hours, as if you cook them straight away your meat is not yet set together and will fall apart when cooked.

Another top tip from Tom is to try making your own homemade chips to go alongside these delicious burgers. Simply follow our easy chips recipe and leave the skin on to make them super crispy. It's up to you how you want to cook them, you can either put them into your deep-fat fryer or into your oven to cook. Once cooked, just top them with some crushed lemon zest, rosemary, and Maldon sea salt to elevate your chips and replicate the ultimate Honest Burger meal.

Watch how to make Honest Burgers signature hamburgers with Tom Barton

Ingredients:

• 800g chuck steak
• 200g rib cap beef
• 7 glazed burger buns, sliced in half
• 1 little gem lettuce, shredded
• 4tbsp onion chutney
• Chips, to serve

How to make hamburgers

Step 1

Finely chop the rib cap by slicing it into thin strips to begin with, about the width of a piece of bacon. Then dice each of these strips into small pieces. Finally go back over all of the meat with a sharp knife to get is finely chopped as you can.

Step 2

Repeat the above process with the chuck steak, getting a nice fine dice on all of the meat.

Step 3

With your hands mix both meats together in a large bowl, using the heat of your hands to melt the fat slightly.

Step 4

Take a small ball of the meat and whack it between your hands to melt the fat further, and bring the burger together.

Put the ball of meat in between two pieces of greaseproof paper and press firmly with a burger press. Chill for a minimum of four hours.

Step 5

Bring a heavy-based pan to a high heat and fry the burger on both sides for 3 minutes, for medium burgers. Season well before flipping, and then season the second side well too. Once ready leave to rest for five minutes.

Step 6

Add lettuce to the bottom of each bun, top with the burger, then the onion relish. Serve with chips.

All you need to know about making hamburgers

How to make the perfect hamburgers

To make the best hamburgers, you have to make sure you have bought the highest quality beef and dice it as thin and small as you can. This is because when combined together, your patties should be an even mixture of lovely slow-cooking beef along with elements of juicy fatty parts of your rib cap too. 

You also should make sure you season your burgers with salt and pepper on either side when on the frying pan. Tom suggests doing this while it is cooking, instead of seasoning your burgers whilst preparing them, as the salt will suck the moisture out of the meat and your burgers will then have a rubbery texture.

How to store cooked hamburgers

When storing cooked hamburgers, it is essential that your burgers are put into your fridge promptly after cooking and they should be left at room temperature for no more than 2 hours after cooking them.

As long as you follow this rule, you can store cooked hamburgers for up to 3-4 days in the fridge and up to 4 months in the freezer.

Simply just make sure to store your burgers in airtight containers or cover them well with cling film when keeping them in the fridge. If looking to freeze them, we suggest using freezer bags or airtight containers too.

How to reheat hamburgers

To reheat in the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Put your hamburgers directly onto a baking tray.
3. Heat the hamburgers on both sides-3 minutes each side.

To reheat in the air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 200°C.
2. Add your hamburgers into your air fryer basket.
3. Set your timer for three minutes to cook on one side.
4. Flip the burger over and set for another two minutes.
5. Using a spatula, remove the burgers from the air fryer and serve.

To reheat in the microwave:

1. Place your hamburgers on a microwavable plate.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel.
3. On a medium/low setting, heat your hamburgers for two minutes.
4. If you have a food thermometer, check that your hamburgers are around 75°C.
5. If they are not quite done, return them to the microwave and do 60 seconds intervals until they reach the right temperature and are then ready to eat.

To reheat in the pan:

1. Place a splash of water in a non-stick frying pan and heat the pan over medium heat for around sixty seconds.
2. Add your hamburgers to a pan and make sure they are evenly spaced.
3. Heat your hamburgers on 90 seconds each side.
4. If you have a food thermometer, check that your hamburgers are 75°C.
5. If they’re not quite done, return them to the pan for twenty seconds on either side and serve once ready.

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Learn how to make a chicken burger with the co-founder of Honest Burgers, Tom Barton. Here he shows you how to make a chicken burger in just a few steps, and explains how they keep their meat so juicy throughout the cooking process. 

Tom Barton shows us how to cook the chicken breast to perfection, leaving it cooked through but still succulent and juicy.

Paired with mustard, lemon, and black pepper mayonnaise, crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, this chicken burger is simple but packed full of flavour and the ultimate fake-away meal to make for all the family. This recipe serves four so make sure you scale it up or down depending on if you're cooking for a few or a big crowd.

Once you have mastered this recipe, you can add lots of other fun ingredients to put your own slant on them. Why not try adding a Cajun or BBQ rub to your chicken breasts to add more flavour, or simply serve them with some bacon, pickles, and slices of cheese? The stronger the cheese, the better...

Preparation: The secret to a juicy chicken burger, Tom says is making sure you brine your meat before you begin. This is a quick and simple solution that is made from a mixture of sugar, salt, and water. 

For this recipe, he also recommends a good cast iron frying pan with a flat bottom and smooth non-stick finish.

Another tip is if you want to up your fake away game, why not make your own homemade chips to go alongside your burgers? Simply follow our easy chips recipe and put them into your deep-fat fryer or into your oven to cook. Once cooked,  just crush together some lemon zest, rosemary, and Maldon sea salt to elevate your chips and replicate the ultimate Honest Burger meal.

Watch how to make the ultimate Honest Burgers chicken burger with Tom Barton

Ingredients:

For the brine:

• 500ml water, plus 1.5 litre cold water
• 2tbsp sugar
• 3tbst salt

For the burgers:

• 4 free range chicken breasts, butterflied
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 1 tomato, thickly sliced
• 1 little gem lettuce, shredded
• 4 burger buns, sliced in half

For the mustard mayonnaise:

• 4tbsp mayonnaise
• 1tbsp Dijon mustard
• ½ lemon, juice only
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chips, to serve

How to make chicken burgers

Step 1

To brine the chicken combine the sugar, salt and 500ml water in a small pan. Bring to the boil, turn down the heat and simmer until the sugar and salt have dissolved. Add the remaining cold water and leave to cool completely. Add the butterflied chicken breasts and leave overnight.

Step 2

Remove the chicken breasts from the brine and leave to dry out slightly. Add the olive oil to a hot pan and cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden on the outside and cooked-through in the middle.

Step 3

Meanwhile, for the mustard mayonnaise, combine all the ingredients and stir thoroughly. Add a tbsp of the mixture to each burger bun. Top with shredded lettuce. Add the tomato, then the chicken breast and top with the other half of the burger.

Step 4

Serve with homemade or oven chips. A tip to make them like Honest Burgers, is simply crush up some lemon zest, thyme, and Maldon sea salt and mix it through your chips.

Everything you need to know about chicken burgers

Are chicken burgers healthier than normal burgers?

Chicken burgers are definitely becoming more popular today and viewed as healthier than normal beef burgers. This is because chicken is leaner and lower in unsaturated fat, cholesterol and calories.

It is said if you eat meat that is leaner like chicken, you are likely to lower the risk of vascular diseases, heart diseases and strokes in your life time.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked?

Your chicken breasts are cooked when they are white all the way through and are golden on the outside. 

To double check your chicken breasts are cooked, take them off the heat and cut into the thickest part of your chicken and make sure the meat is not a pink colour. If it is, continue to cook them for a few more minutes.

How to store fried chicken

According to EatingWell, you must not store fried chicken that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If it wasn’t then you are safe to put your chicken breasts in the fridge for up to three to four days and freeze for about 4 months.

Simply just make sure to store your fried chicken is in an airtight container or cover them well with cling film. The more protected they are the better.

How to reheat chicken

In the oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C.
2. Take your chicken out the fridge and let it get to room temperature.
3. Place your chicken breasts on to a baking tray.
4. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Open the chicken up slightly to see if it is cooked, if pink continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

In the air fryer:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
2. Let your chicken breasts come to room temperature.
3. Spray your breasts with a light-coating of oil.
4. Place your chicken breasts in your air fryer basket.
5. Cook for five minutes.
6. Open the chicken up slightly to see if it is cooked, if pink continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

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Mushroom pȃté is the perfect vegetarian starter served with delicious crusty bread. Here chef Chantelle Nicholson, originally from Tredwell’s restaurant, now the owner of Apricity Restaurant in Mayfair, shows us how to make her signature recipe.

"Fermenting is the best technique you can use to create a pȃté, as it enhances the savouriness and overall flavour of its ingredients," says Chantelle Nicholson. In this recipe, the fermentation intensifies the umami flavour of the mushrooms, which are then turned into a delicious spread.

"The Lapsang Souchong jelly that is used to layer on top of the base of your pȃté provides this wonderful smokiness to it, which when combined together makes a beautiful combination of earthy flavours," adds Chantelle.

This specific recipe is ideal for a dinner party starter and serves eight people. If feeding more or less, simply adjust the ingredients to how many you are feeding. Chantelle serves this delicious pȃté with toast but we think some tasty crusty bread or crackers would be perfect with it too.

Preparation: This simple recipe requires patience to make and can take a few days in total. This is a recipe that also has to be prepped ahead of time as it needs at least 3 days to ferment so it has the best flavour.

Once you have made the base of your pȃté, you must store your mixture in a big mixing bowl and cover it tightly with cling film and wait patiently for it to ferment for at least 3 days.

After blending your pȃté, you will need to set it in your fridge for two hours and make your Lapsang Souchong jelly in the meantime. Finally, once your Lapsang Souchong jelly is ready, you must set your pȃté for another couple of hours in the fridge then voila, your delicious pȃté is ready to be served.

Watch how to make the best mushroom pȃté

Ingredients:

• Chestnut mushrooms
• Fresh thyme
• Shallots
• Madeira
• Olive oil
• Rice milk (any non-dairy milk; almond, oat etc.)
• Salt and pepper

For the Lapsang Souchong jelly:

• 250ml boiling water
• Lapsang Souchong tea
• Maple syrup
• Madeira
• Vege Gel
• Fresh thyme leaves

How to make mushroom pȃté

Step 1

Place all ingredients for the mushroom pȃté in a large mixing bowl. Using your hands, mix everything together and massage the mushrooms so they begin to break down. Place in a glass jar and pack tight. Cover with clingfilm and leave at room temperature for 3 days.

Step 2

Pour the contents of the jar into a colander and allow the majority of the liquid to drain off, reserve the liquid and set aside. Heat the butter in a large saucepan over a moderate to high heat. Add the contents of the colander. Cook the mushrooms for 10 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Add the reserved liquid from the fermentation and cook for a further 10 minutes.

Step 3

Remove the thyme stalks from the pan then place the contents of the saucepan into a blender. Blend until smooth and transfer to a dish, approximately 19cm x 12cm. With the back of a spoon, or knife, smooth the top and place in the fridge for 2 hours.

Step 4

For the jelly, bring 250ml water to the boil. Add the tea and Vege Gel, whisk well and leave to sit for 6 minutes. Whisk well then strain through a fine sieve. Add the Madeira and maple syrup.

Step 5

Remove the pȃté from the fridge and carefully pour the jelly on top. Pick the leaves from the reserved thyme and place on top of the jelly. Refrigerate for a further hour, then serve.

FAQs about making homemade pȃté

Is pȃté healthy?

Pȃté is a spread that is better eaten in moderation, due to it having higher fat content. However, it also has some great micronutrients in it. The first is iron, which can help to increase your energy on a daily basis as well as vitamin A and B-12, which can help to increase your immune system and support your nervous system.

Is it better to eat pȃté hot or cold?

Pȃté can be served hot or cold depending on the event. However, it is deemed more popular to eat pȃté cold, as when it is chilled its flavours are more poignant.

It is said that if you leave your pȃté to get to room temperature for an hour or two before serving that it will taste even better.

How do you serve pȃté?

Pȃté is the perfect light lunch or elegant appetizer. If you fancy it for lunch, simply spread it over some toasted crusty bread of your choice. Bread such as sourdough or toasted baguette would be perfect.

To serve as a starter, we suggest laying out a selection of sliced toasted baguettes and a range of different crackers for your guest to choose from. We also think pȃté is a great addition to an after-dinner cheese board.

How to store homemade pȃté

Despite your pȃté being homemade, it still tends to only have a shelf life of around a week if stored correctly in the fridge. The best way to make sure your pȃté stays fresh is to make sure you wrap your pȃté dish tightly in cling film before storing it in the fridge.

You can also store pȃté in the freezer for up to three months but we highly recommend freezing your pȃté in portions. This way you will only defrost how much pȃté you will need each time and will not end up with any leftover pȃté.

We recommend using small tins or trays that match the size of the pȃté portions you would eat each time. Also, we strongly suggest wrapping them in a few layers of cling film, as you do not want your pȃté to start absorbing other odours in your freezer.

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We asked Andrew Gravett, the Executive Pastry chef at The Langham London, to share his favourite jam recipe with us, as well as top tips and a step-by-step guide on how to create apricot jam at home. 

Andrew Gravett demonstrates how to make apricot jam with just a few ingredients, giving a gorgeous fresh-tasting jam in a few steps. Because the recipe is so simple the emphasis is on the ingredients and using the very best fruit you can find. Fresh, ripe apricots that are naturally sweet and perfumed will give you the most delicious end product, that is perfect for use in all types of baking. 

We love this jam on freshly baked scones, for example, topped with clotted cream or even just generously spread on top of a thick piece of toast.

Preparation: For this recipe, we recommend making sure you have the right equipment. You will need a vegetable cutter or a grater setting on your food processor. If you don't have one of these not to worry, grate your apricots on the biggest side of your grater. Just expect for this job to take a little longer if so.

You will also need a digital food thermometer to make sure your syrup cooks to exactly 135°C and a ladle so that you can remove the foam that will form on top of your syrup and put the jam into your jars.

Andrew also suggests making sure your jam lasts really well you should sterilise jars and lids before making the jam. Clean the jars really well and pop them onto a baking tray and leave them in a hot oven for half an hour. Carefully remove from the oven and while everything is still hot pour the jam into the jars. 

Another thing to note is that some of the ingredients used in this recipe may only be available in selected chain supermarkets or online like the pectin rapid set or acid citric.

Watch expert pastry chef Andrew Gravett make the best apricot jam

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh apricot
• 250g glucose
• 250g caster sugar
• 75g water
• 1 vanilla pod
• 2.5g pectin rapid set
• 13g acid citric

How to make jam

Step 1

Destone and grate the apricots using a vegetable cutter or a grater setting on your food processor. If you don't have either of these, grate your apricots on the biggest side of your grater.

Step 2

Mix in a bowl 2.5g pectin, 15g sugar, and 35g water. In a pan boil the sugar, the glucose, water and vanilla and cook to 135°C.

Step 3

Add the fruit and cook the mix to 135°C.

Step 4

Add the pectin mix and cook again to 135°C.

Step 5

Remove from the heat and add the citric acid and stir through. Serve up your jam into your jars.

FAQs about making jam

How do I know if my jam is ready?

If you are still not sure your jam is ready after following Andrew’s instructions, follow these simple steps:

1. You should first put cold spoons into the fridge before you start making your jam.
2. When you are unsure whether your jam has got to setting point, you should take your jam off the hob and dip one of your cold spoons into your jam carefully.
3. Tip the spoon to the side above the preserve looking carefully at it and making sure it doesn’t splash everywhere.
4. If the liquid is dripping of the spoon then you will need cook it for a few minutes longer.
5. If jam runs off like a ‘sheet’, (the droplets have joined together) then your boiling point has been reached and your jam is set.

How to store jam

You can store homemade jam in the fridge for up to three months. We suggest discarding any jars of jam that begin to grow mould on top.

Andrew suggests in this recipe to make sure that your storing jars are as a clean as possible before putting your jam inside them. Simply do this by heating up your jars in an oven at around 100°C , in order to kill any bacteria in them.

It also best to put your jam into your jars as soon as possible but you should leave at least 10% of air at the top of the jar, in order for it to cool and set.

Put the lid on really tight after filling up your jars and flip them upside down on a clean kitchen towel. After 10 minutes put the jam jars in the fridge and they should be completely set after 24-48 hours.

You can eat the jam straight away or let it set in the fridge, it is completely up to you and how you like your jam.

How to freeze jam

While homemade jam can already last a long time in the fridge, if stored correctly it can last even longer in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Just make sure to store your jam in a thick and sturdy jar and when filling the jar make sure there is enough space for the jam to expand when frozen. We suggest leaving an inch of space from the top of the jar.

Once you have filled your jar with your jam, close the jar with an airtight lid and place it in the middle or end of your freezer.

It is super easy to defrost your jam, just simply move your jar from the freezer to the fridge and leave it to thaw overnight. 

If you need the jam sooner, you should submerge your frozen jam jar into a basin full of warm water. It should take at least half an hour to defrost the jam. However, once thawed you should re-freeze the jam.

Is homemade jam healthier?

Opting to make your own jam is much healthier than shop-bought as you have an element of control over the sugar content.

In terms of health benefits, the natural sugar in fruit is where the main health benefits stem from in homemade jam - unlike the synthetic or processed sugar in shop-bought jam. Homemade jam instead offers a more natural sweet element, which mixes with your blood to give you the right energy for your body.

Our best jam recipes

1. Raspberry jam

This simple raspberry jam is a real sweet treat and is super easy to make, using just three ingredients.

Get the recipe: Raspberry jam

2. Strawberry jam

Everyone's favourite jam, strawberry jam is a classic that is essential for any breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea spread.

Get the recipe: Strawberry jam

3. Blackberry and apple jam

The tangy apple and the tart blackberries mixed together make the ultimate comforting jam to slather on your morning toast.

Get the recipe: Blackberry and apple jam

4. Spiced plum jam

This is the perfect preserve to use up a bunch of your autumnal fruit and plums to make a delicious spread and makes for a great foodie gift too.

Get the recipe: Spiced plum jam

5. Cherry jam

This tasty chunky cherry jam is the ultimate preserve you must make. We love it on toast or spooned over thick Greek yogurt.

Get the recipe: Cherry jam

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This chicken Karaage how-to recipe comes from MasterChef winner Tim Anderson. They are what Tim describes as Japanese soul food, made with crisp, seasoned batter and succulent chicken thighs.

One of our favourite Japanese recipes and the perfect sharing food, chicken Karaage is an easy recipe to try at home. At Tim Anderson's restaurant, Nanban in London, they serve chicken Karaage simply with lime juice, to add a little freshness without overpowering the flavour of the marinade itself. Tim's recipe serves four people, so scale up or down if you want more or less.

