Tuesday, 31 December 2024
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Saturday, 28 December 2024
The Pros and Cons of the Too Good To Go App
Enter Too Good To Go, an app designed to combat this issue by connecting users with businesses offering discounted surplus food.
While the app has gained a lot of attention for its innovative approach to reducing food waste, it’s not without its challenges.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of using the Too Good To Go app, which was founded in Denmark and now operates throughout Europe, the UK and the USA.
The Pros
1. Reducing Food Waste
At its core, Too Good To Go is a sustainability champion. By purchasing surplus food that would otherwise be thrown away, users contribute to reducing food waste, which is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Affordable Meals
For budget-conscious consumers, the app is a potential goldmine. Many businesses offer “Magic Bags” filled with food at significantly reduced prices, often costing less than half the original price. This makes it an excellent option for students, families, and anyone looking to save money.
3. Supporting Local Businesses
The app provides an additional revenue stream for restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores, helping them recoup some of their losses from unsold food. It’s also a way for customers to discover and support local businesses they might not have visited otherwise.
4. Element of Surprise
For adventurous eaters, the unpredictability of what’s in a Magic Bag can be exciting. It’s like opening a mystery box, with the added bonus of delicious food.
The app is user-friendly, with clear instructions and an easy booking process. Users can filter by location and pick-up times, making it simple to find options that fit their schedule.
The Cons
1. Limited Control Over Contents
While the mystery aspect can be fun, it’s not ideal for picky eaters or those with dietary restrictions. You don’t know what you’re getting until you pick it up, which can lead to wasted food if it’s not to your taste or fits your needs.
2. Inconsistent Quality and Quantity
The quality and quantity of the food in Magic Bags can vary greatly. Some users report receiving excellent value, while others feel short-changed with items that are stale, mouldly, nearing their expiration date, well beyond expiration date the or not worth the price.
3. Limited Availability
Magic Bags often sell out quickly, especially from popular businesses. This can be frustrating for users who miss out despite checking the app regularly.
4. Environmental Impact of Pick-Ups
While the app aims to reduce waste, the environmental benefits can be offset if users drive long distances to collect their orders. The carbon emissions from transportation could undermine the app’s sustainability goals.
5. Short Shelf Life
Since the food is surplus, it often needs to be consumed quickly. This might not be convenient for users who don’t have immediate plans to eat or store the items properly.
Final Thoughts
Too Good To Go is a fantastic initiative for those looking to save money, support local businesses, and reduce their environmental footprint. However, it’s not without its challenges, especially for those with specific dietary needs or expectations of consistency.
If you’re willing to embrace a bit of unpredictability and act quickly to secure a Magic Bag, the app can be a rewarding experience. Ultimately, it’s a small step towards tackling the larger issue of food waste—one meal at a time.
Have you tried Too Good To Go? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!
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Tuesday, 24 December 2024
That's Food and Drink: Merry Christmas from the That's Christmas Team!
Merry Christmas from the That's Christmas Team!
The husband and wife team behind That's Christmas is wishing all our readers a very Merry Christmas.
We would also like to thank all the PR companies and marketing departments for their help on sharing with us information that we found to be of help
Anyone who wants to get in touch with us at afj_uk@yahoo.com
Monday, 23 December 2024
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Saturday, 21 December 2024
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Friday, 20 December 2024
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Brie Mine: Sharpham's Heart-Shaped Cheese for Valentine's Day
Buttercup yellow with milk from Sharpham's own Jersey herd, Sharpham Brie is a mould ripened cheese.
Firm, rich and creamy when young the cheese softens and develops mushroomy notes when aged. It has been handmade for 40 years. An essential part of the cheese board or delicious when baked.
Sharpham Cheese is available from a range of stockists nationally and online from www.sharphamcheese.co.uk
Factfile About Sharpham Dairy:
Sharpham Dairy is renowned for its commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. Every cheese is crafted by hand, using milk sourced from their own herd of Jersey cows and neighboring farms in the West Country.
With a dedication to supporting local producers and creating exceptional artisanal products, Sharpham Dairy's collection continues to receive accolades, underscoring its reputation for producing some of the finest cheeses in the country.
