How to Host an End of British Summertime Party

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As the days grow shorter and the long, lazy evenings of summer fade into memory, the end of British Summertime (BST) provides a perfect opportunity for a final hurrah before the clocks go back. 

Hosting an informal gathering to mark the end of BST can be a wonderful way to enjoy the last of the season's warmth and light, while also embracing the cosiness that autumn brings. Here’s how to throw a memorable farewell to summer and welcome the darker months in style.

1. Pick the Right Date

The clocks go back in the UK on the last Sunday of October. This year, the perfect date to throw your gathering would be the Saturday just before, giving everyone a chance to enjoy themselves without worrying about an early Monday morning.

2. Plan a Hybrid Indoor-Outdoor Setting

Although October can still offer some pleasant days, the weather can be unpredictable. To cover all bases, plan your event so it can move seamlessly between indoors and outdoors. Set up a bonfire or outdoor heaters in the garden, string fairy lights or lanterns for warmth and atmosphere, and keep cosy blankets on hand for when the chill sets in. Have a comfortable indoor space ready too, in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

3. Seasonal Decor

Reflect the change in seasons with your decor. Think pumpkins, autumn leaves, pine cones, and candles to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can use traditional autumn colours—orange, brown, yellow—and add in some fairy lights to keep the summer vibes alive. Rustic touches like wooden platters or woven baskets can also add to the seasonal feel.

4. Create a Cosy Menu

For food, go for hearty dishes that give a nod to both summer and autumn. A BBQ might still be a good option, especially if you're outdoors, but consider adding autumnal flavours such as roasted root vegetables or warm soups served in mugs. Mulled cider or hot toddies can be great alternatives to chilled summer cocktails, while s’mores or baked apples make for fun, seasonal desserts.

5. Outdoor Games and Activities

While daylight is fading, the twilight hours offer a unique opportunity to create some fun. Garden games like croquet or lawn bowls are still possible in the early evening, but as night falls, think of activities that suit the darker atmosphere. A bonfire with marshmallow toasting, storytelling, or even stargazing (weather permitting) can add a magical touch to the event.

6. Music to Match the Mood

The right playlist will set the tone for the gathering. Start with some upbeat summer tunes to lift the mood as guests arrive and gradually shift to slower, acoustic melodies as the evening progresses. Think of music that complements the transition from summer's carefree energy to autumn’s more reflective atmosphere. If you have any musically inclined guests, encourage a bit of live music or acoustic singalongs by the fire.

7. Send Your Guests Home with Autumnal Goodies

A nice touch to wrap up the event is to send your guests home with small autumn-themed party favours. Consider little jars of homemade jam, spiced biscuits, or even packets of seasonal seeds for planting next spring. These small gestures will leave your guests with a warm feeling as they say goodbye to British Summertime.

8. Embrace the Time Shift

Since the clocks go back an hour, use this to your advantage! Celebrate that "extra hour" by starting your party a little later than usual and encouraging guests to make the most of the longer night. Whether it’s lingering around the bonfire, enjoying one more drink, or sharing a few more laughs, the extra hour is the perfect excuse to keep the party going just a little longer.

Final Thoughts

The end of British Summertime doesn’t have to be a sombre affair. By hosting a small gathering with friends and family, you can celebrate the change in seasons and enjoy the best of both worlds—the lingering glow of summer and the cosy promise of autumn. With a little planning, some seasonal touches, and the right atmosphere, your party will ensure everyone transitions into the darker days with a smile.

Cosy Winter Warmers: Traditional British Comfort Foods for Chilly Days

As the crisp autumn air turns biting and the skies settle into their familiar wintery grey, there's something heartening about retreating indoors to enjoy the warm, comforting foods that define British winters. 

From hearty stews to decadent puddings, our culinary traditions provide perfect antidotes to the cold. Here are some classic winter warmer foods to help you through the season, each steeped in flavour and history.