Most of the ingredients you can buy in your local chain supermarkets except for two staple components of this dish: mirin and dashi powder, which you will have to look in Japanese food stores or online for before making.

Preparation: The key to successful chicken Karaage is making sure you marinade your chicken thighs for as long as possible before. We suggest marinating them up to 1 hour to 48 hours before making. The longer you marinate, the more flavour your chicken will have.

We also recommend using a deep big pot or a deep fat fryer if you have one to deep fry your chicken karaage. The sides of your pot should come up much higher than the level of your oil, so if it does bubble up it shouldn't overflow.

It is also important to have a cooking thermometer so you can make sure your oil reaches an exact temperature of 160°C, as this will make sure your Karaage has a delicious golden brown crust and the chicken is super juicy.

Watch Tim Anderson make these succulent, Japanese-inspired chicken thighs

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skin on
• oil, for deep-frying100ml sake

For the marinade:

• 3tbsp mirin
• 3tbsp vinegar
• 3tbsp lime juice
• 2tbsp sriracha or similar hot chilli sauce
• 2tbsp soy sauce
• 1tbsp sesame oil
• 10 cloves garlic
• 4 shallots or 2 banana shallots
• 15g ginger (peeled weight), thinly sliced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

For the seasoned flour (optional):

• 250g cornflour
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp dashi powder
• ¼ tsp chilli powder
• ¼ tsp dried ginger

How to make chicken Karaage

Step 1

For the marinade, whizz all the ingredients together in a food processor until no big chunks remain (it doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth).

Step 2

Cut the chicken thighs into pieces no bigger than about 3cm at their thickest point – most thighs will yield 4 pieces, but you should get 5 or 6 out of bigger ones. The main thing to bear in mind is that they need to cook quickly, before the crust begins to burn. Basically, you should err on the side of small.

Step 3

Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade and leave in the fridge for at least an hour and up to 48 hours.

Step 4

For the seasoned flour, simply combine all ingredients until the seasonings are well distributed.

Step 5

Coat the chicken in the flour mix.

Step 6

To cook, heat at least 1l oil in a deep saucepan and heat to no higher than 170ºC. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and dredge in the cornflour or seasoned flour, ensuring that all the nooks and crannies are well coated – this will help maximise crust and minimise burning.

Carefully drop the chicken into the oil in small batches, checking the temperature periodically to ensure it is between 160 and 170º, and fry for 6-8 minutes. If you have a meat thermometer, use it: the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 65ºC.

Step 7

If you don’t have a thermometer, use a knife to cut into the biggest piece of chicken at its thickest point. If it’s pink, back into the oil it goes.

Step 8

If it’s not pink, it's time to serve your chicken Karaage.

Alternative ways to cook chicken Karaage

How to make chicken Karaage in the oven

If you want to make chicken Karaage without all the oil and deep fat frying, follow these simple steps to cook this wonderful recipe in the oven.

1. Prepare your chicken as normal up until it goes into the deep fat fryer.
2. Preheat your oven to 220°C.
3. Put your chicken pieces onto a baking tray.
4. Put in the oven for 20 minutes.
5. Remove from the oven and immediately serve with a slice of lime or kewpie mayo.

How to make chicken Karaage in the air fryer

Another option is to make this recipe in everyone’s favourite food gadget: the air fryer. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare your chicken as normal up until it goes into the deep fat fryer.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 200 °C.
3. Place your chicken pieces into your air fryer basket and spray a little bit of oil over them.
4. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. Take them out and check them by putting a sharp knife through one and pulling it out to see if the knife is hot. If it is hot, your chicken karaage are ready to eat.
6. If not give them another 5 minutes.
7. Remove from air fryer and serve immediately with a slice of lime or kewpie mayo.

How to store chicken Karaage

Once cooled, store Karaage in the fridge for up to three to four days and freeze for about 4 months. If the fried chicken has been left at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, it will need to be binned according to EatingWell.

Simply just make sure to store your fried chicken is in an airtight container or cover them well with cling film. The more protected they are the better.

How to reheat chicken Karaage

With the help of EatingWell, we have all the solutions for reheating our favourite Japanese recipe.

If you want to reheat your Karaage in the oven, preheat your oven to 200°C and place the pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for around 15-20 minutes, so that they are warm on the inside but crisp on the outside. The exact baking time will depend on the size of your pieces.

If you want to differently do it in an air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Place your chicken pieces into your basket and air fry them on each side for 2 minutes. They should be warm on the inside too and crispy on the outside.

If microwave is your preferred option, although it should be noted that it will not bring the crisp back to Karaage, it is still possible. To get the best results, place a paper towel on a microwave safe plate and put the fried chicken on top. Microwave for 30 -second intervals, flipping each side til the chicken has warmed up.

If you reheating your chicken karaage from frozen, the rule is to not let it defrost before cooking. This will cause the chicken to thaw and release moisture and degrade. Instead cook them from frozen by preheating your oven to 190°C. Place the pieces onto a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 35 minutes until each piece is completely reheated. If you feel some pieces may need longer to get that desired crispy effect, stick them in for a few more minutes.

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If you're wondering how to make Scotch eggs, you're in luck. We asked Tim Anderson, MasterChef winner and restaurant owner of Nanban, for his award-winning recipe. 

In The Scotch Egg Challenge 2018 Tim's Japanese-inspired version won first place thanks to its punchy flavours of spring onion, garlic, and soy. This is one of our favourite Japanese recipes and we are sure will be a family favourite.

These Scotch eggs show the fun and quirky element of Japanese food, which is seen in the izakaya bars and street stalls in Tokoyo. Tim Anderson suggests the key with this recipe is to make sure all the meat covers the egg inside, as otherwise when you deep fat fry them the meat will split and your egg will split open.

If you don't fancy deep fat frying your Scotch eggs, alternatively preheat your oven to 180°C and pop your Scotch eggs on a baking tray with non-stick paper for 20 minutes until golden.

These scotch eggs are delicious and served hot or cold so you can whip them up for lunch and for a picnic feast. This recipe serves four, so just make sure to scale up or down depending on how many you want to feed.

Preparation: For this recipe, we suggest boiling the eggs and leaving them to cool for up 24 hours. By doing this, the eggs will be super gooey inside and the coating of the egg will make the punchy flavours really come through.

Use a deep big pot or a deep fat fryer (if you have one) to deep fry your scotch eggs. It is suggested to use a thermometer, to make sure your oil is at the correct temperature before cooking your scotch eggs as you must make sure you cook the pork all the way through without cooking the egg anymore.

It is also essential that your pork mince is not too lean, as you have to cook the scotch eggs for quite a while so if the mince is leaner, it will dry out. Therefore, we suggest opting for a fattier pork mince in this recipe, so that your pork is more moist and flavoursome.

We also recommend looking in your local Japanese shops near to you for ingredients such as menma bamboo shoots and tonkatsu sauce, as these are harder to find in chain supermarkets.

Watch Tim Anderson make these delicious Japanese Scotch eggs

Ingredients:

For the eggs:

• 4 eggs
• 200ml water
• 1 lapsang souchong tea bag
• 1 star anise
• 100ml soy sauce
• 1tbsp mirin
• 1tbsp rice vinegar

For the pork mixture:

• 400g pork mince
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 60g menma bamboo shoots, finely chopped
• ¼ Scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp white pepper

For the coating:

• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp oil
• 100g strong white bread flour
• 150g panko
• oil, for deep-frying
• tonkatsu sauce, to serve

How to make Scotch eggs

Step 1

Boil the eggs for six minutes and twenty seconds, then transfer to a bowl of cold water and leave to cool completely. Meanwhile, boil the water with the tea and star anise, then add the soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar and leave that to cool as well. Peel the eggs and transfer to the tea mixture. Marinate in the fridge for at least two hours and up to 24 hours.

Step 2

Combine the pork mince, spring onions, garlic, menma, Scotch bonnet, salt, and pepper in a deep bowl and mix until well-combined.

Step 3

Portion this mixture into 100g balls, then flatten each ball into a large disc.

Step 4

Wrap each disc around a tea-marinated egg.

Step 5

Beat the eggs with the oil, then dredge the pork-wrapped eggs in the flour, then the eggs, and then then panko.

Step 6

Ensure they are well coated.

Step 7

Heat the oil to 160ºC and fry for about 8 minutes, until the pork is cooked through but the egg is still soft.

Step 8

Serve with tonkatsu sauce.

Ultimate Scotch eggs guide

How to store Scotch eggs

After cooking your Scotch eggs and if there is any leftover, simply allow for them to cool to room temperature.

Once cooled, cover them and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

Although Scotch eggs are not the best thing to freeze, it is suggested by Freeze it, that it is possible; "Yes, you can freeze Scotch eggs for up to 3 months. Frozen Scotch eggs will be perfectly safe to eat. But that doesn’t mean you should freeze them as there can be some major textural issues when freezing them."

If you choose to freeze them, make sure you put them in a layer of clingfilm and in an airtight container before storing them. But do note that if you freeze them, you will lose the typical texture of a Scotch egg with its crunchy outside and creamy, runny yolk when reheated.

How to reheat Scotch eggs

The best foolproof way to reheat Scotch eggs is by using the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C and place your Scotch eggs onto a baking tray.

Heat the Scotch eggs in the oven for around 10-15 minutes, depending on their size. For Tim's ones, we suggest the full 15 minutes, as they are rather big.

To test to check whether your Scotch eggs are hot in the middle, stick a sharp knife into the Scotch egg and carefully feel how hot it is when you pull it out. If the metal is warm, then the Scotch eggs are ready to eat.

Another option is to use an air fryer if you have one. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C and spray your Scotch eggs with a light coating of oil and place them into your basket. Leave a small gap between each Scotch egg and heat them for 4-5 minutes. If not heated fully, then leave them in for a little longer.

We strongly suggest not reheating Scotch eggs in the microwave, as it is generally not safe to reheat whole eggs in the microwave.

How to check the freshness of your eggs

Before making this recipe, we suggest checking that your eggs are fresh and making sure they are suitable to eat.

It is important to know that if your eggs are still fresh, but have past their best before the date they still can be eaten as normal if checked correctly.

The best way to do this is by following the egg float test. Simply, if the egg sinks to the bottom and lays flat on its side - it's still fresh. If the egg sinks to the bottom but stands upright - it's less fresh, but still ok to eat finally if the egg floats to the surface, it is no longer fresh enough to eat and should be binned.

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If you are a Katsu curry lover, you are going to love these Katsu Sando sandwiches, filled with delicious crunchy breadcrumbed pork cutlets, sweet, shredded cabbage, tonkatsu sauce, and plenty of mayonnaise.

Katsu is short for Katsuretsu in Japanese, which means fried pork or chicken cutlet, like in a popular Katsu curry dish and Sando is the term used for the sandwich. Personally, we think it is the coolest sandwich we have ever seen and is one of our favourite Japanese recipes.

We asked MasterChef winner and owner of Nanban restaurant in Brixton, Tim Anderson for his favourite Katsu Sando recipe along with his top tips which includes why you "should not flatten your pork, as it will cook too quickly if you do, resulting in dry meat."

When following this recipe, keep in mind that it serves four. We think it is perfect for lunch or even as a fancy picnic treat. If you are not a pork fan, we suggest using chicken fillets or if you are vegetarian, try it with Quorn vegetarian fillets.

Preparation: A key thing to bear in mind when making Katsu Sando sandwiches is to allow time, as they are not as quick as your average sandwich as you have to allow for the meat to tenderise for an hour.

Another thing is to make sure you have meat tenderiser powder (not if you are using chicken or Quorn), this makes sure your pork cutlets are super tender and tasty and your sandwiches won't taste as good without it.

Also ingredients such as Kewpie mayo and Tonkatsu sauce you will not be able to get in your normal supermarkets, you will have to order these essential ingredients online or head to your local Japanese supermarket. Trust us, these sandwiches make it worth searching for all the ingredients and are used in many of our favourite Japanese recipes too.

Watch Tim Anderson make the ultimate Katsu Sando sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 4 pork loin cutlets/steaks, about 1-1.5cm thick
• salt
• meat tenderiser powder
• white pepper
• 50g strong white bread flour
• 2 eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp oil
• 120g panko
• oil, for deep-frying
• 8 slices soft yet sturdy white bread (cut the crusts off for an authentic conbini experience)
• 4 tbsp Kewpie mayo
• ½ hispi cabbage, finely shredded
• 100ml tonkatsu sauce

How to make Katsu Sando

Step 1

Sprinkle each cutlet with salt, a tiny bit of tenderiser, and white pepper, and rub the seasoning in.

Step 2

Leave to sit for one hour, then dredge in the flour, then the eggs, and then the panko, ensuring the chops are very well coated.

Step 3

Heat the oil to 180ºC and fry the chops for about 5 minutes, until the pork is just cooked through – it is ok if it’s still a little pink. Drain on paper towel and leave to cool slightly.

Step 4

To construct the sandwich, spread the mayo on one piece of bread, then top with a handful of cabbage. Put a little tonkatsu sauce on top of the cabbage, then put the tonkatsu on top of that and add a little more tonkatsu sauce.

Step 5

Finally, top with the other piece of bread, squish it down, and slice in half. These are nice warm but they’re also perfectly delicious cold, and their texture will be okay after 24 hours in the fridge, provided your bread isn’t too dry and flimsy.

Things to know about Katsu sando

Why can you only use pork loins for Katsu Sando?

Expert Tim Anderson says; "boneless pork loins are a better choice of cut for Katsu Sando sandwiches, as they are a good balance of fat and lean meat."

Pork is tender enough so you can eat the sandwiches easily and loins will not have a chewy texture compared to other cuts and are the perfect size to slot into your bread.

They should be around 1.5cm thick, as you want them to be not too thick so that they are hard to cook, but not too thin that the meat easily dries out when fried.

How to store leftover Katsu Sando

The pork loins used in your Katsu Sando, you can refrigerate for up to three to four days so you can continue to make these delicious sandwiches throughout the rest of your week or weekends, without the hassle of cooking.

If you want to keep your loins even longer, you can freeze them and it is said that they will maintain their best quality for up to 2-3 months.

The key is to make sure you store them in airtight containers or sealed bags in both your fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

Related features:

How to make scotch eggs with Tim Anderson

How to make chicken karaage with Tim Anderson

How to make chorizo with Joe Howley

Here’s a quick and simple guide on how to cook Padron peppers by chef Joe Howley, and you won’t believe how easy they are to cook at home. 

Padron peppers are small green peppers that are mostly mild in flavour but can occasionally be hot. Better than your typical bell pepper, they are unpredictable making them a fun snack to enjoy with friends – never knowing who might get the spicy one. In Spain, Padron peppers are often served as a little tapas snack before a meal and are usually served very simply.

You can buy Padron peppers in most supermarkets as well as local gourmet retailers. Although these peppers do have a higher price mark compared to other peppers, they will complete your ultimate Spanish platter - making them one of our favourite go-to Spanish recipes.

To make sure we got our hands on the most authentic way to cook Padron peppers we asked the Head Chef of The Salt Yard restaurant in London, Joe Howley, to give us his top tips when it comes to cooking these tasty peppers.

It really doesn't take much to turn Padron peppers into one of the ultimate tapas recipes. First, you begin by rubbing the peppers in oil and salt and then you blister them in a super hot pan to get a gorgeous charred skin on the outside - it's that simple. 

Preparation: To make sure your Padron peppers taste the best they possibly can buy quality rock salt, such as Maldon sea salt, as you want to be able to taste the flavours and won't achieve this using table salt.

We also suggest using a shallow pan and some tongs when following this recipe, so that you can easily flip your Padrons over when cooking them.

Watch Joe Howley cook his signature Padron peppers dish

Ingredients:

• 1kg Padron peppers
• 25g Maldon sea salt
• 75ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil

How to cook Padron peppers

Step 1

Preheat your chargrill, BBQ or frying pan until smoking hot. Coat the Padrons in the olive oil and place onto the heat.

Step 2

Cook until charred and blistered.

Step 3

Season with the salt and serve immediately.

FAQs about Padron peppers

What do Padron peppers taste like?

Padron peppers are much smaller than regular peppers but are packed with flavour. Many say they have a piquant, sweet and nutty flavour that is addictive and are very appetizing alongside a sweet beer at the start of a traditional Spanish meal.

If cooked correctly at a high heat and monitored, the Padron peppers should have a soft texture. Covered in Maldon salt, they really are delicious.

They also really compliment richer tapas dishes, such as chorizo in red wine, patatas bravas and Spanish-style prawns.

Can I eat Padron peppers raw?

You can eat Padron peppers raw, however it is not recommended. Spaniards suggest Padron peppers real taste comes out when they are cooked and if reheated they will lose their flavour compared to when they are first cooked.

The flavour of Padron peppers comes through when they are eaten straight from the pan, they really are a true Spanish gem. You can keep cooked Padron peppers but for the freshest flavour, they are best kept raw and then cooked and eaten straight away. 

Are Padron peppers healthy?

According to Cooked Best , Padron peppers are very good for you; "All peppers have plenty of B vitamins, and the Padron pepper is no different. Eating these delicious peppers regularly can help you keep your heart healthy." 

Alongside B vitamins, Padron peppers have vitamin C, A, and capsaicinoids that can help fight off inflammation, help blood circulation and prevent high blood pressure.

They are also an excellent source of fibre and incorporating them into your diet can really help your digestive system and issues. For such an easy and tasty dish to make that will be enjoyed by everyone, they reap endless health benefits.

Related features:

How to cook chorizo with Joe Howley

How to make Spanish omelette with Joe Howley

How to make Katsu Sando with Tim Anderson

Learn how to make Spanish omelette with Joe Howley, the head chef of The Salt Yard restaurant in London.

Spanish omelette is a classic omelette but with a Catalonian twist and is a wholesome and tasty meal that all the family can enjoy. It is one of the most popular omelette recipes and is a great way to use up leftover veg too. 

The key, Joe Howley says, is to get your potatoes nice and crispy before adding them to the egg mixture. He explains this works well because it helps dry out the potatoes a little bit, allowing them to soak up more of the lovely egg mixture, giving it the perfect texture. The only other ingredient, besides the egg and potatoes, is an onion – slowly fried for a deliciously sweet flavour. 