HM King Charles III Awards Royal Warrant for Artisan Ham Producer DukesHill
DukesHill was first bestowed a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003 for its production of traditional artisan hams.
Mark Gallagher, DukesHill's CEO, said, “We are incredibly proud and truly honoured to receive the Royal Warrant from His Majesty The King.
"As an artisan ham producer focused on working with the very of best British farmers, this prestigious accolade further solidifies our faith in the importance of championing true artisan craftsmanship. As we approach our 40th anniversary, it's really wonderful for our team to be acknowledged for our unwavering dedication to quality, provenance and welfare.”
Founded in Shropshire in 1985, DukesHill began as a labour of love, crafting the finest Wiltshire, York and Shropshire Black Hams using time-honoured traditional techniques with the highest regard for animal welfare.
Champions of the artisan, DukesHill works closely with local farmers and skilled artisans to create the very best of handmade British fine foods, focusing on welfare, provenance, taste and texture above all else. Their guiding principle of putting flavour and quality before speed or yield remains as strong as ever.
Recently awarded the Organic Food Federation Certificate for a range of its hams, DukesHill is one of only a few producers of certified organic wet cured ham in the UK.
What sets the DukesHill curing process apart is the combination of using traditional curing techniques and its very own special recipe brine, including unrefined brown sugar that imparts a subtle, sweet undertone that complements the ham's natural flavour.
After steam cooking for 12 hours, each ham is hand-skinned, trimmed and inspected by an expert quality manager, ensuring every product meets the highest standards of excellence.
The renewal of the Royal Warrant reflects DukesHill's dedication to the values championed by HM King Charles III, such as preserving British heritage.
For more information on DukesHill, visit dukeshill.co.uk or @dukeshill on Instagram.
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
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Tuesday, 17 December 2024
The Role of Background Music in Restaurants: Enhancing Ambience, Not Overpowering It
Sometimes music can be too loud |
From the decor to the lighting, every detail contributes to the atmosphere. One often-overlooked element that can make or break this experience is music.
However, not all music is created equal, nor is its volume. While background music can elevate a restaurant's ambience, foreground music – that is, music played so loudly that it dominates the space – can do the opposite, spoiling the environment and driving patrons away.
Here’s why restaurants and eateries should prioritise background music to create the perfect dining atmosphere.
1. Dining Is a Social Experience
For many, going out to eat is a social occasion. Whether it’s a couple enjoying a romantic evening, friends catching up, or colleagues having a business lunch, conversation is key. Music that is too loud forces patrons to raise their voices to be heard, leading to a cacophony of shouting that quickly becomes unpleasant.
Background music, on the other hand, enhances the ambience without interrupting conversations. It provides a pleasant backdrop, filling in any awkward silences without demanding attention. Diners can relax, connect, and enjoy their time without straining to hear one another.
2. Music Sets the Mood – Subtly
The right music has a transformative effect on a space. Soft jazz, mellow acoustic tracks, or classical pieces can create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere. Upbeat but unobtrusive music can energise a casual dining space. The key is subtlety. Music should complement the mood, not dominate it.
Foreground music can feel intrusive, creating an atmosphere of stress rather than relaxation. Patrons may feel hurried or overwhelmed, which can shorten their visit and reduce their overall enjoyment.
3. Background Music Encourages Longer Visits
Studies have shown that the right level of background music can encourage customers to stay longer and spend more. When diners feel relaxed and comfortable, they are more likely to linger over dessert, order an extra drink, or simply enjoy the experience.
Loud music, however, has the opposite effect. It can create a sense of urgency, making people want to leave as quickly as possible. While a faster turnover might seem appealing for certain establishments, it can damage long-term customer satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Respecting All Ages and Preferences
Restaurants cater to a diverse crowd, from young families to older couples. While some younger patrons may tolerate or even enjoy loud music in certain settings, it can alienate others. People with hearing difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or simply a preference for quieter spaces may avoid restaurants where they feel bombarded by noise.
Background music strikes a balance, creating a welcoming environment for all. It ensures that the restaurant remains inclusive, accommodating different tastes and needs.