1. Beef and Ale Stew

Nothing says "cosy night in" quite like a rich, slow-cooked stew. Beef and ale stew is a true British staple, combining tender chunks of beef with root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and swede. What makes this dish stand out is the use of a dark ale or stout, which gives the stew a deep, malty flavour. Simmered low and slow for hours, this meal is best served with creamy mashed potatoes or a thick slice of crusty bread for dipping.

Tip: Add a spoonful of mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a bit of extra warmth and tang.

2. Cottage Pie

A classic in many British households, cottage pie is perfect when you need something filling and flavourful. This dish consists of a savoury minced beef filling topped with a generous layer of mashed potatoes, which is baked until golden and crisp. The filling typically includes vegetables like carrots, onions, and peas, all cooked in a rich gravy. For a slight twist, some like to add a pinch of cheddar cheese atop the mash, giving it a crispy and cheesy finish.

Shepherd's Pie is a close cousin, but uses lamb mince instead of beef, making it a lovely alternative for those who prefer a gamier flavour.

3. Toad in the Hole

This peculiar-sounding dish is a favourite in many British homes during the colder months. Toad in the Hole consists of sausages baked in a Yorkshire pudding batter, resulting in a golden, crispy delight with fluffy insides. The contrast between the crisp batter and juicy sausages is divine, especially when paired with onion gravy and a side of mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

4. Leek and Potato Soup

A warming soup is always welcome during winter, and leek and potato soup is one of the simplest and most satisfying. Softened leeks and potatoes are blended into a smooth, velvety soup, often with a dash of cream to add richness. A hint of thyme or nutmeg can give the soup an extra dimension of flavour. Serve it with a thick slice of buttered bread for a quick lunch or light dinner on chilly days.

Tip: For a heartier version, add crumbled bacon or blue cheese as a topping.

5. Lancashire Hotpot

This comforting dish originates from the northwest of England and is perfect for winter. Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked casserole made with lamb, onions, and sometimes kidneys, all topped with sliced potatoes that crisp up beautifully during baking. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavours to develop as they cook, producing a hearty meal that requires minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that’s even better the next day, making it a great option for batch cooking.

6. Bangers and Mash

A humble but beloved dish, bangers and mash is a quintessential winter meal. The key is to use high-quality sausages – Cumberland or Lincolnshire sausages work particularly well. Served with creamy mashed potatoes and drenched in onion gravy, this dish is both easy to prepare and deeply comforting. For a seasonal twist, consider adding a side of braised red cabbage or some roasted parsnips.

And for those with a sweet tooth:-

7. Sticky Toffee Pudding

Winter in Britain wouldn’t be complete without a proper pudding, and sticky toffee pudding reigns supreme. Made with dates and a rich toffee sauce, this warm, indulgent dessert is a perfect way to finish off a hearty meal. Serve it with custard or clotted cream to take the indulgence to another level.

8. Spotted Dick

Another traditional British pudding, spotted dick is a steamed suet pudding filled with currants or sultanas (hence the ‘spots’). It’s often served with lashings of custard, making it a warm and comforting choice on a cold winter’s evening. Although it's considered an old-fashioned dessert, its simplicity and warmth make it a winter favourite.

9. Mince Pies

While associated with Christmas, mince pies are a warming treat throughout the winter months. These small, sweet pies filled with spiced mincemeat are a festive favourite, but they’re just as delicious with a cup of tea on any cold afternoon. Enjoy them warm from the oven with a spoonful of brandy butter or a dollop of cream for a little extra indulgence.

Winter may bring darker, colder days, but it also invites us to indulge in the comfort and warmth of traditional British dishes. Whether you’re cooking up a stew or enjoying a warm pudding, these recipes are the perfect companions for the long, chilly nights ahead. So, wrap up warm, stay cosy, and let these winter warmers lift your spirits!

The Importance of Vitamin and Mineral Supplements During Winter

As the colder, darker days of winter approach, maintaining good health becomes a challenge.