Although this recipe uses oil, as it is the lighter option and the Spanish traditionally use oil, you can use butter too. By using butter, your Spanish omelette will have a richer texture and more decadent flavour.

It is delicious served hot or cold – so you can whip it up for dinner or even a packed lunch. Joe’s recipe serves four, so just make sure to scale up or down depending on how many people you want to feed.

Preparation: Before cooking, it is essential that you make sure you have the right frying pan. Omelettes have to be cooked to perfection, especially a thick Spanish omelette, as all the eggs in the mixture must be cooked thoroughly. 

Use a 6-12 inch frying pan, either aluminum, enameled cast iron, or stainless steel with a non-stick finish. It also should have a long handle and a flat bottom, so that you can easily remove your omelette. 

We'd also recommend using fresh free-range eggs, as this will help to make your Spanish omelette super fluffy and light. Use the egg float test method to choose your freshest eggs. By far one of the best Spanish recipes.

Watch Joe Howley cook a classic Spanish omelette

Ingredients:

• 500g potatoes
• 10g Maldon sea salt
• 150ml cooking oil
• 10 eggs
• 1 large onion
• Black pepper to taste

How to cook Spanish omelette

Step 1

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes and onions.

Step 2

Start cooking the onions in a pan with some oil. Cook on a moderate heat with salt.

Step 3

Deep fry the potatoes until crisp and drain.

Step 4

Once cool, crush the potato chips with your hands and add the eggs.

Cool the onions once they are dark brown in colour. Once cool add to the egg mix. Check the seasoning.

Step 5

Warm up the tortilla pan, and add the mix into the pan cook gently. Once golden brown, flip onto the other side. Continue to cook gently until almost cooked through. The idea is to have a slightly runny centre.

Step 6

Rub with oil before serving.

FAQs about cooking a Spanish omelette

How to cook an omelette in the air fryer

Cooking an omelette in an air fryer is easy - and a great option when you've got other things to be cracking on with. Simply follow Joe's Spanish omelette step-by-step recipe above and then simply follow our air fryer instructions below to cook omelette to perfection in an air fryer.

Omelettes are already rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but cooking them in an air fryer just cuts down the fat count too as you won't need to use any butter or oil, only a light cooking spray to ensure the omelette doesn't stick when cooking.

1. Grease a 7" round cake pan with cooking spray.
2. Heat your air fryer to 180°C.
3. Pour your omelette mix into your cake pan.
4. Pop into air fryer and cook for 6-10 minutes.
5. If you find there is still too much runny egg at the bottom, pop it back into the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
6. Remove from the air fryer carefully and garnish it with a drizzle of oil.

How to cook an omelette in the oven

This may be deemed as an unusual way to make an omelette, but this is the perfect solution for all those who love to set and forget.

We suggest using a large round oven dish when making an omelette in the oven. Choose a non-stick and drizzle the pan with oil or spread with a thin layer of butter before adding the egg mixture.

Simply follow Joe's Spanish omelette recipe step-by-step above and then instead of adding the mixture to the frying pan to cook, add it to an ovenproof dish:

1. Set your oven to 180C.
2. Grease your baking dish with cooking spray, oil or butter.
3. Pour your mixture in and cook for 25-30 minutes. Until golden on top.

Can you keep leftover cooked omelette?

Surprisingly you can keep leftover cooked omelette, you can even freeze it if needed.    Best kept for up to 2 days in the fridge, omelette needs to be reheated thoroughly before serving again. 

The best ways to reheat omelettes are by microwaving them for up to 3 seconds or putting them in the oven for 5 minutes at 180°C. Perfect for a mid-week lunch.

When it comes to freezing, use an air-tight container or sealed bag which is freezer safe. Let the Spanish omelette cool completely before popping leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

Related features:

How to cook Padron peppers with Joe Howley

How to cook chorizo with Joe Howley

How to make Katsu Sando with Tim Anderson

Understanding ways to save on back to school costs is crucial at a time when the cost of living is rising sharply. While most parents will be focused on how to keep the kids entertained cheaply over the summer holidays, the new academic term is fast approaching, meaning parents need to start considering how to save money for the return to school.

Figures from Lloyds Bank reveal that parents spend £183.30 per child to get them ready for the new school term, which is a sum that many households simply can’t afford right now. Fortunately, there are ways you can keep these costs down. 

Abigail Yearley from TopCashback.co.uk told us: “Buying new uniform and other school essentials can quickly add up, so it’s best to plan ahead and have a few money-saving tricks up your sleeve. This year, as the rising cost of living continues to drive prices up, it’s especially important to have a plan of action ahead of the new term to make sure you can cut costs as much as possible.”  

How to save money on back to school costs  

Below we’ve outlined 12 ways to keep back to school costs to a minimum. 

1. Buy second-hand 

Buying school uniforms second-hand is an easy way to keep costs down. And from the autumn, new guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) means that schools in England must ensure that second-hand uniforms are available. 

Your school might offer its own second-hand uniform sale or you could take a look in your local charity shops or on Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Alternatively, you could host a swap party and invite parents to swap outgrown uniform. 

Helen Neale, editor at KiddyCharts, also advises: “Check out the sites that are there for buying and selling old school uniforms; oldschooluniform.co.uk, uniformerly.co.uk are a couple of them - but there are more out there.” 

2. Use the supermarkets for non-branded items 

As part of the DfE guidance, schools are being advised to keep branded uniform items to a minimum and encourage parents to buy cheaper supermarket alternatives. Research from the DfE shows that parents can save almost £50 on average if they can buy all school uniform items from any store, compared to uniforms which must be bought from a designated shop or school. 

Claire Russell, author and founder of playHOORAY told us: “If your child is starting a new school, it is worth checking with other parents if pupils are allowed to wear clothes without the school logo. Often polo shirts and cardigans without the school crest can be bought from supermarkets and high street shops at a fraction of the cost. The school website might say crests and logos are essential but this isn’t always the case day-to-day if you ask around.” 

3. Keep an eye out for sales and discount codes 

Stock up on items whenever you spot a sale, and check whether there are any discount codes you can use too. It’s well worth doing this throughout the year to make costs more manageable. 

Jeremy Helm, financial analyst at MWB Solutions says: “Don’t wait till term is almost starting to buy the kids clothes, instead you should be keeping a regular eye on sales and discount codes during the summer and buy at the time when the best deal is on. You can set a reminder on your phone each week to have a quick look on a few websites, it will most certainly pay off! Before making a purchase, make sure to Google for any discount codes with the brand.” 

Ryman, for instance, is offering certain school stationery essentials at better than half price, while you can get 15% off if you spend over £40 at Matalan with the code SAVE1540 - you can also get free standard delivery for online orders over £40.

4. Look for cheaper books 

There are plenty of ways to find cheap books if you know where to shop. Sites such as AbeBooks, Amazon, Music Magpie, and World of Books have loads of great deals. Alternatively, don’t forget about your local library, or consider using sites such as Z-Library to get free books online.  

5. Buy refurbished tech 

“Whether you have an older child who needs a laptop to work on complex projects, or your teen has been begging for a new phone – consider buying a refurbished device,” advises TopCashback’s Abigail Yearley. “Not only is this a much greener choice, but it will also help you save a good chunk of money.”

There are plenty of trustworthy and reliable sites that sell second-hand or refurbished tech that works as good as new, such as CeX, Dell Refurbished and Amazon Renewed. But it’s important to check that the tech comes with a decent warranty before buying.

If you must buy new, it’s worth waiting for special deals and events such as Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday. 

6. Get cashback 

If you’re buying online, always check whether you can get cashback on your purchase through sites such as TopCashback and Quidco.

For example, at TopCashback, you can currently enjoy:

• Up to 5.5% cashback on Dell Refurbished laptops
• Up to 5.5% cashback on Ryman purchases
• Up to 7% cashback when you shop with George at ASDA

And at Quidco, you can get: 

• 8.8% cashback at WHSmith
• 2.4% cashback at Staples
• Up to 10% cashback at Matalan

7. Only buy what you need 

Before buying a variety of new items for your kids, consider whether they are really necessary. Phoebe Ellis, consumer champion at Thrive Money, told us: “Every school year there is a new trend meaning new backpacks, new pencil cases etc. But don’t fall into the trap of buying things just because your kids want it. It’s also important to not fall for the expensive fad school accessories which are trendy at the time but won’t be in a few months. Stick to buying things that last and won’t go out of ‘fashion’.”

To give you a helping hand, KiddyCharts has this printable back to school checklist for parents to use. 

8. Apply for free school meals 

Depending on your personal circumstances, your child might qualify for free school meals, which could save you a considerable amount of money. In England, if you have children at a state school in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 they are entitled to free school meals, regardless of your household income. In Scotland this applies to children in Reception through to Year 5. 

But wherever you live in the UK, your child could get free school lunches if you are receiving certain benefits. 

9. Or switch to packed lunches 

If you don’t qualify for free school meals, you could still save money by switching to packed lunches - even more so if your child is a fussy eater.

Financial analyst Jeremy Helm says: “The average canteen lunch is £4.50, whereas you can quite easily lower your costs by making a packed lunch. Avoid big brands and swap for supermarket alternatives. Make up a sandwich yourself and utilise lower cost ingredients that they enjoy. If they’re ok with carrot sticks, these only cost around 1-2p per carrot when buying a kilo’s worth.” 

10. Apply for school uniform grants 

If you’re on a low income, you could get up to £200 to help cover the cost of school uniform and PE kits through the school uniform grant. In Wales, families are also being offered a one-off top up payment of £100 for the 2022-23 academic year, meaning the maximum some parents can claim is £300.

The amount you can get, when you have to apply and which children are able to get the payment will depend on where you live. All local authorities in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have schemes in place to offer assistance, but only some local authorities in England will offer school uniform grants. 

Grants are typically available for those on certain benefits, and you’ll usually find that if you qualify for free school meals, you’ll qualify for the school uniform grant. You can find out whether your local council offers help on the gov.uk website. If it doesn’t, you can contact your child’s school directly to see if they offer any financial support.  

11. Check if you qualify for child-related benefits 

There are a number of other benefits available if you have children, with one of main ones being Child Benefit. “You can get this if you’re responsible for bringing up a child who is under 16 or under 20 if they stay in approved education or training,” explains Thrive Money’s Phoebe Ellis. “The benefit of £21.80 weekly is paid to you monthly and only one person can claim it for each child.” Note that you’ll only get £14.45 per additional child and you and your partner must earn £50,000 or less a year to qualify.

Other benefits include child tax credits, guardian’s allowance, widowed partner’s allowance and disability living allowance for children. You can view a full list here. 

12. Label everything 

Finally, make sure all of the items you’ve bought are clearly labelled with your child’s name. This will help prevent them from getting lost, ensuring you don’t have to fork out for replacements. 

Ceri Gillett, founder and CEO of Mubo says: “If you don’t take the time to appropriately label your child's items, you may as well give them away right now.

“One great way of saving yourself money in the long term is to look after what you have and ensure it’s labelled well.”

If you want to know how to use a jade roller on your face, you've come to the right place. We asked the experts what steps to take and how to do it properly. 

They've soared in popularity and seem to pop up all over social media but are jade rollers just a skincare gimmick or do they actually benefit your skin? Whether you're wondering how to look less tired or how to get rid of dark circles using a facial massage tool might be able to help.

With its origins in Chinese medicine, jade rollers along with the gua sha, are facial massage tools created with gem stones. Jade is the most common stone used but amethyst and quartz rollers can also be used. These stones or crystals are believed to have energies and jade is thought to bring lucky and healing properties too. According to Advanced Aesthetics Doctor, Dr Catherine Denning, "Improved circulation to the skin, which is good for skin healing and preventing signs of ageing," is just one of the benefits of using a jade roller. Read on to find out more advantages of the beauty tool - plus how to use a jade roller effectively, thanks to our step-by-step guide. 

How to use a jade roller on your face

Step 1: Prepare your jade roller

As your jade roller is going to be touching your skin, it's important to keep it clean and free from bacteria so use an antibacterial wipe or wash the stones beforehand. Ensure your skin is clean too, "Start by cleansing and apply your usual routine," suggests Aesthetics Dr Catherine Denning. You never want to jade roller over makeup as this can spread bacteria and cause issues like acne. 

According to London based Acupuncturist Maudie Evitt, keep it out of the fridge, a warm roller is best. "In Chinese medicine, making sure your jade roller is warm/room temperature is the first step in your ritual. Warmth increases Qi and blood, which is essential for the intention of this practise."

Step 2: Apply a facial oil/moisturiser

To give your jade roller some slip and reduce drag on the skin, apply one of the best facial oils. Non-comedogenic facial oils won't block your pores but if you're particularly oily skinned, you may prefer to use a moisturiser or lotion. 

"Warm your favourite facial oil in your hands before you apply to the face, ensuring that your skin is evenly covered," suggests acupuncturist Maudie. Facial massage is just one of the many ways to use Bio Oil, if that particular product is already sitting on your beauty shelf. 

Alternatively, pop on your favourite hydrating sheet mask then use your jade roller over this. It will feel lovely and help the product sink into the skin. 

Step 3: Roll from the centre of your face, outwards

"To help clear any puffiness, I always start in the midline of the face and work out to the sides," says Dr Catherine. Rolling outwards from the centre of the face aids the natural lymphatic drainage system and reduces puffiness.  

"Start on the forehead with a side to side or upwards motion, then move onto the cheeks," says acupuncturist Maudie. "Come out from the nose and radiate out to the ears. Then onto the jaw and downwards to the neck. Go with a consistent rhythm and make sure you are doing the same amount of strokes on each side of the face."

"If you have a double ended jade roller, use the larger roller on your neck, cheeks and forehead. With the smaller end, you can target under the eyes."

Step 4: Don't forget the neck

Facial massage doesn't stop at the face, bring your jade roller on to your neck to improve the skin elasticity on the jaw - it's great for sagging jowls and helping to get rid of a double chin. The trick to an effective neck massage is to use your roller in an upwards direction, away from the collar bones. "Think of the rolling action as a push mechanism," says acupuncturist Maudie. "You want to gently push the skin following the contours of the face and moving slightly upwards."

Using a downwards direction on the neck can exacerbate any wrinkles or loss of elasticity which naturally occurs at the age of 30 but, going upwards will go against gravity and give the skin a more lifted appearance.

Step 5: Rinse clean

After use Dr Catherine suggests, "Cleaning your jade roller after each use will avoid any breakouts from occurring." Rinsing your jade roller clean to prevent bacteria from growing and storing it somewhere hygienic, preferably in a small bag, can stop cross-contamination. 

If you have dry skin, keep your facial oil on overnight but if you're prone to breakouts you may want to rinse it off with a cleanser. Learning how to cleanse your face properly will help keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.

How often should you do jade roller?

There is no limit on how often you should use a jade roller - in fact, acupuncturist Maudie suggests making it a regular step in your beauty regime: "You can a Jade Roller every day, there are no limits to this practise. The key is to introduce the ritual to your routine slowly, with intention."

Dr Catherine is an advocate of using a jade roller, "At least 1 to 2 times a week," to see a difference. 

What are the benefits of using a jade roller?

1. Improved circulation

A 2018 study looked into the short and long term effects of using a facial massage roller and found that skin blood flow increased after just 5 minutes of use. According to Dr Catherine, "This is good for skin healing and preventing signs of ageing."

So, when you're unwinding in the evening before bed and have a spare 5, dig out your jade roller and indulge. 

2. Helps reduce puffiness

A puffy face is just one of the effects of alcohol on the skin so, if you've had a few too many the night before and you're not looking as fresh as you usually do, a jade roller can certainly help matters. 

Dr Catherine explains that using a jade roller effectively can, "Decrease puffiness and inflammation in the skin." So perfect your technique and use it daily to get a more chiselled look. 

3. Deeply relaxing

The benefits of regularly using jade roller aren't only aesthetic, it's a great way to de-stress and relax. "Using a jade roller is deeply relaxing and can be meditative," says acupuncturist Maudie. 

Look up how to deal with stress online and you're sure to see massage on the list. It's a wonderful ritual to incorporate into a self-care routine and can really help to reduce tension. 

4. Aids lymphatic drainage

"Lymphatic drainage slows as we get older," says Dr Catherine. "And this can lead to puffiness, especially in the under-eye area." Using a jade roller in this area (albeit, gently!) will help to move the lymph through your system and reduce under eye bags. 

The fluid in the body's lymphatic system helps to remove waste and toxins from the body but, certain health conditions, environmental factors and age, as Dr Catherine suggests, can cause it to build up in different areas. Encouraging the lymphatic system to work effectively will not only help you feel but look better too. 

5. Sculpts facial contours

Did you know that there might actually be a link between facial massage and firmer skin? According to a 2017 study, researchers found that massaging the skin for at least one minute, twice a day increased the levels of proteins within the skin after just ten days. 

Collagen peptides are one of these proteins and much like the best vitamins for skin, these proteins are the building blocks of the skin, acting like scaffolding to strengthen it. As we age, our natural collagen supplies diminish but learn how to use a jade roller and you could see your skin improve with a more defined jawline and cheekbones. London-based acupuncturist Maudie agrees, "Using a jade roller has many benefits, including helping to contour the face."

How long does it take for a jade roller to work?

You'll feel the relaxing effects of using a jade roller immediately. "The facial muscles get massaged and increased blood flow to these muscles helps to reduce facial tension and can aid with headaches and stress relief," explains Dr Catherine. 

But to actually see the benefits, consistency is key. "Benefits such as wound healing and longer-term lymphatic drainage can take a few weeks to improve. 

According to acupuncturist Maudie, "With regular practise, you should start to see changes after approximately 2 weeks." So, make a commitment to your jade roller routine and having a little patience will certainly pay off. 

Best jade rollers for your face - our top 3 picks

The best jade facial roller has to be this one from Herbivore. It feels incredibly sturdy in your hand, doesn't squeak and gently glides over the contours of the face, without drag. 

According to Maudie, "Ensure that wherever you purchase your roller, you are buying an ethically made tool." This one is made from ethically mined jade so you can have also have peace of mind while using. 

If budget is no problem for you, we recommend the White Lotus Beauty jade roller. According to Maudie it's one of, "The best jade rollers on the market." 

Its hand crafted design lends itself to a superior product and you actually receive a lifetime product guarantee when you purchase it. So, if you've experienced a squeaky, inferior jade roller that's fallen apart on your first facial massage, you'll be pleasantly surprised with this one. 