5. Enhancing the Dining Experience
A meal is a sensory experience, engaging taste, smell, sight, and sound. Music should complement the food, not compete with it. Imagine savouring a delicate dish in a fine dining restaurant while being blasted with blaring music – it completely disrupts the harmony of the moment.
Background music works like a seasoning. It enhances the overall experience, adding to the ambience without overpowering the other elements.
6. Reducing Noise Pollution
Restaurants are already naturally noisy environments, with clinking cutlery, working coffee machines, sizzling dishes, and the hum of conversation. Adding loud music to the mix only increases the chaos. Noise pollution not only disrupts patrons but also puts a strain on staff, who must work in an increasingly stressful environment.
By keeping music at a background level, restaurants can maintain a pleasant soundscape that feels alive and vibrant but not overwhelming.
Music is an essential part of creating the perfect dining experience, but volume matters. Background music enhances the ambience, encourages conversation, and keeps customers comfortable and happy. Foreground music, on the other hand, can drive patrons away, leaving them frustrated and dissatisfied.
For restaurants and eating places, the message is clear: music should be a supporting player, not the star of the show. When done right, background music adds just the right note of charm, creating a space where diners can savour their food, enjoy their company, and leave with a desire to return.
After all, a great meal deserves a great atmosphere – and that starts with getting the music just right.
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Emergency Pizza: A Quick and Delicious Tortilla Hack
With just a tortilla, some tomato ketchup, a pinch of Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, you can whip up an emergency pizza in two minutes using a microwave. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
1 tortilla (any size will do, but larger ones are best)
2-3 tablespoons of tomato ketchup
A pinch of Italian seasoning (or dried oregano and basil if you have them)
A handful of shredded mozzarella cheese
Method:
1. Prepare Your Base:
Place your tortilla on a microwave-safe plate. Spread a thin, even layer of tomato ketchup over the surface, stopping just before the edges to mimic a pizza crust. If the tortilla is a little dry, spread a layer of olive oil over it.
2. Season It:
Sprinkle a pinch of Italian seasoning over the ketchup. This step gives your emergency pizza a more authentic pizza flavour with minimal effort.
3. Cheese It Up:
Scatter a generous handful of mozzarella cheese over the top. If you have other toppings like olives, sliced peppers, or leftover cooked meat, you can add those too!
4. Microwave Magic:
Pop the plate into the microwave and cook on high for 1.5 to 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese melts fully but doesn’t overcook.
5. Cool and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the plate (it’ll be hot!) and let the pizza cool for a minute or two before slicing or folding it into a wrap.
Tips for Success:
If you prefer a crispier base, you can briefly toast the tortilla in a dry frying pan before adding your toppings.
For extra flavour, drizzle some olive oil or add a dash of garlic powder to the ketchup.
Experiment with whatever you have in the fridge — this recipe is a blank canvas for creativity.
Why This Works:
The tortilla provides a thin, crispy base that mimics a classic pizza crust. Ketchup, while unconventional, gives a tangy tomato flavour, and the melted mozzarella ties it all together with its gooey, cheesy goodness. The microwave ensures everything comes together in a flash, perfect for late-night cravings or a quick snack.
So next time you’re in a pinch, grab a tortilla and turn your kitchen into a pizzeria in under 5 minutes. Simple, speedy, and surprisingly satisfying — emergency pizza to the rescue!
I made this at work today and thought: "I really must share my recipe for emergency pizza!" So here it is. I'm sorry, I don't have a photograph because I ate t before I thought about writing this post.
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
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A Simple and Decadent Recipe for Raspberry Fool
This creamy, fruity treat has graced tables for centuries and remains a firm favourite for summer gatherings or a quick indulgent pudding no matter what the time of year.
Here’s how to make your own using fresh raspberries, sugar, and rich double cream.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
300g fresh raspberries
75g caster sugar
300ml double cream
Method
Prepare the Raspberry Purée
Begin by rinsing the raspberries gently under cold water and patting them dry with a clean tea towel. Reserve a small handful of raspberries for decoration, then place the rest in a mixing bowl. Add the caster sugar and use a fork or potato masher to crush the raspberries into a thick purée. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can press the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, though this step is optional.
Whip the Cream
Pour the double cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand whisk or electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want a light and airy texture rather than a stiff one.