Reduced sunlight, colder temperatures, and limited availability of fresh produce can negatively impact our overall well-being. 

This is where vitamin and mineral supplements play a crucial role in supporting our health during the winter months.

Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin

One of the most significant concerns during winter is the lack of sunlight, which directly affects our vitamin D levels. Known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is primarily synthesised when our skin is exposed to sunlight. 

However, during the winter months, the reduced daylight hours and weaker sun make it difficult for many of us to obtain sufficient vitamin D naturally.

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, as it aids in the absorption of calcium. It also supports the immune system, helping to ward off common winter illnesses like colds and flu. Studies have shown that a deficiency in vitamin D can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and a higher risk of developing chronic conditions such as osteoporosis and heart disease. 

Therefore, taking a vitamin D supplement during winter is highly recommended, especially for those who spend most of their time indoors or live in areas with limited sunlight.

The Role of Vitamin C and Zinc in Immunity

Winter is notorious for the spike in colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. To bolster your immune system, vitamin C and zinc are particularly important.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports the production of white blood cells, which are vital for fighting off infections. While it is found in citrus fruits and vegetables, the decreased availability of fresh produce in winter can make it challenging to get enough vitamin C through diet alone. Supplementing with vitamin C can help ensure your immune system remains robust throughout the season.

Similarly, zinc plays a critical role in immune function, promoting the growth and function of immune cells. Zinc deficiency has been linked to increased vulnerability to infections, making it an important mineral to consider during winter. While zinc is present in foods like meat, shellfish, and legumes, a supplement may be necessary for those with dietary restrictions or limited access to these foods.

The Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is another mineral that should not be overlooked in winter. It plays a vital role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and energy production. During winter, when energy levels often dip, magnesium supplements can help maintain energy and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Moreover, magnesium is known for its calming properties, which can be particularly beneficial during the darker months when seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and winter blues are more common. Ensuring adequate magnesium intake can help improve mood and promote better sleep, both of which are crucial for maintaining mental health during winter.

Iron: Combating Fatigue

Iron is essential for the production of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Low iron levels can lead to anaemia, a condition characterised by fatigue, weakness, and a general lack of energy. With the reduced daylight hours and colder weather, many people find themselves feeling more lethargic in winter. Supplementing with iron, particularly for those at risk of deficiency (such as women of childbearing age), can help combat this winter fatigue and keep energy levels stable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as winter approaches, the importance of maintaining adequate levels of vitamins and minerals cannot be overstated. The combination of reduced sunlight, limited availability of fresh produce, and the increased risk of illness makes it essential to consider supplementing your diet with key vitamins and minerals. 

Vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, and iron are particularly important during the winter months to support immune function, energy levels, and overall well-being. By proactively addressing these nutritional needs, you can help ensure that your body remains resilient and healthy throughout the colder, darker days of winter.

Embrace the Seasons: Cooking with Seasonal Produce

As we navigate through the year, the changing seasons offer an ever-evolving bounty of fresh produce. 

Cooking with seasonal ingredients not only enhances the flavours of our dishes but also supports local farmers and reduces our carbon footprint. 

In the UK, each season brings its own unique harvest, offering an array of fruits and vegetables that are at their peak in terms of taste and nutritional value.

 Here’s a guide to making the most of what each season has to offer, with a few recipe ideas to get you started.

Spring: A Fresh Start

Spring is a time of renewal and growth. As the days get longer and the weather warms, the first crops of the year begin to appear. Look out for:

Asparagus: This tender vegetable is a true springtime treat. Try roasting it with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple yet delicious side dish.

Rhubarb: Perfect for desserts, rhubarb’s tartness pairs wonderfully with sweeter fruits like strawberries. A classic rhubarb crumble is a must-try.

New Potatoes: These small, waxy potatoes are delicious simply boiled and tossed with butter and fresh herbs.

