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DofE skills for teenagers | Cooking and life skills The DofE Skills section is a great opportunity for teenagers to try something new, develop their confidence and learn an ability they can continue using long after their award is finished. But what should they choose? If you’re currently hearing, “I don’t know what I want to do for DofE,” don’t worry, I’ve got you covered: a pre-recorded cookery course that gives you a night off cooking each week! What can you do for the DofE Skills section? The great thing about the DofE Skills section is the variety of activities…

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The exams are finally finished. After months of revision, coursework, mock exams and stress, our teens are looking forward to a well-earned summer break and us parents are breathing a sigh of relief!! But while it’s important for teens to relax and recharge, the long summer holiday also offers a fantastic opportunity to develop practical life skills that will benefit them for years to come. And, in my opinion, one of the most valuable skills any young person can learn is how to cook confidently and independently. Cooking Is One of the Best Life Skills a Teen Can Learn Whether…

If you struggle to cook rice, you are not alone and it is far easier than you think. White Rice 🌾Rice-to-water ratio:* 1 cup white rice : 2 cups water 1. Rinse the rice2. Measure water* Add 2 cups water or bone broth for every 1 cup rice to a saucepan.3. Bring to boil4. Simmer* Once boiling, reduce heat to very low and cover with a tight lid.5. Cook* Simmer 10 minutes without lifting the lid. Brown Rice 🌾Brown rice has the bran layer intact, so it needs more water and longer cooking.Rice-to-water ratio:* 1 cup brown rice : 2½…

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been saving your extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings and the occasional drizzle because, let’s face it, it’s expensive! For everyday cooking, I’ve often turned to rapeseed oil, simply to spare the good stuff. But that’s recently changed – I’ve discovered a new olive oil that’s high quality and affordable enough to use every day. Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil? First, let’s break it down: extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is made from cold-pressed olives, meaning it retains all the natural antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins that are often lost in processed…

Let’s talk air fryers …. It was something I avoided for a long time!  Did I really need one?  Were they worth the money? Would they work for family meals? Would the teens use it? Where they really as good as everyone said? Did I have the space in my kitchen? Well, I finally succumbed, and my verdict is that I like it! Yes, I could live without it, but it has simplified some of our dinners and it has enabled my teens to get more creative in the kitchen.  It is great if you are cooking for 1 or…

Is summer on the horizon?  It is finally time to fire up the BBQ? We all know (and deep-down love) the famously unpredictable British summer, but it’s unpredictability doesn’t mean you have to abandon your BBQ. With a few tips, tricks, and mouth-watering recipes, you can elevate your outdoor cooking game, come rain or shine. Preparing for Success 1. The Right Equipment: Investing in a quality BBQ is the first step. Whether you prefer the smoky flavour of a charcoal grill or the convenience of gas, make sure your equipment is up to the task. Accessories such as long-handled tongs,…

Delicious and Real’s Guide to Decluttering Your Kitchen: A Guide to a Tidy and Efficient Space We talk about a ‘spring clean’ but actually each season is an opportunity to reset, declutter, look at our homes functionality and make sure everything is meeting our needs. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home—a place where meals are prepared, family and friends gather, and memories are made. However, it can quickly become one of the most cluttered spaces in the house: from overflowing cupboards to countertops filled with gadgets, a cluttered kitchen can make cooking stressful and less enjoyable. If you’re looking…

Planning and prepping go hand in hand: once you have created your meal plan, you can then work out which meals and ingredients to prep at the weekend.  If I didn’t plan and prep my meals, we wouldn’t have home-cooked meals every day of the week and our shopping bills would be a lot higher. As a busy, working mum, this is an essential part of my weekly routine. So, what are my top ten preps? And, here’s a link to the glass containers I use – they are one of my kitchen hero products! I share lots of meal-plan…

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to create elaborate meals. However, sometimes all you need is a bit of grace and the ability to whip up something delicious using what’s already in your cupboard. This is the premise that my business is built on: good food shouldn’t be complicated and should consist of everyday ingredients cooked simply.  Here are a few Delicious and Real, quick and easy recipes that will save you time and effort, allowing you to enjoy a tasty meal without the fuss. Chickpea Curry Tuna Pasta…

In today’s fast-paced world, takeaway meals have become a staple for many households. They offer convenience, variety, and the joy of indulging in delicious dishes without the hassle of cooking. However, this convenience often comes with a hefty price tag and are often laden with extra calories. If you’re looking to save money while still enjoying your favourite takeaway dishes, it’s time to embrace the “fake-away” trend. By recreating these meals at home, you can enjoy the same flavours for a fraction of the cost. Here’s how you can get started. Why Fakeaway? Popular Fake-away Recipes Here are some popular…

Homemade chicken stock offers several benefits over store-bought varieties: Overall, homemade chicken stock offers superior flavour, nutritional value, and versatility compared to store-bought alternatives, making it a valuable addition to any fridge!

Ask for help: how to meal-plan: this is my area of expertise!  In today’s fast-paced world, juggling work, family, and personal commitments often leave little time for meal preparation. However, with a little meal planning and meal-prep, you can reclaim your time, save money, and nourish your family with delicious and nutritious meals. Whether you’re a seasoned meal planner like me or just starting out, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the tools and techniques needed to streamline your dinner times and help you fall back in love with them! Theming nights helps you to narrow down your search for…

So, what will I be serving on New Year’s Eve? For me New Year’s Eve food should be light, simple and prepared in advance; it should be served by a glamorous host (glass of champagne in hand) who makes the whole evening look effortless and classy!  I’ll start the evening with a grazing board which will be ready and waiting when my guests arrive (and is easy to prepare in advance): cheeses, meats, olives, radishes and some homemade hummus with crackers and toasted pittas.  If you want to really impress your guests, throw a cooked ball of beetroot, or an…

According to official figures, UK inflation shot up unexpectedly last month as vegetable shortages pushed food prices to their highest rate in more than 45 years. Food inflation is at an all time high, with a supermarket boss warning that grocery prices will remain elevated this year. Families are looking for ways to reduce their weekly costs and stick to those every tightening budgets. Food is an essential, but many of us are finding that feeding the family and creating tasty family meals is become more and more difficult. Grocery prices are one of the main drivers fuelling overall inflation…

On Saturday 8th October, I will be on the live demo stage at the Clean and Tidy Home Show. Join me and learn all about how to rid yourself of kitchen overwhelm and save yourself time and money! Discover how creating a meal-plan will not only reduce your food (and energy) bills, but will also reduce the amount of time you spend in the kitchen and the amount of ‘stuff’ on your shelves. I will be talking you through what your kitchen actually needs (do we really need 4 frying pans?!?!?) and how best to store items and make the…

The cost of food and drink has pushed the UK inflation rate to 10.1% and, according to Lord Stuart Rose, it will continue to rise. One of the places we are all feeling the increased costs is in our weekly shop. Rising food and drink prices made the biggest contribution to the change in the inflation rate between June and July with the biggest impacts from bread, cereals, milk, cheese and eggs. If you are a Lurpack lover, you will definitely be aware of this: some supermarkets were selling it for £9 a tub during July. One of the best…

Eat together as a family One of the best ways to promote healthy eating habits is to eat together as a family and eating together is also a great opportunity to bond with your loved ones. Studies have shown that families who eat together tend to make healthier food choices. How about making dinner times fun and letting the whole family have a go at choosing what is for dinner each night?  Try and make sure you still have a variety of dishes and that all the different food groups are covered. I like to theme nights: meat-free Monday, traybake…