Although it's a little pricey, we love the non-chemically treated jade. Jade can be difficult to carve and many brands often treat it with chemicals to soften it, but not here.

If you're looking for a more affordable jade roller, this should be your go-to. It's dual ended to suit the contours of the face and the smooth jade feels lovely on the skin without any pulling or tugging.

In Dr Catherine's opinion, "Some jade rollers are very similar and you can end up spending a lot of money necessarily." This one won't break the bank but will still give you the results you're after. 

The only drawback is that it's a little squeaky so some may find this annoying if you're trying to relax.

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If you're hoping to book a last-minute family holiday this summer, make sure you follow these money-saving tips to keep prices as low as possible.

With the school holidays in full swing, if you haven't managed to get away with the kids yet, you might be thinking about booking a last-minute holiday before the new academic year starts. While you might be able to book a holiday with free child places to keep costs down, family holidays are still expensive, especially when you have to go at peak times to avoid school fines. To help, we share these tips and tricks to help you keep your holiday costs under control.

15 ways to save money on a last-minute family holiday

1. Fly during the week of 19 August

As soon as the kids break up from school, some families like to head off on holiday as soon as possible so they are back in plenty of time to sort all the back to school shopping and get back into the swing of family life at home before the kids return to school. But according to research from Skyscanner, the cheapest week to travel in the summer holidays is the week of 19 August, which is 17 per cent cheaper than travelling in the week of 22 July. For a family of four, this can lead to an average saving of £268.

2. Fly midweek if you can

Opting for a midweek flight can cut the cost of your holiday, according to Evan Day, UK Country Manager at travel site KAYAK, who says: “Opting for midweek travel can be up to 60% cheaper on short haul, and up to 30% cheaper for longer haul flights.”

You can also save by signing up for the latest deals from free flight alert site Jack’s Flight Club and searching Skyscanner and KAYAK, as well as budget airline sites. It can also help to be as flexible as possible in terms of the time you fly, as well as which airport you fly from to get the best deal.

While you may have snapped up a cheap ticket, you should make sure to also check baggage rules. Bags in the hold may be included on long haul ticket prices, but with budget airlines you may have to pay more – even for larger cabin bags. Check sizes and weight limits with your airline.

3. Book flights and accommodation on a Tuesday or Wednesday

Weekends tend to be popular times to book flights and hotels, and so the prices might be higher at these times. However, if you wait until Tuesday or Wednesday, you might find that you get a better deal, when demand isn't so high.

However, if you are buying a package holiday, a former Thomas Cook insider, told The Mirror, that the best time to book was a Monday. The insider revealed that this is because travel agents sometimes drop prices on a Monday to encourage customers who were mulling over a quote over the weekend to complete their booking.

4. Opt for less popular destinations

With Spain, France and Italy topping the list of most popular holiday destinations, according to a survey by HSBC UK, it's worth thinking outside the box in terms of destination in order to bag a last-minute deal.

If you have your heart set on those countries, you could opt for a less popular city. For example, if you were after a trip to Paris, The Travel suggests you could opt for Lille, Bordeaux, or Lyon instead to get that Parisian charm at a cheaper price.

If you do choose a less popular destination, make sure you check the latest Foreign Office guidance before booking.

5. Take a gamble on a secret hotel

Booking sites like lastminute.com, offer deals on secret hotels, which can save your family up to 40 per cent. This is where you book your hotel room based on the hotel's star rating, its general location and a short description, but you don't find out the hotel's actually name until after you've booked.

It's a bit of a gamble, but with significant savings to be had, it could be worth it for your last-minute holiday. The lack of certainty might fill you with dread, however, you may be able to find out the hotel's identity beforehand. According to Which? "Many of the descriptions are taken directly from the hotel’s own website, so try googling a few key phrases to see what pops up."

6. Keep your eyes peeled for voucher codes before you book

Once you have your sites set on a destination, don’t forget to shop around online for discount codes. Sites like MyVouchersCodes often have money-off vouchers for at least a couple of the big holiday and accommodation sites, as well as some of the independents.

7. Be savvy when booking your hire car

If you want to book a hire car for while you are away, opting for the smallest car you can get away with and sorting your own excess protection insurance are key ways to save on the cost of your holiday car hire and keep fees as low as possible. Buying your own excess protection cover could cost you less than £3 a day, while buying it through your holiday car hire provider could cost around £190.

There's also a sweet spot in terms of the best time to book your holiday car hire, and it's good news for those planning a last minute holiday. Booking between seven and 13 days before you travel can save you around 27 per cent than if you book too far in advance, or try and book it when you arrive on your holiday.

8. Make sure you get travel insurance

According to research by GoCompare, 40% of holidaymakers don’t plan on buying travel insurance. But it's essential if you want to get your money back, should the worst happen and your family not be able to go on the holiday. It'll also be crucial if you lose your money or luggage while away, or if you or someone in your family gets ill or has an accident while abroad.

Money saving expert Martin Lewis says: "If you've booked a holiday abroad, and don't have travel insurance, do it now, today, do not delay. I admit I say this with a hint of desperation. EVERY summer, my heart sinks after someone asks me a question who'd had 'getting travel insurance' on their to-do list, but didn't prioritise it."

It’s always worth buying your travel insurance as soon as you book your trip, as you will only be covered if you have insurance in place at the time the event that causes you to to cancel happens. You can compare prices for travel insurance at GoCompare.

9. Check your passports

This might sound obvious but always check that your passport is still valid before you book your holiday. And you'll need to make sure the time left on your passport meets the rules of the country you are planning to visit. The government says it takes about three weeks to get a new or renew your existing passport, which might not leave you enough time if you are planning on getting away last minute.

The alternative is a last minute dash to the Passport Office and paying over the odds for a new passport. And that’s if you can even get an appointment before you go.

10. Make a list of the essentials

In the excitement of getting yourself and the kids ready for a last-minute, it'll be all too easy to forget something vital, that you end up having to buy at the airport, or at your destination. According to Julian House from My Favourite Voucher Codes: “One in three adults spend an extra £75 while they’re away simply because they forget to pack essentials.”

Make sure you have a list of all the essentials ready - including things like passports, travel adapter plugs, chargers, sun cream and boarding passes - to avoid having to scramble to find them on holiday or, in the case of boarding passes, pay an additional fee to get them printed at the airport.

11. Know how to check you can sit with your kids on the plane

When travelling as a family, you’ll understandably want to make sure you can all sit together on the plane - without having to pay extra. With budget airlines, if you want to sit together you’ll pay for the privilege, unless you’re prepared to take a chance and see what seats you’re given when online check-in opens.

Airline policies on how hard they try to seat smaller children with at least one adult in the party varies – so check the rules with your airline if you don’t want to take a chance. And if you’re going to have sleepless nights worrying – it’s worth paying to book seats in advance – which can be up to £12.99 per person with easyJet.

How to save money when you get to your destination

12. Save on eating out with the family

Booking an all inclusive holiday can help you budget as once there all your food and drink is covered. But if you’re booked an apartment and want to go out - lunch menus are often cheaper than the dinner version so it’s worth eating out earlier if you can. And check if you’ll be charged a cover charge for extras like bread – some restaurants do this while in others it’s free. Opting for set-price menu deals will also be cheaper than a la carte menus, but it may mean eating at off peak times and may not be offered on every day of the week.

If your accommodation has a kitchen or kitchenette, you could make significant savings by finding a local supermarket and preparing your own food. This can be especially useful when it comes to day trips - you can pack a lunch before you go.

13. Avoid roaming charges

During our time in the EU, we’ve been able to use our phones across Europe, safe in the knowledge that any calls, texts or internet usage would come out of our inclusive package. Post-Brexit, this is not necessarily the case anymore and holiday makers could find themselves facing hefty roaming charges abroad without realising it.

Check with your mobile phone provider before you leave home whether you are likely to be charged any roaming fees while on holiday. if you are, there are ways to avoid them. Before you leave home, download any flight information, maps, TV shows or music you may need on your holiday, so that you can access them without using your data.

You can also turn roaming off on your phone, and your kids phones, so you can’t accidentally incur charges. If your accommodation offers free WIFI, then make sure you use that if you want to check or post on social media, or call anyone.

14. Check any debit and credit card fees

More than one in three of us don’t check the charges on our credit cards while abroad according to credit card booster company Tymit. However that means you could be incurring extra charges without realising it. Most standard debit and credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee – typically between 2.75 and 2.99 per cent. This means for every £100 you spend on your debit or credit card, you may pay an extra £3 in fees. Check any charges attached to your debit or credit card using this calculator on MoneySavingExpert.com.

15. Always pay in the local currency rather than pounds

Always pay in the local currency to save money, even if you are offered the option of converting into pounds. Dynamic Currency Conversion, as it’s known, can ramp up your bill by around 5%. While it may not sound much on a smaller amount, if you’re paying that on every purchase, it’ll soon tot up. It could make the difference between having enough cash to see you through or needing to take out more to tide you over on the last few days of your trip. .

Jo Bullard, Director of Bank Accounts at Metro Bank, says: “When using your card abroad it’s increasingly common for shops, restaurants and ATMs to let you convert payments into sterling on the spot. This can take the hassle out of working out how much things will cost but it’s always worth being mindful that the exchange rate being used may not be as competitive as the exchange rate offered by your bank.”

For more family-friendly money saving tips, find out how you save up to £18 on cinema tickets with this secret Prime perk, where kids eat free this summer, and how you could get this Morrisons Family Picnic Box for less than £20.

For the first time since 2014, the price of Amazon Prime is going up. The mega retailer has announced that it is raising its Prime subscription prices due to higher operating costs and inflation. While there are many benefits of a Prime membership and ways you can save when shopping on Amazon, the price hike is the latest in a long line of price increases as the cost of living crisis continues to bite. 

After it was recently reported that streaming service Netflix had lost one million subscribers between April and July this year, following a price hike in January, it remains to be seen whether Amazon Prime will face the same fate. 

Here we explain how the price of Amazon Prime is going to change, and what you can do to beat it.

How much is the price of Amazon Prime going up by? 

Right now, an Amazon Prime membership will cost you £7.99 per month or £79 per year. But from 15 September 2022, monthly subscription prices will increase by £1 to £8.99. Annual subscription prices will rise by £16 from £79 to £95. 

While annual subscriptions require you to pay more in one go, they actually work out cheaper than a monthly subscription, so if you can afford to pay the fee in one go, it’s a great way to save some money.

The new charges will be implemented from September, or your next membership renewal date if you pay annually.  

How to beat the Amazon Prime price hike 

While you might not be able to dodge the price hike forever, you might be able to avoid it for a while, with these quick tips. 

1. Pay annually instead of monthly. If you can afford to pay the current annual fee of £79, it’s worth switching from a monthly subscription to an annual one before 15 September 2022. This means you won’t have to pay the new, higher annual fee until 2023. Martin Lewis also shared his tips on how to beat the price hike.
2. Cancel and repurchase. If you already have an annual subscription, that you only use for next day delivery (and not any other Prime benefits), you could try cancelling your membership, getting a partial refund for any unused time and then repurchasing it. This would, again, lock in the lower annual price until 2023, giving you more time before you have to pay the higher fee. But you won’t be eligible for a refund if you have used any other Prime benefits including Prime Video or Prime Music. 
3. Share your account across your household. Amazon Prime allows you to share membership perks, including faster delivery, Prime Video, Prime Gaming, within your household (two adults and up to four teenagers aged 13-17) without paying for extra Prime accounts. 
4. Student memberships. If you’re a student and want an Amazon Prime account, make sure you buy a Prime Student Membership. It comes with a six-month free trial period and costs just £4.49 per month. You’ll also get access to exclusive student-only offers throughout your membership term.

From prep to griddling, from telling when chorizo is done to storing raw chorizo, we've got it covered. Cooking chorizo is easy with our expert guide including tips from chef Joe Howley.

Chorizo is a type of cured sausage made with coarsely chopped pork, pork fat, and spiced pimento – a smoky Spanish red spice made from paprika that gives chorizo its unique taste. Chorizo is often flavoured with garlic and herbs such as oregano or thyme, too.

Chorizo is popular in Spanish cuisine as well as Mexican dishes , and in Portugal– where it's called 'chouriço' – but it's most associated with Spain, where there are hundreds of regional varieties. 'Ristra', for example, is a highly spiced soft chorizo, while 'sarta' is cured and known for its deep red colour. However, its versatility means you don't need to limit it to dishes from these countries. It goes just as well with pasta, for example, or in a burger.

Mexican chorizo is usually made with fresh pork (but can also be made from other meats such as beef and chicken) and usually needs cooking before eating. While similar to Spanish chorizo, it contains spices native to Latin America.

Choose between soft 'cooking' chorizo – this is only slightly cured and needs to be cooked before you eat it – and dry-cured chorizo, which has been cured for longer so it's firmer, less fatty, and ready to eat. Cooking chorizo comes in pieces or sausages, while cured chorizo comes in whole sausages that you slice or pre-packaged slices.

Our guide includes expert tips and advice from Joe Howley - former head chef at Salt Yard, which specialises in Spanish tapas and small plates. 

Preparation: Before cooking chorizo you may prefer to remove the thin casing (the 'skin'). To remove the skin, use a sharp knife to make a small incision on the outer edge of each slice, and pull. The skin should come away easily.

For softer chorizo, this is not essential as it will cook down. If you're eating cured chorizo, which is the firmer version and the type you would find on a charcuterie board, it can be a lot tougher. While some people find it unpleasant, it is edible and won't hurt you to eat it.

How to cook chorizo on a griddle

Watch our video below and follow our step-by-step guide on how to griddle chorizo. We've also got the method for your reference below to make it even easier.

This recipe uses large slices of chorizo for griddling; if you're using smaller slices or chunks, adjust your cooking time so you don't overdo or burn the chorizo.

Here, chef Joe Howley shows us how he serves this delicious tapas ingredient. There are many different ways to cook chorizo – it's usually pan-fried but can also be baked and braised – but we love this simple presentation which allows the spiced pork sausage to be the star of the show.

Joe has chosen to serve chorizo with fresh, sweet peas, citrus yogurt, and grilled baby gem lettuce for a light and summery dish that everyone will love.

The best thing about this method for how to cook chorizo is that it’s super quick, taking just fifteen minutes to pull together. This makes it perfect for a quick starter or lunch.

Once you’ve learned how to cook chorizo in this way you can have fun playing with different presentation options – we also love chorizo with spiced chickpeas or even served by itself or with some Manchego cheese and olives as a tasty snack. The quantities below serve six people, so just make sure to scale up or down depending on your party size.

Watch Joe Howley step-by-step guide on cooking chorizo

Ingredients:

• 1kg cooking chorizo
• 500g fresh peas
• 2 packets baby gem lettuce
• 100ml olive oil
• 500ml full-fat yogurt
• 1 lemon
• 1 orange
• 1 lime
• 15g pea shoots
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to cook chorizo

Step 1

Remove the outer skins from the chorizo, and split lengthways, keep chilled until needed. Then remove the peas from their shells and blanch in boiling water, refresh in iced water.

Step 2

Zest the lemon, lime, and orange into the yogurt. Add a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3

Cut the lettuce into six wedges and wash. Dress with olive oil and season.

Step 4

Grill the chorizo for two minutes on each side. Grill the baby gem for one minute on each side.

Step 5

Heat the peas in a pan with a little oil and salt and pepper. Add the chorizo, lettuce, and yogurt to the plate and top with the peas.

FAQs on cooking chorizo

How do you cook chorizo in the oven?

Like most sausages, you can bake chorizo in the oven. How long you bake it depends on whether they're whole sausages, chunks, or smaller pieces, so refer to the recipe though,  as a general rule, expect a cooking time of around 10-20 minutes on a medium-hot heat (around 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7). Because of its high-fat content, you don't have to add oil when cooking chorizo in the oven.

If you're using your oven's grill to cook chorizo sausages, use medium-high heat, too. You can also braise chorizo (cook in liquid).

Cured chorizo is ready to eat so doesn't need cooking, though you can heat it up if you wish by pan-frying slices on medium heat, and on each side, until browned and crunchy. Cooked cured chorizo is delicious if you mix it into salads or sprinkle it on pasta. It's a speedy way to incorporate extra flavour and texture.

How do you cook chorizo in red wine?

Braising cooking chorizo in red wine is a really tasty way to cook it. It infuses the meat with a red wine richness and mellows the intense flavours of chorizo. Recipes usually call for chunks or slices of cooking chorizo, though you can use small sausages, too.

Chorizo is quick-cooking meat so if you're braising it in red wine expect it to take around 15-20 minutes on medium heat. You can braise it in the oven or on the hob.

How to cook a chorizo ring

A chorizo ring – a sausage tied at the top with string – is actually more of a horseshoe shape. Chorizo rings tend to be on the large side and because of their strong flavour it's unlikely you will want to use a whole ring at once.

More often than not a chorizo ring is dried and ready to eat, while cooking chorizo comes in pieces, sausages, or a string of sausages. You can cook a string of cooking chorizo sausages at once.

How do you know when chorizo is done cooking?

Cooking chorizo releases wonderful-smelling red oil while cooking. It starts soft but when it browns and becomes more solid to the touch (yet also easier to crumble because it's drier), it's ready to eat.

It will also change colour from a brighter red to a duller brownish-red. If it still feels squidgy and a little sticky to the touch it needs a bit more cooking time.

How to store chorizo

Chorizo is an ideal addition to your fridge. Unopened whole sausages last up to two weeks, or up to a week if opened (always check the packaging though, as some products may last for a shorter or longer time). Chorizo is raw, so wrap it well in clingfilm or seal it in its original packaging or a container so it doesn't contaminate other food in the fridge.

While it's less common in Spain to freeze chorizo, you can freeze cooking chorizo for up to 12 months. This is a good way to keep it soft, as it won't start to dry out like it would in the fridge.

You don't have to keep cured chorizo in the fridge – a cool, dry place will suffice. Wrapped in its original packaging, it can last up to 3 months out of the fridge and up to 6 months in the fridge. Although it's possible cured meats don't always freeze well. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it loosely in paper towels to absorb any moisture and seal it in a plastic bag.

You can eat cooked chorizo cold; for example, in a salad the next day. You can also reheat cooked chorizo, but like any meat, it should be piping hot before serving.