Combine the Layers
Gently fold the raspberry purée into the whipped cream, creating a marbled effect. Take care not to overmix, as the dessert looks more appealing with streaks of vibrant pink running through the cream.
Chill and Serve
Spoon the mixture into serving glasses or bowls, then chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Just before serving, garnish with the reserved raspberries and, if you like, a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of elegance.
Tips and Variations
Sweetness Adjustments: Taste your raspberries before starting; if they’re particularly tart, you may wish to add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
Add a Twist: For a grown-up version, stir in a splash of raspberry liqueur or a drizzle of elderflower cordial to the purée.
Alternative Fruits: While raspberries are traditional, this fool works wonderfully with other soft fruits like strawberries, blackberries, or even gooseberries.
Final Thoughts
Raspberry fool is a celebration of simplicity, with its fresh ingredients and minimal preparation. It’s an ideal recipe for those seeking a quick dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavour or presentation. Enjoy this quintessentially British treat with friends, family, or simply as a self-indulgent treat!
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Laying hens doing a cracking job helping young farmer plough his own furrow
Like generations of farmers’ sons before him, Ross Learmonth was determined to “stand on my own two feet” and attempt to make his own living away from his family’s farm near Ellon, in Aberdeenshire.
He would be the first to admit that he was lucky to have a headstart in this endeavour in the form of his grandparents’ 80-acre holding, from his mother Shirley’s side of the family.
“I’d been working away with a few sheep but was determined not to ‘play farms’ and started looking for something that would enable it to become a viable business in its own right,” explains 29-year-old Ross.
After graduating from Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) with a first-class honours degree in agriculture Ross, then aged 21, went to work for Scottish nutrition company Harbro.
“I was originally interested in pigs but through the day job found out more about hens and went to speak to my banker.
I was also successful in securing some young farmers’ start up grant funding to help buy and relocate some second-hand poultry buildings. In the interim we set about organic conversion, as this was where the opportunity was with local egg packer, Farmlay. The first 4,000 organic birds arrived in 2017.
“I soon realised I was not able to give the day job as much commitment as I would like but also that 4,000 birds weren’t going to be enough,” explains Ross. “So, having left my job and with another production opportunity presented I set about extending the unit to 10,000 birds for the spring 2018.”
The hens allowed Ross to secure the finance to buy a neighbouring 150-acre farm and meanwhile Ross’s father Eric and uncle Iain - who farm around 1,100 acres in partnership - felt the time was right for them to look at diversifying their cattle and combinable crop operation.
So a share-farming agreement was drawn up, in which they own the purpose-built shed that went up on their land, but Ross takes care of everything else. 12,000 birds are housed on this site, with the muck being used on Ross' organic cereals.
“Home mixing allows the inclusion of home-grown organic crops in our split fed rations, completing the cycle,” explains Ross.
While Ross is happy with his own holding’s organic status, it soon became obvious free-range could be a good option at his father’s farm, too. So, earlier this summer, 16,000 free-range birds arrived after the construction of another new shed.
“We managed to go from steel up, to birds housed in under 10 weeks, a credit to everyone involved,” reports Ross.
“This included the installation of a microgrid, incorporating solar PV, diesel generator, battery storage and provision of three-phase power for the new shed on the split phase supplied farm.”
Ross now has the help of two staff and his wife Molly continues to look after the admin side of the business since having the couple’s young daughter Lois.
“Molly has great office skills from her career in the oil and gas industry and it’s important to say that record keeping is a big part of the egg industry,” warns Ross.
“It’s really important, when you are starting out, not to underestimate the effort compliance and quality assurance requires.”
Ross supplies his eggs on a contract basis to Aberdeenshire-based Farmlay, which after 2022 images of supermarket shelves empty of eggs - the result of a combination of factors including high energy and feed prices along with the risk of avian flu - has hailed the arrival of what it calls a “golden age” for egg producers.
It holds long-term contracts with supermarkets Aldi and Lidl, as well as supplying Spar and all Morrisons’ supermarkets in Scotland. As an aside, Farmlay was founded by Robert Chapman, who left school at 15 with the ambition of owning 100,000 hens and 1,000 acres of farmland.
