Meal planning

Cauliflower steaks are one of the easiest and most satisfying vegetable dishes you can make. With a smoky paprika and olive oil rub, then roasted in the oven for just 25 minutes, they develop beautifully caramelised edges and a tender centre. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The biggest challenge isn’t cooking them, it’s cutting them. If you’ve ever ended up with a tray full of cauliflower florets instead of neat steaks, don’t worry. The secret is all in how you slice the cauliflower. Why Do Cauliflower Steaks Crumble? Cauliflower is made …

Choosing a skill for your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is an exciting opportunity. Whether you’re working towards your Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, the Skills section is all about developing an ability that you’ll continue to benefit from long after you’ve completed your DofE. While there are hundreds of skills to choose from, cooking is one of the most rewarding. Not only will you gain confidence in the kitchen, but you’ll also develop practical life skills that you’ll use for years to come. A Skill You’ll Use for Life Unlike some hobbies that may come and go, cooking is something …

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 …