Related features:

How to cook Padron peppers with Joe Howley

How to make Spanish omelette with Joe Howley

How to make Katsu Sando with Tim Anderson

Everything you need to know about preparing and cooking runner beans, including our best runner bean recipes.

Runner beans have a short season. In the UK runner beans are in season from July until September. And, as any keen gardener will know, they taste even better when they are homegrown.

When buying runner beans select young small pods that are still firm. The old ones can be stringy and tough and not very nice to eat. Fresh beans will still have a snap when broken. They keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days.

*How to prepare runner beans
*How to cook runner beans
*How to cook runner beans: boil
*How to cook runner beans: steam
*How to cook runner beans: stir-fry
*How to cook runner beans: blanching 
*How to store runner beans
*How to freeze runner beans
*Our best runner bean recipes

How to prepare runner beans

It is important to prepare runner beans properly to avoid them being stringy and gritty when cooked.

Firstly you'll need to wash the beans and then top and tail them. To top and tail cut off a couple of millimeters from each end of the bean. Then use a vegetable peeler or knife to carefully strip off the stringy edges.

Cut the beans into either oblique shapes by chopping diagonally, or cut lengthways three or four times, to create long strips. To make this task easier you can use a bean slicer tool.

If you have lots of beans to prepare it can be faster to hold the blade of a small knife between your thumb and top of your forefinger. Pinch the top of the bean against the knife and twist your hand to snap the pointy top of the bean. This way the top will stay attached to any stringy bits and you can peel them off.

How to cook runner beans

There a few different ways of preparing runner beans: boiled, steamed, or stir-fried. The best way is to simply boil them and then stir through a little butter. This creates a great accompaniment to any meal. 

How to cook runner beans: boil

1. Bring a small pan of salted water to a boil. 
2. Add the prepared beans and cook until tender, this should take about 5-8 mins. Drain.
3. Stir through half a tablespoon of salted butter to serve. 

How to cook runner beans: steam

1. Fill a pan with about 2inches of water. Bring to the boil. 
2. Place the prepared beans into the steamer basket and place them into the pan with a lid on and the heat on low-medium.
3. Cook for 15-20 mins until knife tender.

How to cook runner beans: stir-fry

1. Heat a wok or large frying pan to high heat.
2. Add one tablespoon of oil and any aromatics that you like, e.g. spring onions, ginger, garlic. 
3. Add the beans to the pan with a pinch of salt and fry for 3-5 mins until knife tender.

How to cook runner beans: blanching

Blanching is great if you want to prep veg ahead of time and then reheat it before serving or if you want to add it into a salad. The process keeps a bit of crunch to the beans and retains the bright green colour. 

1. Bring a pan of salted water to a boil. 
2. Add the prepared beans to the water and cook for 4-6 mins, they should still be a vibrant green colour.
3. Drain the beans and add to a pan of iced water. Drain again when ready to serve.
4. Beans can be reheated in hot water again before serving, or stir-fried. 

How to store runner beans

It is important to store runner beans well so that they stay fresh for as long as possible. 

Uncooked runner beans will keep in the vegetable draw for 3-5 days. If they go a bit softer you can crisp them up in cold water. 

Blanched runner beans will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

You can also remove the beans from inside the pods and then leave them to dry out in a warm and dry place. These beans can then be stored in an airtight container for a year and then left to soak before cooking, as you would with other dried beans. 

How to freeze runner beans

Runner beans are seasonal and often tricky to get hold of out of season. So storing beans in the freezer is a great way to ensure that you have a supply all year round. 

We recommend washing and cutting the runner beans, then blanching for 3 mins in boiling water, then add them to ice water to cool rapidly. Freeze the cooled beans in a freezer bag. The frozen beans will keep well for about three months.

You can cook the prepared beans from frozen. Just add to boiling water, bring back to the boil, and cook until tender, which should take about 5 mins in total.

For more advice read our guide on the best way to freeze foods, including vegetables, meats, cakes, and other items.

Our best runner bean recipes

If you're unsure how to serve runner beans, we've got plenty of inspiration for you. We've rounded up some of our best runner bean recipes; tossed in salads, paired with lamb chops, or buttered with fish...

Greens with miso dressing

This is a delicious Asian inspired side dish. The dressing uses miso paste to boost the flavours of the greens. When out of season we recommend using frozen runner beans and

peas.

Or swap the runner beans for green beans.

Get the recipe: Greens with miso dressing recipe

Simple and delicious sausage bake

A sausage bake is always a hit. This is a popular recipe on the Good to Know website. It has over 200 reviews. The ingredients are relativity cheap, plus you bung it all in one dish, so you save on the washing up too!

Get the recipe: Sausage bake recipe

Quick and easy five veg stir-fry

Good to Know Food Writer Jessica Ransom favours this method of cooking runner beans; she loves to stir-fry them as they keep their nice crunchy texture. Jessica suggests “using them instead of Tenderstem broccoli and season with chilli, garlic and soy”.

Try this simple five veg stir-fry recipe, it’s bursting with green veggie goodness.

Get the recipe: Five veg stir-fry

Slimming World mixed summer bean salad

We love this hearty salad that can be served warm or cool. Perfect as an easy but impressive side dish. The dressing contains roasted cumin seeds and mild green chilli for a warming kick.

Get the recipe: Slimming World mixed summer bean salad recipe

Pork belly and tapenade

This dish really is a tasty treat. It’s a little time consuming to make, but worth the effort as the result is absolutely delicious. The runner beans are a lovely fresh flavour addition to cut through the fattiness of the pork.

Get the recipe: Belly pork with green bean tapenade recipe

Buttery pan-fried plaice

Plaice is a delicious delicate fish, often overlooked. It’s best, as it is here, doused in oodles of glorious butter sauce. It’s simple and quick to cook.

Get the recipe: Buttery plaice recipe

Runner bean and Tenderstem broccoli salad

Runner beans really lend themselves to being in salads. They have a lovely crunch and brilliant vibrant colour.

Get the recipe: Runner bean and tenderstem broccoli salad

Fresh summer vegetable noodles

An easy-peasy noodle dish that makes the most of the best seasonal summer ingredients.

Get the recipe: Summer vegetable spaghetti recipe

Slimming World’s garlic and thyme chicken with vegetable penne

Another yummy speedy pasta courtesy of Slimming World. This is a great option if you are working on reducing your calorie intake. It’s low fat and ready in 20 mins.

Get the recipe: Slimming World’s garlic and thyme chicken with vegetable penne recipe

Balsamic lamb chops with minted beans

All the classic flavours make for the ultimate Sunday roast dinner recipe.

Mint is sublime with peas and beans, as it amplifies their gorgeous beany flavour and adds a lovely freshness to this dish.

Get the recipe: Balsamic lamb chops with minted beans recipe

Find out everything you need to know about cooking lamb shanks. From prep to braising, our ultimate guide will make sure you cook this popular meat perfectly every time.

Lamb shank is a cut of meat on the bone, which has been taken from the top of the lamb's leg. The ‘fore shank’ is from the front legs, while the back legs are referred to as ‘hind shanks’.

Traditionally a lamb shank was known as a very cheap cut of meat, however with a spike in popularity over the past few years, lamb shanks have recently increased in price. A pack of two small lamb shanks can be priced anywhere between £5-£10 a pack from the supermarket.

It might not seem much but when compared to lamb chops, which cost an average of £3-£6 per pack of four, it's a big difference in price. With this in mind, lamb shanks are often served as part of more indulgent meals whether catering for a dinner party or special occasion.

Lamb is usually enjoyed during the spring and summer months and is only considered as such for the first year of the animal's life, anything past this and it would be classed as hogget, and then mutton from 3 years onward.

Lamb shank is a tender cut of meat that pairs well with root veg, a variety of potatoes, and a glass of red wine. Cooking lamb shank is much easier than you may think and to help you avoid any mistakes, we’ve put together some expert advice.

*Where to buy lamb shanks
*How to prepare lamb shanks
*How to cook lamb shanks
*How to cook braised lamb shanks
*What temperature should lamb shanks be cooked to? 
*How to cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker
*How do you know when lamb shanks are cooked?
*Why is my lamb shank tough?
*Our best lamb shank recipes

How to cook lamb shanks

Preparation:  The shank will mostly be prepped by your butcher, but there are a couple of things to do before cooking. In order to get juicy, tender meat, make sure to trim the ‘silverskin’ from the lamb shanks - this is the white, silvery skin on the outside of the meat. If your shank is particularly fatty, be sure to remove any excess fat too.

Using a sharp paring knife, cut the tendons away from the top of the bone, continue to do this all the way around the shank. As the meat cooks, it will shrink away from the bone nicely and make for a neater presentation. 

Cooking: When it comes to cooking, the key is to take your time. Lamb shanks are a very tough cut and need to be cooked slowly for a period of time. The fats and sinews in this cut need to render down, making for beautifully tender meat that’s full of flavour.

You can cook it low and slow for up to 8 hours which is great for slow cookers. Or you can cook it higher for around 2 hours in the oven.

Senior Development Chef, Eddie recommends braising slowly, this involves cooking the meat in liquid (often stock or wine, or a mixture of both), at a low temperature in the oven, or on the hob. This gentle slow cooking process is a combination of roasting and steaming and transforms cuts of meat that are too tough to roast, into mouth-watering dishes.

As lamb shanks are naturally on the bone, there will be an amazing added depth of flavour. The bone also helps minimise shrinkage of the meat when roasting, so that the joint holds its shape better. Plus, you can use them to make a delicious stock after your meal.

When it comes to adding flavours to lamb, a traditional mint, redcurrant, red wine, tomato base is always great with lamb. Lamb is also used regularly in Indian and North African dishes too, so pairings such as ras el hanout, dried fruits, a variety of nuts, and even rose will complement this meat.

How to cook braised lamb shanks

Ingredients

• vegetable oil, for frying
• 4 lamb shanks
• 90g plain flour
• Large glass red wine
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 large carrot
• 3 fresh sprigs of rosemary
• 2 fresh sprigs of thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 300ml chicken or vegetable stock

Method

1. Allow the meat to come to room temperature and pat dry with kitchen paper.
2. Heat a large ovenproof pan on high heat, add a little oil and sear the meat in batches in a single layer until evenly browned all over.
3. Add wine, stock, vegetables, and herbs. Make sure that the liquid covers at least a third to a half of the meat and bring to a gentle simmer. 
4. Cover with a lid and transfer into the preheated oven or continue to simmer gently on the hob at a consistent temperature. The oven method is gentler and the meat should not stick to the pot.
5. Check from time to time and top up with liquid if needed. See below for times and oven temperatures. This recipe serves four people.

What temperature should lamb shanks be cooked to?

The temperature you cook lamb shanks will vary on the method you choose to cook them.

• Classic braised lamb shanks cook at 180ºC-200ºC/Gas 4-6 for 1 ½ to 2 hours
• Slow-braised lamb shanks cook at 140ºC-160ºC/Gas 1-3 for 4-6 hours

How to cook lamb shanks in a slow cooker

Cooking lamb shanks in a slow cooker is a similar process to braising, the meat will however be much more tender and moist and will fall off the bone but will, of course, take longer to cook overall. 

1. Allow the meat to come to room temperature and pat dry with kitchen paper.
2. Heat a large ovenproof pan on high heat, add a little oil and sear the meat in batches in a single layer until evenly browned all over. Transfer to the bowl of a slow cooker.
3. Deglaze the pan with the red wine and add to the slow cooker, along with the stock, vegetables, and herbs. Make sure that the liquid covers at least a third to a half of the meat and bring to a gentle simmer. 
4. Turn the slow cooker on high and leave to cook for 8 hours. Check halfway through and top up with liquid if needed.

How do you know when lamb shanks are cooked?

We recommend checking the casserole after 1 hour and at regular intervals thereafter. Insert a meat fork into the thickest part of the joint – it should slide in and out easily and the meat shouldn't be tough.

You can also use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the lamb shank to make sure it's cooked fully:

• 53-57C for medium-rare
• 58-62C for medium
• 63-67C for medium-well

Why is my lamb shank tough?

If you are experiencing issues with the texture of your lamb shanks and finding the meat tough, this could be the result of a couple of things.

Firstly, you may not have let the lamb shanks cook for long enough. The shank is tough meat as it's a muscle that is put to work, so it will only be tender if you show it a little patience.

It could also be that you haven’t prepared it well enough. Leaving the silverskin and not trimming the tendons can also result in tough meat. 

Our best lamb shank recipes

Lamb shank is luxurious meat that can be served in a variety of different ways. It's all about choosing a quality cut of meat, taking your time when cooking, and pairing it well with some of our inspirational recipes.

Pot-roasted harissa and vegetable lamb shanks

With ground cumin and harissa paste to add a spicy kick to the meat, this lamb dish is full of flavor and makes a great alternative to your usual lamb casserole.

Get the recipe: Pot-roasted harissa and vegetable lamb shanks

Tunisian braised lamb shanks

Spicy Tunisian harissa paste adds a fiery flavour to these lamb shanks.

Get the recipe: Tunisian braised lamb shanks

Minted lamb shanks with barley

Brown the lamb to give this dish a really great flavour – it’s easy to make and you can freeze it too.

Get the recipe: Minted lamb shanks with barley

Sophie Conran’s lamb shanks with caramelised onion

This sweet and mildly spiced lamb shank recipe from designer Sophie Conran is a real winner.

Get the recipe: Sophie Conran’s lamb shanks with caramelised onion

Where to buy lamb shanks

We would always recommend choosing British lamb, and organic wherever possible. Buy from your local butcher and that way they can clear up any queries you may have about the meat. They can also tell you more about the location and welfare of the animal so you know you're getting a good quality cut of meat for a good price.

Eddie McDonald, Senior Development Chef at Donald Russell shared some of his expert advice with us: 'The best quality lamb should be matured to ensure that the meat will be tender, flavoursome, and succulent. Donald Russell lamb is matured for a minimum of 10 days, depending on the season. The butchers use their skill and experience to ensure that the lamb has been matured for just the right amount of time.

They can tell when the lamb is ready as it will have a slightly darker colour than unmatured lamb and it will have a good, even marbling with small flecks of fat throughout the muscle. This is critical to the flavour of the meat, as the fat melts during cooking making it juicy and tasty.'

Corn on the cob is really easy to prepare and cook. We've put together a guide on the best ways to cook it and flavour it to make it even tastier.

Learn how to cook corn on the cob with our simple methods. Corn on the cob is the freshest way to eat sweetcorn. It's a much more hands-on way of enjoying sweetcorn as opposed to eating tinned sweetcorn or frozen. Corn on the cob is sweet, tasty, and perfect simply paired with butter.

In America, corn on the cob is in season from May to September. In the UK, it is usually harvested from September to November. If you’re looking for a vegetable that’s in season now, have a look at our seasonal food calendar for more information. 

The great thing about corn on the cob is that it’s incredibly versatile. It can be served at a BBQ, a party, or as a side to a weekday dinner. The easiest way to eat it is with your hands (or with corn on the cob skewers) so it is usually a little messy. Don’t let that put you off though - below is our guide on how best to cook corn on the cob...

*How to prepare corn on the cob
*How to cook corn on the cob: boil
*How to cook corn on the cob: in the oven
*How to cook corn on the cob: BBQ
*Top tips for cooking corn on the cob
*How to store leftover corn on the cob *How to flavour corn on the cob

How to prepare corn on the cob

When you buy corn on the cob it can sometimes come in its outer leaves (also known as the husk). If this is the case, peel these away by hand until you unearth the raw cob of corn (known as an ear of corn) inside. Once you’ve done this, give it a little wash with some cold water.

If you’ve bought the corn on the cob from the supermarket, it is likely to have the outer leaves removed. You can just remove all the packaging - recycle it where possible - and then rinse before cooking.

Whole corn on the cob is usually a good size for an adult. However, if it’s part of a larger meal or you’re serving to children, you might want to cut each cob into smaller pieces. To do this, place the cob lengthways on a chopping board and cut them into pieces with a sharp knife. Each cob should be able to be cut into two or three pieces.

How to cook corn on the cob: boil

Corn on the cob is a versatile vegetable so there are lots of different ways you can cook it. The easiest and quickest is to simply boil it. 

Ingredients

• 4 corn on the cob
• 2tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper

How to cook corn on the cob: Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to the boil and add a good pinch of salt. You will need enough water to cover all of the corn. Food Director, Elisa Roche says it’s important to salt the water well to add as much flavour as possible during cooking. 

How to cook corn on the cob: Step 2

Carefully place the corn into the boiling water. It’s safest to do this with tongs. You can cover the pan with the lid at this point to help the water come back to the boil more quickly. If you do this, keep an eye on the pan so it doesn’t boil over.

How to cook corn on the cob: Step 3

Cook the corn for around 5 mins. You don’t want to overcook them or they can become a little chewy. They should become a slightly brighter yellow when cooked. Once they’re done, drain them well, place on a serving plate and cover with the butter whilst still hot so it melts and covers them well. Season and serve.

How to cook corn on the cob: in the oven

Roasting corn on the cob can be a really good way of cooking the corn with other ingredients which can add flavour to it. It’s also a really easy way to cook it. The method below is for four corn on the cobs:

1. Heat the oven to 200C/Gas 6. Cut out four squares of foil. These need to be large enough to wrap each corn in individually. Place each corn on the cob on a square.
2. Brush each corn cob with melted butter or oil and sprinkle over 1/4tsp chilli flakes and season well with salt and pepper. You could also try using a crushed garlic clove, herbs such as oregano, or grated parmesan. Lime juice, miso paste, and honey also work well. 
3. Wrap up the corn in the foil sheets and roast in the oven for 30mins until the corn is tender. Carefully unwrap the foil and serve. These make a great side dish.

How to cook corn on the cob: BBQ

Corn on the cob is certainly one of those foods you didn’t know you could cook on the BBQ. But you’ll be really pleased with the flavour of the corn when cooked on the BBQ. It’s also a really simple way to cook corn and a great side dish to quickly put together for a BBQ. 

For 4 corn on the cob

1. Mix together 75g soft or melted butter with flavourings of your choice. We like to use 2tsp chilli flakes or smoked paprika. They are also lovely without flavourings but keep the butter to help to cook them.
2. Wrap each corn on the cob in a double layer of foil and cook on the BBQ for 20-30 mins, turning a few times, until just cooked. Unwrap the foil carefully and finish the corn directly on the BBQ for 5mins, turning twice to char all over. 
3. Remove from the BBQ and brush with the flavoured butter. Serve immediately.