When he handed over the role of managing director to his son Iain just before Christmas, the business owned 450,000 hens - and a further 550,000 owned by contract producers - and 2,500 acres of land. A nearly 20-fold increase from the 130 acres he started out with.
“Farmlay provide a great support for audit compliance and there is advice there for producers new and old should they need it, but I do like that there is still very much an independent element to producing eggs and it is by no means prescriptive. There is a good network for advice within the producer group too from which we’ve certainly benefited,” says Ross.
“Poultry really has facilitated a diversification that - in the end - not just me but my whole family have all benefitted from.”
Ambitions for Ross include better utilising solar power, referring specifically to electricity, cereals and forage. At the moment his grain store is host to 34kw solar PV on the roof and inside, 150acres worth of organic winter wheat, spring barley and beans whilst 340 organic cattle are out at grass. There is also an arrangement with a contract shepherd, finishing 1,000 hoggs this year. He has just recently purchased a further 84 acres of farmland locally.
“I must acknowledge my folks for having the foresight to set me loose and then hold their nerve long enough to let all this happen,” reflects Ross.
“It has been a steep learning curve, but I think eggs are one sector of farming that lends itself to first generation farmers or existing farms that want to create a role for a family member. So long as you’re prepared to listen and learn, you don’t need decades of experience.”
“It means a great deal to me and my family that it has enabled my grandparents small farm to provide a living. It had lain underutilised for 20 years but stocking it with hens created a business that has since been able to invest in land and ways of reducing costs. It has also meant my wife can be involved in the farm, and I’m finally, after some full-on years, hoping to get a bit of time back to spend with her and our baby. We often wonder what my grandparents would think of what we are doing with the farm now.
“A greater return may well be had occasionally at other enterprises; the boom in sheep prices, for example, would prove that this year, but the hens are set to remain at our core, as it is their reasonably predictable and regular cash flow that lets us build other areas of the business around them.”
Ross’s Recommendations
If you are from a family farm, take time away to plough your own furrow if you can. “Find what you are good at and leverage it - maybe it's ploughing…?” says Ross. “Consider risk and reward together not just one or the other - doom and gloom merchants and spreadsheet millionaires are both to be treated with caution.”
“Significant capital and personal investment is required. Do not underestimate either – both can be exhausted if you are not careful.”
“Resilience is just as important as return - build both into your budgets.”
Isn’t It Time You Took Your Cookery Skills to the Next Level?
Whether you’re whipping up simple weeknight dinners or dreaming of crafting Instagram-worthy meals, there’s always room to level up your culinary skills.
But have you ever considered that the secret ingredient to your cooking success might be professional cookery classes?
Why Take Cookery Classes?
Cookery classes offer more than just recipes, they’re an opportunity to master techniques, understand ingredients, and boost confidence in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
1. Learn from Experts
Professional chefs and instructors bring a wealth of knowledge that you can’t always get from cookbooks or YouTube. Their hands-on guidance helps you avoid common pitfalls and adopt techniques tailored to your style of cooking.
2. Discover New Cuisines
Ever wanted to try your hand at Thai, Japanese, or French cuisine? Classes focused on specific cuisines or techniques open doors to flavours and ingredients you might not have explored before.
3. Master the Basics
Perfecting foundational skills, like knife work, sauces, or pastry-making, can transform how you approach cooking. With these essentials in place, even the simplest dishes can shine.
4. Meet Like-Minded Foodies
Cookery classes often foster a sense of community. You’ll meet others who share your passion for food, exchange ideas, and perhaps even form lasting friendships.
5. Boost Your Confidence
Cooking for a dinner party or a special occasion can be daunting. With professional instruction, you’ll feel more assured in your ability to deliver a spectacular meal.
What Types of Cookery Classes Are Available?
The variety of classes on offer means there’s something for everyone, regardless of skill level or interest:
Beginner Courses: Learn the basics, from boiling pasta to baking bread.
Speciality Classes: Focus on areas like sushi rolling, artisan chocolate-making, or vegan cooking.
Masterclasses: Perfect for seasoned cooks looking to elevate skills in areas like soufflé-making, steak preparation, or fine dining presentation.