Recipe Idea: Spring Vegetable Risotto

Ingredients:

300g asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

150g peas (fresh or frozen)

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

300g Arborio rice

1 litre vegetable stock

125ml white wine

50g Parmesan cheese, grated

2 tbsp olive oil

Fresh mint and parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes until it’s well coated with the oil.

Pour in the white wine and stir until it’s mostly absorbed.

Begin adding the stock, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently and waiting until each addition is absorbed before adding more.

After about 15 minutes, add the asparagus and peas.

Continue adding stock and stirring until the rice is creamy and cooked through.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs before serving.

Summer: A Burst of Flavour

Summer brings an abundance of vibrant and juicy produce. It’s the perfect time to enjoy:

Tomatoes: At their sweetest in the summer months, they’re perfect for salads, sauces, and salsas.

Courgettes: Versatile and prolific, they can be grilled, stuffed, or turned into zoodles (courgette noodles).

Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are all at their best. Enjoy them fresh or use them in desserts like Eton mess or summer pudding.

Recipe Idea: Grilled Courgette and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

2 courgettes, sliced lengthways

4 large tomatoes, sliced

100g feta cheese, crumbled

Handful of fresh basil leaves

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the grill to high.

Brush the courgette slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Grill the courgette slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until tender and slightly charred.

Arrange the courgette and tomato slices on a serving platter.

Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Scatter the feta cheese and basil leaves over the top before serving.

Autumn: A Harvest Feast

As the weather cools, the autumn harvest brings a wealth of hearty and flavourful produce. Look out for:

Pumpkins and Squashes: Perfect for soups, stews, and roasting.

Apples and Pears: Great for baking and making preserves.

Cabbage and Kale: These leafy greens are packed with nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes.

Recipe Idea: Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Ingredients:

1 small pumpkin, peeled and cubed

2 carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 litre vegetable stock

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp ground coriander

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C.

Toss the pumpkin and carrots with olive oil, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

Spread the vegetables on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.

In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.

Add the roasted vegetables and vegetable stock to the pot.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

Blend the soup until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.

Garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Winter: Warming Comforts

Winter’s chill calls for hearty, warming dishes made with robust seasonal produce. Look for:

Root Vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and turnips are excellent for roasting and stews.

Brussels Sprouts: Often misunderstood, these can be delicious when roasted or sautéed with bacon.

Leeks: Perfect for soups and pies, leeks add a subtle, sweet flavour.

Recipe Idea: Root Vegetable Stew

Ingredients:

2 carrots, chopped

2 parsnips, chopped

1 turnip, chopped

1 leek, sliced

2 potatoes, chopped

1 litre vegetable stock

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp thyme

1 tsp rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot and sauté the garlic and leeks until soft.

Add the carrots, parsnips, turnip, and potatoes, and cook for a few minutes.

Add the thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a simmer.

Cook for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Cooking with seasonal produce not only enriches our meals with the freshest flavours but also keeps us connected to the natural cycles of the year. By celebrating the best of what each season has to offer, we can enjoy a varied and delicious diet all year round. Happy cooking!

Boost Your Immunity With the Winter Watercress Challenge

Did you know that by eating or one bag of watercress a week you can supercharge your health and immune system this winter? 

The Watercress Company, the UK's largest grower of watercress is encouraging us all to eat more of the nutrient-packed leafy green in their Winter Watercress Challenge.

Watercress is a winter superfood. Just one nutrient-packed bag of watercress a week (or more if you like) is a step in the right direction to give your immune system the tools it needs to do its job effectively.

According to the nutrient density index, watercress hits the maximum score of 1000¹, putting it in joint first place with kale and way ahead of other well-known superfoods like blueberries, edamame, broccoli or spinach.

Just 100g of watercress contains more than half our recommended intake of vitamin A, which is required for a strong immune system, as well as improving iron absorption.

Gram for gram, the plant contains more vitamin C than an orange, which also helps us to absorb iron more efficiently, more folate than a banana and more vitamin E than broccoli. This all contributes to a robust and resilient immune system, enhancing your ability to defend against illnesses.