Top tips for cooking corn on the cob

Here are some of our top tips for cooking corn on the cob:

• Remove all of the husks of the corn and pull off any stringy bits
• If you want smaller serving pieces cut them before cooking as it will be much easier to do
• Don’t be afraid of using strong flavours with it - it will hold up well to powerful ingredients
• If you’re serving corn on the cob plain then make sure you add lots of salt to the water before boiling it. A good-sized teaspoon should do for four corn on the cobs.
• Make sure the butter is soft, or even melted before you apply it so that you can cover each corn on the cob evenly and easily. You can brush to melted butter on to make it easier.
• Try using corn on the cob skewers to make them easier to handle.

How to store leftover corn on the cob

When cooking corn on the cob, it’s best if you cook the amount that you need. However, you can keep it after cooking and reheat it (or eat it cold). If the corn on the cob is uncooked and you have some remaining then leave it, covered, in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it. Check the use-by date if there is one and, if not, it will most likely keep for three days or longer after purchase.

If you’ve cooked the corn on the cob and you have some leftover then allow it to cool, cover it or place in a sandwich bag or container and then place it in the fridge for up to three days. You can eat it cold but you might want to give it 30mins to bring it to room temperature so it’s not too cold on the teeth. 

Where you must be careful when keeping leftover cooked corn on the cob is if you have cooked it in an ingredient or coated it in something that cannot be kept as a leftover or has a short shelf life. For example, if you have cooked it with seafood or meat then you will need to be extra careful. You can eat leftover meat and seafood, too, but it may not last as long as the corn and must be refrigerated quicker than a vegetable such as corn. 

How to flavour corn on the cob

The great thing about corn is that it’s delicious as it is but also holds up well to strong flavours. The one ingredient that goes extremely well with corn is butter. Melted and generously applied. You can also flavour the butter with chilli, salt and pepper, herbs or crushed garlic. Sweet chilli sauce is also a great pairing like in our sweet chilli corn recipe.

If you’re serving vegans then you can use a little oil or even juices such as lime and lemon to give it a bit of a kick. Maple syrup will add a little sweetness like in our sticky maple corn recipe.

Mexican corn salad is a delicious way to serve corn on the cob as it has a zingy dressing and also looks really tasty served up at the table on a beautiful platter. It can be made on the BBQ as well as in a frying pan which makes it a really versatile recipe.

Knowing how to sell your old gadgets can be a great way to make some extra money. Most of us have a variety of unwanted gadgets gathering dust in a cupboard at home. But with the cost of everything from food to energy bills on the rise, now is the perfect time to stop procrastinating, get decluttering and find out how much cash you could get for selling those old items. While you're decluttering, you might also want to sell your unwanted clothes too. 

A study by global technology firm OKdo found that the average UK household has 60 items of old and unused tech lying around, and these have an average trade-in value of between £100 and £7,750. 

Tim Brennan, global digital director at OKdo told us: “Trading in old tech items is not only a good way to make extra cash, but it also ensures your old gadgets don’t end up in landfill and cause harm to the environment.”

Gadgets can include any electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, smart watches, cameras and games consoles. So if you have any of these items to get rid of, here’s how to sell them.

How to sell your old gadgets

There are a number of different ways you can sell your old gadgets to earn some extra cash. Andrea Knowles, personal finance expert at vouchers.co.uk advises: “The best way to sell your gadgets is to have a quick look online. There are various comparison sites that will show you which company will offer what for the devices you want to get rid of. It’s then a case of boxing your gadgets up and posting them off.”

Some of the comparison sites and recycling websites that are worth looking at include:

• Envirofone
• Sell My Mobile
• Sell My Gadget
• Money 4 My Tech
• Mazuma Mobile
• GadgetGoGo

If you’d prefer not to post your items, EcoATM has kiosks at 180 locations across the UK in major shopping centres as well as stores like Sainsburys. The selling process takes around 10 minutes and the majority of payments land in the user’s bank account within 90 minutes. Some kiosks even give instant cash right there and then. MusicMagpie also has automated kiosks in some Asda stores which work in a similar way. 

Another option is to explore how much money you might get from certain providers. For example: 

• Apple lets you trade in an old device for credit towards your next Apple purchase, or for an Apple gift card to use at any time. 
• The Amazon trade-in programme lets you trade in items such as Kindle e-readers, Fire TV streaming devices, Alexa Echo smart speakers and Ring doorbells for an Amazon gift card and a discount on the purchase of a newer device. 
• Three also offers a recycling scheme where you can get paid for your phone, tablet or wearable device.
• With EE you can trade in your old device and use the value towards benefits like your early upgrade fee, the upfront cost of a new device, new accessories or to pay off your next bill. Or you can have the money transferred to your bank account.

Alternatively, you could look to sell items on places such as Facebook or eBay, or even offer to sell your old phone to a friend, as long as it’s in good working order.

How much money can I typically get for selling my gadgets?

Below is a table with some of the most popular gadgets you could sell and how much you might earn for them.

Source: MusicMagpie. Prices correct at the time of writing.

Note that the price you actually get for each item will depend on whether the item is in good working condition, whether it’s faulty or damaged, and whether it includes a battery and charger. For mobile phones, the price can also depend on what network it uses - you’ll generally get more money if your phone is unlocked.

What should I do before selling my gadget?

Before selling any gadgets, you’ll need to make sure that all personal data, including passwords, photos and videos, has been removed to reduce the risk of financial fraud.

Dan Hatfield of pawnbrokers London Road Jewellers told us: “This process is pretty easy, however older tech may be a little harder and each gadget will have different methods of erasing and reverting to factory settings. Don’t be daunted though - remember that with the internet we have the world's biggest library at our fingertips and just by searching how to erase data on your gadget, you will get the results you need to rest easy when selling.”

As an example, if you have an iPhone, you’ll need to go to the settings menu, select General > Reset > Erase All Content And Settings. With an Android smartphone, you'll need to find the factory data reset button. This can vary depending on your phone, but it’s often found by tapping on Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).

Alternatives to selling your old gadget

If you are unable to sell some of your old gadgets, you could donate or recycle them instead. Tim Brennan of OKdo says: “If your device isn’t in working condition and can’t be refurbished, you could start by researching collection points around you. Electrical items usually contain materials such as gold, copper and cobalt, which can be extracted and potentially reused in new products when the old devices are recycled correctly. This could also mean a reduction in the risk to the environment linked to extracting these finite resources from the Earth.”

You can’t usually hand over unwanted tech to charity shops, but the British Heart Foundation will take some items so it’s worth checking with them to be sure. 

Alternatively, Three’s Reconnected scheme enables you to donate your old phone to help disadvantaged people get connected, and offers the recipient six months unlimited data, calls and texts. WeeeCharity will also collect electrical goods free of charge which it then recycles, refurbishes and resells, while the Restart Project can help you donate computers or laptops locally, as well as work out what to do with broken electronics.

Knowing how to sell clothes online is a handy skill to have. Not only can selling unwanted clothes ease space pressures in your home, it can also be a relatively simple way to make some extra money to help at a time when inflation has hit a 40-year high.  

We’re also falling out of love with fast fashion as we become more conscious of its effect on the environment and so selling clothes on helps to extend their lifecycle and avoids sending garments to landfill. 

Here’s how to make money selling your clothes, and your kids’ clothes, online. If you’re looking into how to save money, you could always consider buying clothes via any of the services we mention in this article.

How to sell clothes online

Thankfully, there’s no need to get up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday morning to head off for a car boot sale as you can save time selling online or using apps on your phone. But there are key tips to remember to maximise how much you can get for your items.

Think about what you’re selling and who’s going to buy it. Potential buyers might be less likely to buy a winter coat during a heatwave, but might be super keen to pick up any pre-loved school uniform items during the summer holidays. While you can list items for sale at any time, you might find that you can sell items quicker or for a higher price if you sell at the right time. 

Take good clear photos and write a clear and accurate description - this goes a long way to bagging you the best price. You can often spot the same dress listed on eBay but one version, with a clear photo, has loads of bids, while the other poorly lit photo barely has any interest. Taking several pictures including close ups showing the brand label or any detailing along with washing instructions can also help net you a sale.

When taking your snap, ideally hang clothes up and photograph them in good natural light in front of a plain background.

You can sell items individually or in bundles. Bundles can be a great way to shift a lot of stuff quickly - especially when it comes to baby or children's clothing.  However depending on the labels and the condition of the items - you may be able to get a higher price selling items individually.

Be clear with sizing and always go by the label size. Measure the length of dresses or jeans and put this in your description along with any details like the pattern or texture of the material.

Check items for any snags, pulls, rips or marks. Be honest about the condition of the items you are trying to sell. If you describe something as new when you’ve actually worn it 10 times, you could find yourself having to offer discounts and refunds. It could also lead to negative reviews of you as a seller which could impact your ability to sell other items in the future.

Check postage costs before listing clothes. While sites like eBay will often calculate a rough postage price, this can change according to the way you pack items. Generally, the flatter and less bulky the parcel, the cheaper the cost. You can use the handy price checker tool on the Royal Mail’s price checker to see how much you could be paying in postage.

Where can I sell clothes online?

eBay 

eBay is probably the site most of us think of first and you can set items for auction, set a buy now price or even accept offers. It’s free to set up an account and you just need to take some good clear snaps of your clothes and write an honest accurate description.

With eBay, it’s free to list up to 1,000 items a month and if you go beyond that you pay a 35p listing fee for each item. If you sell something then eBay takes a cut of between 1.5% and 15%. Check out our tips for buying and selling on eBay before you start.

Depop

Depop tends to be popular for vintage or quirky items, including handbags, clothes and shoes. 

There’s a 10% fee on everything you sell and the buyer pays for postage.  Payment is via PayPal.

Vinted

Vinted is another easy way to sell your clothes online or with its app.  It’s free to sell as the buyer pays fees along with postage costs.

Vinted uses its own payment system and once your item is sold, its app transfers the money straight to your bank account.

Preloved 

It’s free to sell with Preloved as there’s no listing or selling fees.  And it’s not just adult and childrens’ clothes you can sell, you can also list kids’ toys and games.  

The emphasis here is on community and selling locally rather than packaging items to post miles away.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace can also be a great way to sell items to people in your local area. Again, you’ll need to make sure you take the best photos you can, provide a really accurate description and set a realistic price. Potential buyers may try to haggle so always have a minimum price in mind as to how much you want to make from each item. 

How to sell baby and children’s clothes

While you can sell these items on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, if you’ve got piles of baby or children’s clothes that you don’t want to sell individually you can bundle them up and sell in bulk to places like Katie’s Kids Clothes. They take newborn and children’s clothes up to age 13 and you’ll get paid £4 per kg or £5 if you opt for in-store credit.

To get started, fill out the online form to let them know what you’ve got and weigh it. If they want it – they’ll arrange a free collection service. Once items arrive with Katie’s Kids Clothes, they will be checked and you should get your money after about 10 days. Payment is by PayPal or bank transfer. 

Other ways to sell clothes

Car boot sales

If you prefer to sell in person – then you could go for a car boot sale.  Apart from the hassle of having to box or bag up your stuff and turn up early – you’ll have to pay a pitch fee which can vary from around £10 upwards according to where the sale is and how big it is. If you’re selling clothes best to have a rail so people can look through them easily.

Host a swishing party with your friends

While you won’t actually sell clothes this way, it’s a great way to swap stuff you don’t want, don’t like or no longer fits for something you love more.  On a smaller scale, you can do this with friends or keep an eye out for bigger events that anyone can go to. You may have to pay a small entry fee for a bigger, public event.

NCT table top sales

If you’ve got baby or kids’ clothes, toys or games to sell then check to see if there is a  local NCT Nearly New sale happening soon. Each group may work in a different way. You may either pay a fixed fee for your table and then any money you make is yours to keep.  Or you may pay a commission to the NCT group on items sold – which can typically be around 30%. 

Look out for retailer recycling schemes 

If you don’t think you have the time to sell the clothes, then you can still benefit from taking unwanted clothing to a retailer or charity shop with a recycling scheme. At Oxfam, for example, you can get a £5 Marks & Spencer voucher for every M&S item of clothing you drop off. 

H&M also offers a Garment Recycling Programme in its stores. Simply take your donations to the cash register and you’ll get a voucher to put towards future purchases.

Knowing how to buy and sell safely on eBay can be a really handy skill if you’re in need of a bit of extra money. From selling clothes you no longer wear, to neglected gym equipment and long-forgotten toys, there are few things that won’t sell. It’s also great if you’re considering how to save money.as you can often find some really great bargains with a bit of digging. 

Holly Andrews, managing director at KIS Finance and eBay fan, says: “You can pretty much find anything on eBay now.” 

 “It’s no longer just pre-owned and vintage items. You can often find brand new items which are normally much cheaper than the high street.”

Becky Derbyshire, who runs The Lifestyle Blogger UK, agrees. “A lot of what you can get on eBay is so much cheaper, yet such good quality. I got a Gymshark sports bra a few weeks back for just £6 – brand new with tags.”

However, whether you’re buying or selling on eBay it's important make sure you understand the risks involved and how to avoid them. 

How to safely buy and sell on eBay

Whether you are wanting to set up as a seller on eBay or are a savvy buyer looking for a bargain, understanding the risks is key to staying safe when buying and selling online. 

Keep your wits about you. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. You should also check reviews of anyone you are planning on buying from or selling to - if all you see are bad reviews or reports of items not being as described, it's best to move on. 

It's also crucial that you only use eBay's approved payment options, so should the worst happen, you are covered by the retailer's Money Back Guarantee scheme. 

What are the risks from buying on eBay? 

The biggest risk you can face when you’re buying on eBay is that items are fake, or not as described.

KIS Finance' Holly Andrews warns: “The huge majority of sellers on eBay are genuine, but scammers will always be there to take advantage.”

“Scammers use online sites like eBay to try and sell items that don’t exist, are damaged, poor quality, or even stolen. They will often advertise their listing using stolen images of designer goods to trick people into thinking they’re getting a genuine item. Once payment has been taken, the item will never arrive or it will be damaged, poor quality, or something else entirely.”

There are some strange scams too, notes Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. “Empty box auctions, for example, are carefully worded to make you think you’re getting the item in the box. It’s only when it arrives empty that you realise they were only ever selling the box.”

But the fear of scams shouldn’t stop you shopping on eBay and there’s plenty you can do to stay safe. 

1. “Make sure you check reviews of the seller,” suggests Becky Derbyshire. Frequent sellers may have the odd bad review but if they’ve got significant negative feedback take that as your warning and don’t shop with them.
2. Play close attention to descriptions and photos – particularly if you’re buying new or branded items. Becky Derbyshire says: “If they haven’t taken a close-up photo of the label then there’s probably a reason, so be wary!”
3. If you do get caught out, get in touch with eBay. The eBay Money-Back Guarantee offers protection to buyers if items are faulty, damaged, not as described or simply don’t show up. Most purchases are covered – with notable exceptions being payments for services, property or vehicles. Becky Derbyshire adds: “I once had an item that took three months to arrive.  To this day I have no idea what the issue was but eBay got involved very quickly and refunded me - even when the item arrived I didn't have to give the refund back.” Holly Andrews also successfully used the eBay Money Back Guarantee after she inadvertently bought a fake Superdry jacket. “I was able to show them what the seller was advertising compared to what I received and I also sent the proof of postage to show that I had returned the item.”
4. Always use eBay approved methods to make payments. To get the benefit of eBay’s Moneyback Guarantee you must pay via eBay using one of its approved methods. These include credit and debit cards, Paypal, Apple or Google Pay. You won’t be covered if you pay by cash or bank transfer. If your seller insists their Paypal isn’t working or demands direct payment, walk away!
5. It’s easy to get carried away in an auction, but before you make a bid, do some research to find the going rate of an item and limit your maximum bid. The same applies for ‘buy now’ items. There are plenty of bargains on eBay but that’s no guarantee it’s the best price.

The risks of selling on eBay 

As a seller on eBay, you’re the one in charge. As you don’t need to part with your cash, it’s lower risk than buying on eBay. But that’s not to say that it's completely risk free. There are still some unscrupulous buyers, keen to rip off trusting sellers.

Personal finance analyst, Sarah Coles warns: “One example is where the buyer claims to have received an empty box. eBay will demand a refund, so you have to repay them. They’ll then send you the empty box, so you’ve lost the item and the money.”

“Sometimes they won’t even bother with the box argument. They’ll just say the item never arrived or was broken, and demand a refund.” 

Again, worry about unscrupulous buyers shouldn’t stop you selling on eBay. The vast majority of buyers might want a bargain, but that doesn’t mean they’re primed to rip you off.

However, just as when you’re buying, you need to be careful, aware of the risks and take sensible precautions.

1. Always check buyer reviews. If a buyer has a history of being difficult, you can block them.
2. Holly Andrews says that when you’re listing items for sale it’s important that you describe the products as accurately as possible. “Make it clear what’s included in the price and be 100% honest about the condition of the item, the brand and whether it’s new or preowned. This means that buyers can’t come back to you and complain that something isn’t as described,” she says.
3. Make sure you have a postage paper trail. “Only ever use tracked or signed for delivery when you post something out to a buyer,” Holly Andrews adds. “This ensures you’ll be protected if a buyer claims something arrived late or not at all, as you can provide proof that you sent the item and that they received it.
4. Only allow payments through eBay's approved methods. If you use Paypal you may also be eligible for additional protection under the Paypal Seller’s Protection Program. This can provide protection if a buyer claims the goods you sold didn’t arrive or if the payment you wasn’t authorised – for example from a hacked account.
5. Finally, don’t post anything until you’ve received payment and the money is in your account.

Wondering how to cook a turkey for a Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving meal? Our step-by-step guide will help you achieve the perfect roast turkey every time.

Whether you’ve cooked a turkey before or this is your first time, the most important thing when it comes to cooking a turkey is to buy the best turkey that you can afford. These days, that doesn't necessarily mean paying the highest price. Some of the most affordable turkeys from well-known supermarket brands also happen to be of fantastic quality too.

Slower growing breeds such as bronze turkeys will have a more developed flavour and firmer texture - so keep an eye out for these, however, be aware they may come at a higher price.

"Other than choosing the right, quality bird, you also need to make sure you prepare the turkey and cook it in the best possible way," says food writer, Samuel Goldsmith. 