Online Options: Can’t make it to a studio? Many providers now offer interactive online classes so you can learn from the comfort of your own kitchen.
How to Find the Right Class for You
When choosing a class, consider the following:
Your Goals: Are you looking to master a specific dish, or do you want to improve your general skills?
Instructor Expertise: Look for classes taught by experienced chefs with a style that matches your learning preferences.
Class Size: Smaller classes often provide more one-on-one time with instructors.
Location & Schedule: If attending in person, ensure it fits with your routine. Alternatively, opt for online courses with flexible timings.
The Lasting Benefits
Cookery classes are an investment in yourself. You’ll come away not just with new recipes, but with improved skills and a deeper appreciation for food. Whether you’re looking to wow your dinner guests or simply make your daily meals more enjoyable, classes can reignite your passion for cooking.
So, isn’t it time you rolled up your sleeves, donned that apron, and took your cookery skills to the next level?
Start your culinary adventure today: Your taste buds and your family will thank you!
The Ultimate Plant Based Jacket Potato Recipe with Nurishh
Everyone loves baked potatoes, especially in the cold and damp British Winter weather! This is a very interesting recipe from The Spud Bros and Nurishh.
Recently viral TikTok duo The Spud Bros have partnered with Nurishh to create the 'Ultimate Plant Based Jacket Potato recipe!'
Jacob and Harley Nelson, the famous faces behind Spud Bros have finally cracked the perfect plant-based formula loaded with all the cheesy goodness Nurishh's Plant Based Grated has to offer.
Ingredients
4 jacket potatoes
400g of Nurishh Plant Based Grated Cheddar Flavour
Vegan butter
Vegan Three Bean Chili
● Beans:
200g tinned black beans, drained and rinsed
200g tinned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
200g tinned pinto beans, drained and rinsed
● Vegetables:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (any colour), chopped
1x 400g tin crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup vegetable broth (or water)
● Spices:
1 tablespoons chilli powder (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Cook your jacket potatoes in the oven, wrapped in foil. From a fresh potato cook at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 for up to 1 hour and 20 minutes
While potatoes are cooking away, Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Add Spices: Stir in the chilli powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add Tomatoes and Beans: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine. Add the black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans to the pot. If using, add the minced jalapeño for extra heat.
Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. You can simmer for longer if you have time; just stir occasionally and add more vegetable broth if needed to maintain your desired consistency.
Season: After simmering, taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices if desired.
Serve:
Take your spuds out of the oven and carefully remove the foil, to reveal your hot and crispy jacket potato.
Using a sharp knife cut the potato in half without cutting through and use your knife to spread each half of the fluffy belly of the potato out - leaving plenty of room for the Nurishh!
Add a dollop of vegan butter, salt and pepper to taste and 90g of Nurishh plant based grated on each of the potatoes
TIP: to speed up the melting process of the cheese, pop the spuds under the grill for a couple of minutes for an extra melty texture
Now add a big spoonful of 3 bean chilli and garnish with your leftover Nurishh and enjoy!
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Porridge Wars: UK Government Advertising Ban Targets Sugary Foods, Sparking Debate
The legislation will apply to TV ads aired before 9 p.m. and paid online advertising.
The ban, announced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2021 and delayed due to economic concerns, includes a wide range of products such as sugary breakfast cereals, sweetened yoghurts, crumpets, scones, and certain types of porridge.
Foods classified as "less healthy" will be determined through a scoring system that evaluates sugar, fat, and protein content. Products without added sugar, salt, or fat, such as plain porridge oats or unsweetened yoghurt, will not be affected.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting described the policy as a step toward shifting healthcare focus from treatment to prevention. The government believes the ban will prevent thousands of obesity cases annually and reduce UK children's calorie intake by 7.2 billion calories.
NHS data highlights the urgency of the issue, showing 9.2% of children in reception classes are obese, and over 23% experience tooth decay by age five due to high sugar consumption.
Critics, however, question the ban's scope and effectiveness. Paul Bristow, a former Conservative MP, expressed concern over the inclusion of everyday staples like porridge and crumpets. "The government needs to trust people to make their own decisions," he pointed out.