Award-winning registered nutritionist, Dr Lucy Williamson says, “The key to a good diet is eating a variety of 30 different plants a week (don't worry, that includes spices, nuts, pulses and herbs too). Just including watercress once a week is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient levels.”

Tom Amery, managing director of The Watercress Company says, “Watercress is nature's immune-boosting powerhouse. Incorporating just one portion to your diet once a week will be a delicious step towards supporting your health and resilience.” 

Whether a handful of watercress is added to your meal, to soups, sandwiches or blitzed up into pesto, this versatile green is easy to incorporate into your family's meal.

To kick start your Winter Watercress Challenge, simply grab one bag of fresh watercress a week from your local supermarket, or from The Watercress Company: www.watercress.co.uk, and let the green superfood transform your winter wellness. 

Simple recipes to try:

Watercress Pesto 

40g Watercress

2 tbsp Olive oil

Handful of nuts – pine or hazelnut are good options

30g Hard cheese like Parmesan (plus extra for grating)

Salt

Add the watercress, oil, nuts, cheese and a generous pinch of salt to a blender and blitz until everything is combined. Loosen the mixture with the olive oil; add a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached. 

Watercress Soup with an Egg

Serves 2 | Prep time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins

60g watercress

30g spinach

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 large potato, chopped small approx. 150g

50ml crème fraiche

2 eggs

In a pan, gently soften the shallot in a little oil before setting aside. 

In a pot, boil the chopped potato until soft. Add the watercress and spinach at the last moment, allow to cook for no more than a minute. Strain the mixture but reserve the cooking liquid. 

Add the shallot to the potato mixture and, using a hand blender, blitz everything together. Add the reserved cooking liquid a little at a time to thin it out to your desired texture. 

Stir though the crème fraiche and season to taste with salt and pepper. 

To serve, poach 2 eggs for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, until the whites are cooked but the yolk is runny. Serve the soup in 2 bowls and place an egg in each. 

Enjoy piping hot with crusty bread. 

Asda brings back soup, roll and unlimited Tea and Coffee for just £1 for the winter months

Asda has announced it’s bringing back it’s popular café ‘winter warmer’ £1 meal deal scheme to support the over 60s this winter, as they continue to face increased financial pressures during the cost-living crisis.

From 1st November until the end of February, Asda are offering people aged 60 and over the chance to enjoy soup, a roll and unlimited tea and coffee for just £1 in any of Asda’s 205 cafes. 

Asda first launched Winter Warmers in November 2022 for two months in a bid to support older customers who were disproportionately affected by spiralling living costs, with 65-to-74-year-olds experiencing a £163 year-on-year drop in disposable income in August 2022. The initiative saw over 650,000 £1 soup meals served.

The offer is available all day during the period in question and will run alongside the Kids eat for £1 offer which continues to be hugely popular, with over2.6 million meals served since its launch in June 2022, and over 180,000 in the last four weeks alone.

The latest figures from Asda’s income tracker reveal 40% of the lowest earning households still experienced negative disposable income in September, meaning their income doesn't cover what they need to spend on bills and other essentials.

Kris Comerford, Asda’s Chief Commercial Officer said: “We know winter is set to be incredibly hard for thousands of pensioners as they continue to worry about how to keep themselves warm in the face of rising living costs and being on a fixed income.

"Last year we served over 650,000 meals to the over 60s in two months, by bringing the initiative back for 2023 and extending it until February we hope it will prove just as impactful across the winter months for those who need it most.”

Selected Asda stores also run a ‘Community Cuppa’ campaign in our cafes by creating space for community groups who may otherwise struggle to meet due to rental costs or high energy costs. Spaces will be available on weekdays in November and December from 2pm to 6pm and all community group members who visit will receive unlimited free tea or coffee.

www.asda.com

Give your winter soups a bit of a boost with Wing Yip

With winter around the corner it’s time to leave the lunchtime salads and sandwiches behind and opt for a warming soup to help us through the cold days.