That also means ensuring you rest the turkey for long enough and know how to carve a turkey. The main thing though is ensuring you cook it for long enough.

"You'll want to ensure moist meat and that the turkey is cooked the whole way through," advises Samuel. "There is nothing worse than uncooked turkey when it comes to serving on the big day."

How to cook a turkey

These days, if you've purchased your turkey from the supermarket, it will most likely be prepared for you. However, that's not always the case and many people like to support local farms or producers, so here are our top tips for preparing a turkey before cooking.

If you're looking for flavour inspiration we'd recommend Gordon Ramsay's lemon, parsley and garlic turkey recipe - it's one of our most popular turkey recipes.

For smaller families, you may want to follow our steps on how to cook a turkey crown.

To cook a turkey you will need:

• 5-6kg turkey, thawed if frozen and any giblets removed
• 1/2 lemon
• ½ onion, cut in half
• A few sprigs of fresh sage, parsley, and rosemary plus extra to garnish
• 75g butter, softened

For the herb stuffing:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 50g butter
• 100g fresh white breadcrumbs
• 3tbsp chopped fresh mixed herbs such as rosemary (leaves only), parsley, and sage
• Finely grated zest 1/2 lemon
• 1 egg

How to cook a turkey: Step 1

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Fan 170C/Gas Mark 5. Make the stuffing by frying the onion in the butter for 5 mins to soften. Remove from the heat and stir in the breadcrumbs, herbs, lemon zest, and egg. Mix well and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.

Place the turkey in a roasting tin or dish. If the legs are tied together remove the string and open them out. Place the lemon, onion, and herbs into the body cavity but don’t pack them too tightly.

"To ensure the turkey cooks evenly, remove any strings or bands that tie the legs together. This allows the heat to flow much more freely into the turkey cavity," says Samuel .

"This is also why the cavity of the turkey should never be packed with stuffing, there is a danger that the temperature reached inside the bird won’t be hot enough to kill off any bacteria."

How to cook a turkey: Step 2

Lift the flap of skin covering the neck cavity and spoon the stuffing under the skin. Smooth the skin back over the stuffing and tuck underneath the turkey. 

Any remaining stuffing can be spooned into a dish, dotted with a little butter, and baked for 30 mins. Alternatively, you can roll them into balls and bake them.

How to cook a turkey: Step 3

Break the softened butter into pieces and dot over the turkey. Season with plenty of salt and freshly ground pepper.

How to cook a turkey: Step 4

Loosely cover the turkey with a large sheet of foil and scrunch it around the sides of the tin to seal. This will help to keep the steam inside the foil as it cooks, keeping the turkey moist. 

Calculate the cooking time allowing 20 mins per kg plus an extra 70 mins (a 5-6kg bird will take approx 3-31/2hrs. Baste the turkey every hour with the cooking juices and remove the foil for the final 30 mins of cooking time.

"To test if the turkey is cooked the juices should run clear, not pink when a skewer is inserted into the thickest part of the thigh," says Samuel. 

"You can also use a meat thermometer to check it's cooked properly. Remove from the oven, recover with the foil and leave to stand for 30 mins to 1 hour before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs to serve."

Make sure you read our guide on how to dispose of cooking oil to make sure you dispose of any leftover juices or oil from the turkey in the correct way.

Watch how to cook a turkey

How long does it take to cook a turkey?

The amount of time your turkey will need to cook for will depend on its size. You can manually calculate turkey cooking times by size and weight of your turkey. It's important to cook it for long enough that it's safe - and nice - to eat but not so long that it's dry and hard to eat.

As a general rule, in an oven set at 180C/Gas 4, a turkey will need to be cooked for approximately 20 mins per kg plus an extra 1hr 10 mins. For example, a 4kg turkey will require 2 hrs 30mins.

If you're worried about how much does it cost to cook Christmas dinner, there are ways to cut costs such a choosing a smaller turkey or using a microwave to cook some of the accompaniments. 

We would then suggest resting for up to 45mins before carving. Resting the meat is important for all the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat to make the turkey even more succulent.

How can I keep the turkey moist?

It’s important not to overcook the meat and to keep to the cooking times. Once the turkey is cooked leave it to rest for at least 30-45 minutes. The turkey will stay hot and the meat will relax and tenderise and be easier to carve. See our guide on how to carve a turkey for more tips and advice on carving your bird.

Resting the turkey also frees up the oven for you to cook the roast potatoes, stuffing, and sausages.

What is dry-brining?

Brined turkey is a popular method to try and make the meat of the bird as moist as possible. 

Wet brining is the most popular technique, which involves submerging your turkey in salted water (you can also add lots of herbs, spices and other flavourings like Nigella Lawson does). However, this often requires a big bucket and is arguably not the most hygienic way as you cannot usually fit a turkey in a bucket in the fridge.

Dry brining is much easier and also requires much less storage space in the fridge. 

To dry brine your turkey, you need to rub it all over with salt and then place it in a container (or a large bag suitable for food). This will, to begin with, draw the moisture from the turkey. The salty liquid that is then formed, will be reabsorbed by the turkey. This will also help the turkey skin to crisp up during roasting.

"If you do decide to dry brine, make the most of it and also rub the turkey with herbs and spices and include them in the container too. Festive flavours such as cloves, cinnamon, and allspice all make great additions. As do lemon or clementine zest," adds Samuel.

How to prepare a turkey

How to defrost a turkey

If buying a frozen turkey, allow enough time for it to defrost fully in a cool place. There are usually defrosting instructions on the packet. If there are none, the NHS recommends thawing your turkey in the fridge and that the fridge is set at 4C. It will take roughly 10 to 12 hours per kg so if your turkey weighs 4kg, it would take 40-48 hours for example.

"Because a turkey is high in protein, it is important to defrost it safely in the fridge and not at room temperature," says Samuel. 

"According to food hygiene regulations, you can leave high protein foods out for up to 90 mins at room temperature. Therefore, you may want to do this just before cooking to ensure it is completely defrosted and that the turkey reaches room temperature before cooking," 

If time is running out and the bird is not fully defrosted you can immerse it in a clean bucket of cold (not warm) water.

What to do with giblets

Giblets are a general term for offal found in a bird. For a turkey, this is usually the liver and gizzard and they are usually put back in the cavity of the turkey before selling. Quite often the giblets are removed and discarded but you can use them to make your gravy even more flavourful.

In days gone by, the giblets have also been used in the stuffing and to make pasta sauces. There is even a French recipe for giblets à la Bourguignonne.

The most common use for these now is to include the giblets in the roasting tin with the turkey so that when you use the juices for the turkey gravy, they add an even meatier flavour.

How to remove the wishbone

The wishbone is a forked bone that is found between the neck and breast of a bird. It is commonly associated with the tradition of cracking the wishbone - two people split a wishbone together whilst making a wish; the winner gets good fortune and their wish may even come true. This technique started with the Ancient Romans and is still continuing today.

Samuel says: "You certainly don't need to remove the wishbone before cooking the turkey but culinary schools across the globe have been teaching the technique for generations. It also frees up more space for stuffing, if placing it under the skin."

To remove it, cut either side of the wishbone with a sharp knife and remove the bone from the flesh all around the wishbone. Once you have separated all the flesh from the bone it should pull away easily.

How to store a turkey

Most turkeys that are packaged will include storage instructions and we would recommend that you always follow these.

How to store raw turkey in the freezer

Before a turkey is cooked, it must either be kept in the fridge or the freezer. If you buy the turkey frozen then it is best to keep it in the freezer until you need to defrost it. If you buy it chilled, but there are still several weeks until Christmas, then the turkey should be frozen. 

How to freeze food like your turkey? You will need to ensure you wrap it up in freezable food wrap or place it in a container suitable for freezing. This is important to stop the meat from getting freezer burn, which will dry the meat out and damage it.

How to store raw turkey in the fridge

If you purchase the turkey a few days before Christmas or you need to defrost it, then you will need to place it in the fridge. The fridge should be set on or around 4C. Again, you should keep the turkey wrapped up to stop it from drying out. 

Remember, you should only defrost meat once so once you have taken it out of the freezer and brought it to fridge temperature it should not be re-frozen.

How to store cooked turkey in the fridge

Once the turkey has been cooked and you've finished carving and eating it, it will again need to be placed in the fridge or freezer. 

Cooked meat must not be left out at room temperature as this can cause harmful bacteria to grow. Cool the meat within 90 mins then pop it back in the fridge or freezer.

How to store cooked turkey in the freezer

If you freeze it, it's sensible to freeze it in batches so that you can just remove what you need as and when you cook with it. Once defrosted, they should be eaten with 24 hours. If refrigerated it should be used within a few days. In the freezer, wrapped properly, it should last for up to 3 months.

If you're looking for inspiration, we have some great ideas on what to cook with leftover turkey including turkey pie, risotto, and more.

Related features:

• Easy leftover turkey recipes
• Eight ways to pimp up your turkey
• How to cook a ham

Video of the week:

Asparagus is a versatile vegetable that's also incredibly easy and quick to cook. Follow our simple guide on how to cook asparagus perfectly every time.

From steaming to roasting, from blanching to cooking on a griddle pan, we've rounded up the best ways to cook asparagus including a selection of our best asparagus recipes to inspire too. Green asparagus is versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. It doesn't take very long to cook and the cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the spears. 

Fresh green asparagus is best in spring, which is when it's in season. However, can be found in supermarkets year-round. White asparagus is less commonly eaten in the UK but is popular in France and Germany. White asparagus has a more stringy texture than its green counterpart. Therefore, it is important to remove the woody ends and also peel them before cooking them. 

If you are planning on roasting or griddling white asparagus it's a good idea to par-boil it first as it takes longer to cook than green asparagus. As white asparagus is less common, the cooking methods below are best suited to green asparagus. However, they will also work with white asparagus that has been par-boiled.

How to cook asparagus

Preparing asparagus for cooking is easy. Just follow the simple steps below for perfectly cooked asparagus each time.

To prepare green asparagus start by washing the spears. Next snap the woody ends off. To do this bend the end of the asparagus spear and it will naturally snap at the perfect point. Your asparagus is now ready to cook.

The snapped-off ends are edible and have a good flavour, but have an unpleasant stringy texture. They can be used to flavour stock or make soup instead of eating as they are.

How to roast asparagus

You may not have thought of roasting asparagus before but it's Senior Food Writer Jessica Ransom's favourite way to cook as it imparts a great flavour to the asparagus. She explains "I love roasted asparagus, especially when it chars a little as it adds even more flavour."

Roasting asparagus takes longer than other cooking methods, but it couldn't be easier. You can also add other flavours to your roasted asparagus. Food writer, Samuel Goldsmith likes to take his roasted asparagus a step further by sprinkling it with a novel ingredient. 

Samuel says "I like to roast it and then cover it in bacon dust - finely chopped bacon." Or if he has vegetarian friends around he opts for roasting it with more veggie-friendly "garlic cloves and lemon halves" to bring out the lovely fresh flavour.

1. Simply toss the asparagus in oil, salt, and pepper and put it on a baking tray.
2. Cook in an oven pre-heated for 200C for 15 -20 mins. Jessica suggests adding asparagus "to your regular roasted veg tray 20mins before the cooking has finished so it still keeps some bite".

How to griddle asparagus

Griddled asparagus is one of our favourite ways to cook it as it retains the crunch and is delicious both hot and cold. You can either use a griddle pan on the hob or for a lovely smokey flavour take your asparagus outside to the BBQ.

1. If using a griddle pan, heat it on the hob to the highest temperature.
2. Once the pan has come up to temperature brush it with a small amount of oil. This will stop the asparagus from sticking.
3. Place the asparagus on the pan. A pair of tongs can be helpful here to avoid burning your fingers!
4. Reduce the temperature to medium-high. Allow the asparagus spears to blacken a little where the ridges touch them. Then use the tongs to rotate them so they cook evenly. It will take about 5 mins in total.
5. Next, transfer the asparagus to a serving plate. Sprinkle over sea salt flakes before serving.

How to blanche asparagus

Blanching asparagus is the easiest and quickest way to cook it.

1. Add the prepared asparagus to a pan of salted boiling water. Cook for 2-5 mins, depending on the thickness, until tender.
2. Drain and if serving hot transfer to a serving plate. A little butter wouldn't go amiss here. Alternatively, if you would like to serve the asparagus cold plunge the hot asparagus spears into a bowl of ice water. Doing this will cool the asparagus rapidly meaning it will retain its vibrant green colour.

How to steam asparagus

Like many other vegetables, you can use the microwave to cook asparagus by steaming it.

1. Prepare 200g of asparagus and wash it.
2. Place the wet asparagus into a shallow microwave-proof bowl. Cover with clingfilm.
3. Heat on high for 2 mins (thick asparagus may require longer). Carefully peel off the clingfilm and the asparagus will be cooked to perfection.

How do I know when asparagus is cooked?

Asparagus doesn't take long to cook at all, it can even be eaten raw. Perfectly cooked asparagus is tender but still retains a crunch. Check the texture by inserting a knife into the asparagus. It should be soft enough to pierce the vegetable skin without effort with a slight 'crunch' or 'pop' feel.

If your asparagus is super soft you may have overcooked it so remove it from the heat immediately. Overcooked asparagus is ok to eat but we wouldn't recommend it as it won't taste anywhere near as nice. It will also contain fewer nutrients than raw or perfectly cooked asparagus so always keep an eye on your spears when cooking.

What is the most nutritious way to cook asparagus?

To retain the most nutrients in vegetables avoid overcooking them. Asparagus is nutritious as it is high in vitamins and minerals. It is also a very good source of fiber. Most vitamins break down as they are heated so to keep them intact cook the asparagus until just tender, or even not at all. Shavings of fine young asparagus are lovely in a salad.

Our best asparagus recipes

Asparagus truly is a versatile vegetable that can be paired with plenty of different meats and veg to make a mouth-watering breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

1. Slimming World’s asparagus carbonara recipe

This tasty pasta dish is ready in under 30 mins. It cuts down on calories by swapping oodles of cheese for fat-free natural fromage frais. It's the perfect way to serve asparagus.

Get the recipe: Slimming World’s asparagus carbonara recipe

Smoked ham and asparagus tart

This delicious ham and asparagus tart are ideal for light lunches and picnics as it can be served hot or cold. It's a great way for using up any asparagus you have left in the fridge or glut you've picked from your garden.

Get the recipe: Smoked ham and asparagus tart

3. British asparagus and pea risotto

Asparagus is often the star of creamy risotto. If you haven't made risotto before it's actually very simple to make. However, it does require contrast attention. We always pick a good podcast to listen to before embarking on cooking risotto!

Get the recipe: British asparagus and pea risotto

4. Griddled asparagus, sweet potato, and poached egg

Egg and asparagus make for a dream combination. We can't resist dipping the spears into a gorgeous oozy egg yolk.

Get the recipe: Griddled asparagus, sweet potato, and poached egg

5. New potato and asparagus salad

This fresh dish makes the most of two of the spring seasons' best harvests: asparagus and new potatoes.

Get the recipe: New potato and asparagus salad

6. Ham-wrapped asparagus with dip

For a special treat, we love to serve these dippy asparagus spears wrapped in Parma ham with a pre-dinner aperitif

Get the recipe: Ham-wrapped asparagus with dip

7. Salmon and asparagus with tarragon hollandaise recipe

Another fantastic pairing for asparagus is salmon. This splendid dish looks really impressive.

Get the recipe: Salmon and asparagus with tarragon hollandaise

Video of the week

Find out everything you need to know about how to cook rice including how to prep, how much rice to cook per person, and how to store leftovers.

Cooking rice may seem simple, but it can sometimes be a tricky thing to get right and can often lead to wet rice, a burnt pan, and ruined dinner. In our handy guide, we cover everything you need to know about cooking rice to perfection. 

From preparation to portion sizes. We've even included a section on how to store leftover rice safely as well as leftover rice recipes. Not forgetting how to add flavor to your rice too.

"To ensure light, fluffy results every time, we'd recommend using good quality rice, if you can," says Food writer, Samual Goldsmith. "Cheaper options could leave you with disappointing, soggy, and lacking in flavour - however carefully you cook it. There are many different varieties of rice you can opt for. The most common being American long grain, a good all-rounder that holds its shape well."

How to cook rice

The general rule is that you use twice as much water as rice (2:1). So, for example, if you have 100g of rice you use 200g/ml of water. "Nigella Lawson also agrees with this rule for white rice; her top tip is to use a mug or cup rather than weighing it out. If you decide to use a cup we would suggest ½ cup per person," adds Samuel Goldsmith.

Brown rice or other rice that is higher in fiber may require more water as not only do they need to be cooked for longer but they will also absorb more water. We recommend 125ml water to 100g rice or, if using cups, 1 and 1/4 cups to 1 cup rice. If you’re steaming rice then you can easily top up the pan with water. Keep an eye out so that the water doesn’t run out.

"Many chefs insist that rice must be rinsed thoroughly before cooking. You can pop the rice into a sieve or colander and rinse until the water runs clear," says Food Writer, Samuel Goldsmith. "If you would rather not waste too much water, try soaking the rice in water for 10-15mins and then rinse once or twice."

You will need:

• 200-300g (or 200-300ml if using a measuring jug) good quality American long grain or basmati rice
• 400-600ml of water
• pinch of salt

How to cook rice: Step 1

Measure twice the amount of water to rice i.e. 400-600ml water for 200-300ml rice. It’s important to start your rice in cold water – this will mean longer cooking times but you will get the best result. This is because the grains of rice will cook more evenly.

How to cook rice: Step 2

Place in a saucepan, season with a little salt, and bring to the boil.

How to cook rice: Step 3

Cover with a tightly fitting lid, reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer and cook for 10-15 mins until the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender, American long grain rice will take a little longer to cook than basmati.

Remove from the heat and leave to stand for 5 mins before fluffing up with a fork and serving.

How to steam rice

If you'd like to steam it then you can use a rice steamer or small-holed colander on the hob. Steamed rice tends to be more fluffy than boiled rice as it isn't fully cooked in water.

1. Place your uncooked rice in a small-holed colander.
2. Cover with foil and place over a saucepan of boiling water (ensuring the rice isn't submerged).
3. Steam for 20 minutes checking the rice until fluffy. Fluff with a fork before serving.