Some business owners echoed this sentiment. Prasanna Callaghan, who runs Crumpets Café near Buckingham Palace, called the policy "bonkers," arguing that categorising crumpets as junk food could harm small businesses.
On the other hand, proponents, including cook and restaurateur Thomasina Miers, welcomed the move as necessary but urged the government to take further steps. Miers pointed to the economic burden of diet-related diseases, citing research estimating these conditions cost the UK £268 billion annually.
The legislation has also sparked debate among parents. While some, like Maria McCracken from Kent, emphasise the importance of teaching children healthy eating habits at home, others question whether banning advertisements will effectively change behaviour.
The government maintains evidence supports a link between food advertising and increased calorie consumption in children. As implementation approaches, the ban is set to reshape the advertising landscape and reignite discussions about public health and personal responsibility.
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Fruit, veg and Hydration key to a long life? 102-year-old visits Sydney and officially completes her seven-continent lifelong dream
Yes Theory producers Ammar Kandil and Staffan Taylor first met Dorothy in October this year when they moved into The Redwoods Retirement Village for 48 hours.
Moved by Dorothy's heartfelt regret of not yet reaching her final frontier, Australia, Ammar and Staffan felt compelled to help her complete this remarkable journey.
Reflecting on her motivation to travel and spend time in Sydney, Dorothy said: "Travel's really important to me because it's a big world, and each country is different and has something different to offer; I want to see them all and I don't want to miss anything!
“I loved visiting Sydney; it's a beautiful city. The people are charming, the food is good, the scenery is absolutely wonderful, and even the weather is nice!"
She went on to say: "We saw the little koala bears, of course the Sydney Opera House, we went to the Botanic Gardens, and the Museum of Contemporary Art, good restaurants, and the lovely Bondi Beach where we got our feet a little wet and the water was really cold! And the people – they are all so nice, and so friendly!”
A living link to history, Dorothy is more than twice the age of the Sydney Opera House. In 1922, the year she was born, the NSW Government passed the Sydney Harbour Bridge Act, laying the foundation for the construction of the iconic bridge. Today, the Sydney Harbour Bridge stands as a powerful symbol of Australia's resilience and connection to the world—a fitting backdrop for Dorothy's own journey of exploration and discovery.
With the support of Qantas's, Dorothy embarked on her adventure to Sydney in considerable comfort, and received an exclusive invite to the cockpit to meet the pilot, before she was warmly welcomed at Sydney Airport with personalised displays and a crowd of Yes Theory fans eager to celebrate her arrival.
Her stay at the luxurious Shangri-La Sydney became a “home away from home,” offering Dorothy the chance to wake up to the breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera House—a landmark she'd always dreamed of seeing for herself.
Ammar Kandil, who is the co-founder of Yes Theory, was driven to support her adventure saying, “Dorothy's story is a powerful reminder that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and we're incredibly happy to be able to help her achieve her lifelong dream to visit Sydney and tick of fAustralia as her seventh and final continent.
“Our mantra is 'seek discomfort' and embrace adventure, and Dorothy's journey truly embodies the spirit of our channel. Her incredible story is set to inspire millions around the world to pursue their own adventures, no matter the obstacles might be.”
Dorothy's time in Sydney has been nothing short of iconic, filled with experiences that capture the heart of NSW. Her itinerary included:
An afternoon cruising on Sydney Harbour, marvelling at the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.
An up-close encounter with Australian wildlife at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo in Darling Harbour, where Dorothy met koalas, and even a kangaroo who is also named Dorothy!
A tour of the Sydney Opera House adding yet another milestone to her journey.
A visit to the iconic Bondi Beach, where Dorothy enjoyed splashing her feet in the waves and seeing one of the world's most famous beaches.
And Dorothy's secret to a long, healthy life? “You have to exercise, you have to eat lots of fruit and vegetables and stay hydrated. And also, FUN! You have to have fun so you'll stay healthy, and you can also enjoy 102 years! And if there's anything else you want to try, go ahead and try it!”
To follow Dorothy's journey and see Sydney through her remarkable perspective, check out Yes Theory's latest video here:- https://youtu.be/38PwG3zGDDI
For inspiration for your own Sydney adventure, visit https://www.sydney.com