Packed full of fresh ingredients and spicy flavours, Oriental soups are an inspiring alternative to the typical tomato, chicken or vegetable.

Served as a filling meal in a bowl, delicious and nutritious Oriental noodle-based soups are perfect for hungry appetites on a chilly day.

Leading Oriental grocer, Wing Yip, stocks a range of ingredients that are perfect for creating big saucepans of tasty and wholesome soups.

Mr Wing Yip said: “Soups are easy to make at home and are a great way of experimenting with new flavour combinations from simple ingredients – and ensure you add some Oriental spices and Wing Yip soup pastes to liven up the tastebuds.”

Wing Yip is the UK’s leading Chinese grocer, with stores in Birmingham, Manchester, Cricklewood and Croydon. With over 3,000 products from the Far East stocked online at www.wingyipstore.com and in store.

To get you started try the following popular Oriental soup recipes at home.

Hot and Sour Soup

This soup is popular because it has so many different flavours - pepper hot, slightly sweet and savoury. Our version uses spicy szechuan bean sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 jar Wing Yip Spicy Szechuan Bean Sauce
• 113g lean pork (finely sliced into strips)
• 28g Dried sliced Chinese mushrooms (soaked & shredded)
• 14g Wood Ear Fungus (soaked and shredded)
• 1/2 pkt Soft Tofu (cut into 1cm cubes)
• 850 ml (11/2 pts) chicken stock
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 Tbsp Red or White Wine Vinegar
• 1 egg (beaten)
• 1 spring onion (finely chopped)
• 1 heaped tsp cornflour (mixed with 2 tsp water)
• 2 tsps peanut or vegetable oil
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Preparation

1. Heat both oils in a large pan and gently fry sliced pork for 5 minutes.
2. Add Wing Yip Spicy Szechuan Bean Sauce, fungus, mushrooms and stock. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
3. Add pepper and vinegar, adjust seasoning, then the diced tofu.
4. Bring back to the boil and add cornflour.
5. Then add beaten egg in a stream, stirring carefully with a fork in a circular motion. Turn off heat and cover pan for 1 minute.
6. Serve with chopped spring onions to garnish.

Thai Spicy Noodle Soup

There are many versions of this ever popular street food but the vital ingredients are; good quality stock, lime juice, chillies and fresh herbs to garnish. A meal in a bowl, this recipe is quick and easy to prepare using a Tom Yum soup base. Recipe is for one so do double quantities if cooking for more.

Ingredients

• 1 small chicken breast or 100g minced pork
• 1 tsp cornflour (if using minced pork)
• 1 clove garlic (crushed with the flat side of a knife)
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 400-500ml chicken stock
• 1 tsp Mai Siam Tom Yum soup paste
• 5 Pak Choi leaves
• 1 handful bean sprouts
• 1 red chilli (optional)
• 3 sprigs fresh coriander
• 2 sprigs mint (take the leaves off the stems)
• 2 tsp Mai Siam fish sauce (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp sugar (to taste)
• 1 clove garlic (crushed)
• 1-2 lime wedges
• 100g Mai Siam flat rice noodles (dry weight)

Preparation

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a small pan and quickly fry the garlic.
2. Before it burns, add the chicken stock and bring it to the boil.
3. Add the Tom Yum paste and when the soup is boiling, add the sliced chicken breast.
4. If using minced pork; season lightly with fish sauce and pepper, add 1 tsp of cornflour, mix well and form into balls the size of a small marble.
5. Drop the meatballs into the boiling stock and add fish sauce and a little sugar to taste.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the noodles in another pan by boiling in hot water.
7. Strain and keep aside.
8. When the meat is cooked, add the noodles and pak choi.
9. When the pak choi is al dente, take the noodles off the heat and pour into a large bowl.
10. Garnish with beansprouts, coriander and mint leaves.
11. Serves, steaming hot, with lime wedges.

www.wingyip.com/