How to microwave rice

You can cook your rice in the microwave and it's pretty simple. Use the ratio of 2:1 (e.g. 200ml water to 1oog rice).

For 200g white rice:

1. Place both water and rice in a microwaveable dish cover with cling film and, using a knife, pop some holes in the film.
2. Cook on high for 4 and 1/2mins, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 4 mins longer.
3. Test the rice and if it needs longer cook for 1min extra at a time.

You can try using this method for other types of rice but you'll need to adjust the cooking times. It's pretty simple but just keep an eye on the rice so it doesn't burn.

If you prefer your rice cooked in the microwave then try investing in a microwave rice cooker. These are easily available from some great brands.

How much rice per person?

We recommend allowing 50-75g of uncooked rice per serving. This equates to 50-75ml per person if using a measuring jug which is often quicker than weighing it.

When following a recipe, however, stick with the amount of rice it says in the ingredients list otherwise if you go with the portion sizes above it may alter the recipe and the end result may be disappointing.

"Often recipes go off the average of 50-75g of rice per person. For example, a recipe that says to use 200g of rice, serving four, works out at 50g per person," says Samuel.

How to cook different types of rice

There is a variety of different rice to choose from. Most are cooked the same way, however, some may vary in length, temperature, and method of cooking. 

For example, Basmati is a more expensive aromatic delicate rice and is the classic accompaniment to curries and for making pilaf (rice flavoured with spices). Both these types of rice can be cooked in the same way.  Brown rice contains more fiber, vitamins, and minerals than white because the bran and germ have not been removed. This type of rice takes a lot longer to cook and has a chewier texture. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer so is the healthier choice - especially if you’re on a diet.

Black, red Carmargue, and wild rice are less common and more expensive, specialty rice. They have a nuttier flavour than white rice and take 20-40mins to cook. These types of rice are firm and have a chewy texture and vibrant colour, making them ideal for salads. Risotto (Arborio) rice is a short plump grain, which when cooked softens on the outside to give a creamy texture to risottos but still remains slightly firm in the center.

How long does it take to cook brown rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook than your usual white rice because you have to cook through the bran. Because it includes the bran it does mean that the rice includes more fiber. This is a great addition to your diet as it has some great health benefits such as lowering cholesterol. Brown rice can take up to 40 mins to cook but you can usually have it ready in 25-30 mins.

How long does it take to cook Basmati rice?

Basmati rice will usually take the same amount of time as normal white rice. The grains are slightly thinner and the rice responds well to steaming and also for use when making dishes like pilau rice. This involves a little frying too. Basmati rice, if using our method above, usually takes 15-20 mins.

Samuel says "the key thing to remember is that all types of rice will cook differently so check packet instructions and keep that in mind when planning your meal."

How long does it take to cook Jasmine rice?

Jasmine rice originates from Thailand and is commonly used in Asian cooking. It’s a long-grain rice that has a subtle floral aroma. It should be soft and sticky when cooked properly. Traditionally is it recommended to use 1-1.5 cups of water to 1 cup of Jasmine rice.

"Despite this being long-grain rice, the grains are shorter and thicker than basmati rice. Jasmine rice takes only 15 minutes to cook or when all the water has been absorbed. Stand the rice for 10 minutes and then fluff with a fork," adds Food writer, Samuel Goldsmith.

How to store leftover rice

Evenly spread any leftover cooked rice onto a baking tray so it cools to room temperature quickly. Once cool, place into airtight containers and refrigerate immediately.

Leftover rice once cooled can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. You’ll need to make sure the rice is piping hot when reheating again.

You can freeze cooked rice too. All you have to do is make sure it is thoroughly cooled, and quickly, and then stored in an airtight freezable container. Make sure you label the container with when the rice was cooked.

You can freeze for up to three months. Defrost in the fridge and make sure the rice is piping hot all the way through before serving again.

How can I add flavour to rice?

"Try adding flavour to the rice by popping some flavourings into the water such as lemon zest, fresh herbs, cardamom pods, or even a green tea bag," says Samuel.

"You could add a pinch of turmeric to the rice not only to change the flavour, but the colour too. Beetroot is also a great, natural way to change the colour of rice - perfect for kids."

Video of the week

Knowing how to save money on your holiday car hire is essential seeing as car hire in Europe has doubled compared with pre-pandemic times. So while you may feel financially savvy for having found a cheap flight, cheap airport parking and taken out the right travel insurance, you may struggle to do the same when it comes to hiring a car - but there are ways.

Experts say soaring prices are due to rental firms being hit by the global shortage of new motors. It means the cars that hire firms have managed to secure simply cost more. Ernesto Suarez, chief executive of iCarhireinsurance.com, explains: “Many rental fleets were depleted during the pandemic as demand dried up, and whilst rental companies are trying to build these back up, there is a worldwide shortage of new cars.”

One week’s car hire in a popular European holiday destination at the end of July costs an average of £675 - double the £339 it cost in 2019. And costs increase significantly in particular destinations: for example, hiring a car in Nice in the first week of August can cost £731, while you’ll pay £784 in Faro and £933 in Geneva. 

And adding ‘extras’ to your car hire, such as adding a second driver can boost the overall cost by hundreds of pounds.

To avoid this, we explain all the ways to save money on your holiday car hire - or at least get the best deal.

Always shop around to save money on your holiday car hire

This is a no-brainer but the starting point when looking to keep your holiday car hire costs low is to shop around. Price comparison sites like Zest or Skyscanner check deals across the big companies including Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Alamo.

Don’t automatically book the hire car deal offered by your travel firm as these are often far more expensive. 

If you only need a car for the odd day trip, maybe use a local car hire firm. Speak to your hotel or resort as they will often partner with local firms.

Find the booking window sweet spot

Holiday car hire always suggests booking your car as soon as you can, even up to twelve months in advance. This is especially the case if you want to get the lowest price for peak travel periods like the summer holidays and secure the type of car you want.

However, the conundrum here is that you may also be able to find cheaper prices booking nearer the time. Experts say booking seven to 13 days in advance can save around 27% off the price you would pay if you book too far in advance or just turn up on the day.

So what should you do? If you find a provider offering free cancellation - Avis, Hertz, Zest and Budget all offer free cancellation 48 hours before arrival - it could pay to snap up a rate when you can, and then shop around again before you travel, knowing you can cancel your first booking fee for free. Yes, it’s extra effort - but extra effort that will hopefully make you a saving!

With some firms, like Zest for example, you can pay an extra fee to cover cancellation up to the day of booking - you need to weigh up if it’s worth paying that extra and the chances of bagging a better last-minute deal.

Book the smallest car you can

Hiring a small car when you have children and lots of luggage doesn’t sound like a good idea (or fun) but there’s some logic behind booking the smallest car you can ‘comfortably’ fit in. 

Firstly, you may get a free upgrade. Smaller cars tend to be most popular among tourists and go first, so if there’s none left when you go to pick up your hire car at the rental desk, you can get a free upgrade on the next model up.

Secondly, if you plan to drive a lot of miles, a smaller car is more likely to be easier on fuel costs than a larger car with a larger engine.

Beware extras that’ll bump up the price

Extras can bump up your overall costs by hundreds of pounds. For example, an extra driver on the rental agreement will cost an average of £71, a sat-nav will cost £95 while a child car seat will set you back £74. 

Could one person take on all the driving duties to save money? If that’s not appealing, look into special ‘free additional driver’ on insurance policies - this can make a difference to the overall cost. Could you use a GPS on your phone instead of a sat-nav? Google Maps could help you navigate your holiday free-of-charge (although make sure you are aware of any roaming charges you might incur by doing this). 

Similarly, would it be cheaper to transport a child car seat rather than rent it? Look into how much rental companies charge and compare it to extra-luggage charges with your airline.

Ignore the ‘hard sell’ when it comes to insurance

You’ll want to avoid the inevitable ‘hard sell’ of excess protection insurance at the counter on the day you pick up the car. 

Ed Sharpe, head of car hire partnerships at TravelSupermarket, warns: “You may be ripped off at the car rental desk. So pre-purchase your policy from a standalone provider.”

Make sure to buy excess insurance when you book the car or use an independent firm - either will be less expensive than buying it at the counter on the day you pick up the car. For example, a policy with carhireexcess or iCarhireinsurance can cost from as little as £2.50 per day for European cover, compared with £20 per day at the car pick-up counter.

Make sure you read the hire car rental agreement

Reading the hire car rental agreement is vital -  it’s the best way to avoid being caught out by any unknowns or little-thought-about costs. For example, double-check for late drop-off charges and where to park if you’re returning the car after the rental office is closed. Park in the wrong place and it can mean hefty car park charges or penalties being added to your bill. 

Be wary of the ‘leave the keys under the mat’ scenario too, in case the car is damaged after you leave. Also check the cancellation details, in case your plans change. Plenty of firms, like Avis and Zest, allow free cancellation up to 48 hours beforehand.

If you don’t turn up on the day to collect your car, there may be a ‘no show’ fee. For example, Hertz charges a ‘no show’ fee of around £80 within Europe - yet its terms and conditions say you may be able to reclaim the pre-paid cost of your rental minus the ‘no show’ fee if you write in within 90 days.

Pay by credit card for your hire car

This is an easy win. Paying for your car hire with a credit card means automatic legal protection under section 75 of Consumer Credit Act. 

It means that if your car hire bill is £100 or more, and you pay for at least £1 of the bill with your credit card, you can ask your credit card company to reimburse you should the hire car company go bust, or there’s a problem with your car.

Choose the right fuel policy

Car hire usually expects you to pick the car up with a full tank and return it with a full tank - this is known as ‘full to full’ fuel policy. It’s usually the cheapest option as you only pay for the petrol you use. 

However, if you don’t fill up the car before you return it, you’ll be charged inflated petrol or diesel costs. With soaring fuel prices, it may not be easy to save much money here but you’re better off looking out for better-priced fuel while you are out and about driving than being at the mercy of eye-wateringly high charges.

Be sure to avoid the more expensive policy which is the ‘full to empty’ policy where you don’t have to refill the tank. It’s more expensive as the rental firm charges service fees on top of the fuel price!

Don’t pay for dents or scratches that weren’t your fault

Always look over the hire car before you jump in to inspect it for any damage and avoid paying for unnecessary repairs or repairs that are not your fault.

It can happen that when you return the car, the rental firm will note a minor scratch, then inform you that the entire bumper or car part needs replacing.

You should get shown round the car first so you can check for damage and make sure any scratches or dents are already noted on the contract. Document the condition of the car with your phone camera before and after you use the car - that way you have complete proof of its condition.

Knowing how to sit together on a flight for free can be one less thing to worry about at a time when you're heading off on holiday. While you might know how to save money at the airport, the last thing anyone wants is to have to pay extra so you can all sit together on the flight. 

James Brockbank, founder of The Family Vacation Guide, said: “We’ve all been through the process of booking a flight to our dream destination, wherein we’ve chosen a flight date and timing and even entered all our details, only to be asked whether we want to pay to select a seat. Some of us may panic and give in, some of us will push the decision to the check-in stage. But, what’s the best thing to do when travelling as a family with kids? 

“Not all hope is lost if you don’t pay for specific seats. A majority of airlines that fly from the UK and within Europe try to allocate group seats all together.” 

Before you jet off, it's also a good idea to check how long it takes to get a passport in case yours is due to expire or you need to apply for one for your child. It's also worth heeding Martin Lewis' warning about using your phone data abroad too.

How to sit together on a flight for free 

If you have young children or kids that are nervous flyers, it can be important to be seated together. Some parents might want to sit close to their children to check they behave themselves for the journey. But unfortunately, not all airlines automatically seat families together, unless they pay more. However, there are ways you can achieve this for free.

1. Pick your airline carefully

Make sure you are well versed with airline policies before you fly if you want to sit together for free. Some airlines say that for parents travelling with children under 12-years-old, at least one parent/adult must pay for a seat reservation next to the child (the child’s seat reservation is free).

But not all airlines will charge you extra to sit with your child; some allocate seats for families together for free.

A survey by Which? looked at which airlines were most likely to seat families together, even if they didn’t pay for seat selection. The results were good news for BA customers, with 94% of those questioned ending up seated with their travel companions anyway. The chances of being separated in the cabin are higher if you fly with Ryanair (only 66% were seated together) or Wizz Air (61%). 

2. Check-in early

If you don’t pay for seats, but check in early, chances are that you will be allocated seats with your group, so long as the airline has seats available together.

Make sure you’re up to speed about when check-in opens and set an alarm if necessary so that you’re up in time.

3. Make a specific request

If you’ve not been able to select your seats together at the booking stage, it might be worth making a special request afterwards.

“Make enquiries at the airline’s check-in desk at the airport. Enquire about seating availability for your family or even if they can seat your family together in an upgraded section,” said James Brockbank, founder of The Family Vacation Guide. “If you expect the airport to be crowded, with long check-in lines, try phoning up the airline about your family booking and request seats together.” 

4. Ask another passenger to swap seats

You might be able to swap seats with a passenger once you’re onboard your flight - just by asking nicely. Make your request politely, but remember too that the other passenger is under no obligation to agree to switch. But by remaining friendly and and accept a negative answer with good grace, it's possible another passenger may overhear and offer to switch seats which can resolve the situation for everyone. 

Goodto.com's Money Editor, Sarah Handley says: "It's worth being mindful that another passenger may have paid extra for their chosen seat, and might be unwilling to give it up, especially if your seat can't match the perks or position they may have paid for."

Do airlines always seat parents and children together? 

While many airlines might do their best to sit parents and children together, there’s sadly no legal right to sit next to your family, not even children, on a flight. However, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) does have guidelines about how airlines should allocate seats to people travelling together. 

It says: 

• Young children or those with disabilities should be sat with their accompanying adult wherever possible
• For family groups and large parties of children, the airline should aim to seat children close to their parents or guardians
• Young children and infants should be ideally seated in the same row as their parent or guardian. But if this isn't possible, they should be separated by no more than one row otherwise the speed of an evacuation in the event of an emergency could be compromised
• An airline should also make every effort to ensure children on flights can be readily supervised by their parent or guardian.

How to different airlines decide on seat allocation

Most airline seat allocation systems - with the notable exception of Ryanair - will try to seat those on the same booking together.  

• British Airways, TUI and Virgin Atlantic say that all children under 12 will be seated with an accompanying adult. However, TUI and Virgin Atlantic warn that being sat with an adult could mean in front of, behind or across the aisle. 
• Jet2 says it aims to seat children with adults in their party, but there are no guarantees. 
• EasyJet says its seating system will always try to seat families together, but seats are allocated on a first come first served basis, so it recommends early check-in. The airline says it will make sure each child under 12 is seated close to an adult on your booking. 
• American Airlines says its system will detect if you’re travelling as a family and will search for seats together automatically before the day of departure. But if seats are limited it will ensure children under 15 are next to at least one adult. 
• Air France states that if you’re travelling as a family with a child 14 years or younger, it will reserve your seats free of charge.
• Ryanair says that it’s mandatory for children under 12 to be seated next to an adult they are travelling with. The airline allows you to reserve seats for free for a maximum of four children per one adult, but that adult must pay a reserved seat fee. .

Do you ever have to pay to sit together on a flight? 

If you want absolute certainty that you’ll be able to sit together as a group on a flight, then paying for seats will usually be your best option.

However, a few airlines will let groups sit together on a flight for free. For example, some long-haul carriers, such as Japan Airlines, let economy passengers select a seat free of charge as soon as they book. Virgin Atlantic Economy customers with hold luggage can select a seat for free at any time, while British Airways passengers checking-in a hold bag can select seats for free as soon as check-in opens.

Mum of twins, Harriet Hirsch was split up from the rest of her family on a trip in the summer of 2022. She said: “We went on a family trip to Spain on Easyjet with our 13-year-old twins last year and as we were trying to keep the cost down, we didn’t pay extra to sit together. The flight was very busy and we ended up split up all around the plane. The kids didn’t mind too much – they just play games on their phones for the whole flight anyway – but not being together seemed like an odd start to the holiday. Paying for seats seems like a gamble as you might all end up together for free. It also made it a bit awkward paying for drinks etc on the plane as the kids don’t have debit cards and Easyjet don’t take cash.” 

Which airlines charge families to sit together and what are the fees like? 

Airlines such as EasyJet, TUI, Jet2 and Ryanair will charge families that want to sit together as one group. 

The cost of booking a particular seat on a plane can range from anything between £3 to £100, depending on which airline you’re flying with and what class you’re flying. 

For example, if you’re flying business class on British Airways, it can cost you up to £91 to pre-book a seat. 

• EasyJet seat allocation prices start from 99p for a standard seat, from £7.99 for an up front/overwing seat (extra legroom), or from £12.99 if you want a seat in the first row (extra legroom).
• Ryanair prices start from £3 for a standard seat, from £7 for a front seat, and from £14 for an extra legroom seat

Fees for seating can quickly add up and, in some cases, paying them can be a false economy. For this reason, it’s important to compare the total cost against that of a more expensive airline that won’t charge you for seat reservations to see which works out to be the cheapest choice overall. 

How to choose the best seats when travelling with kids 

If your airline allows you to choose seats, the following tips can help you find the best seats when travelling with kids: 

Sit near the front or the back

Sitting near the front or back of the plane has a number of benefits such as being close to the toilets and being first on and off the aircraft, helping to avoid long waits on either side. 

Use a seat map

Website Seatguru lets you browse the seating charts of more than 1,000 aircraft spanning 175 airlines. Simply enter your airline name, flight number and date of travel and you’ll get detailed information about seat legroom dimensions, where the toilets are located and even reviews from other users. 

But bear in mind that there may be circumstances where an airline will need to change the aircraft type at late notice. The new configuration or availability of seats could result in passengers who have paid to be seated together being allocated seats apart from each other. Before paying for a particular seat, check with the airline whether this arrangement will be guaranteed in all circumstances. 

Choose a window seat

Window seats are worth booking for kids as looking out the window during a flight can keep them occupied, and also be a good location for a nap.  

Select extra legroom

Travelling with kids usually means bringing a lot of stuff with you, so it might be worth looking for those seats with extra legroom. Just remember that children are not permitted to sit near emergency exits and legroom seats can cost more. 

Bulkhead seats are more spacious as they have no seat in front of them and can be a good option for those with infants as there is room for a crib.

Looking for more travel tips? Check out our expert guide on how to get to sleep on a plane and these natural remedies for travel sickness.