Embark on a Flavourful Journey: Starting Your Own Culinary Herb Garden

In the realm of culinary delights, there's something special about fresh herbs. They possess the power to transform an ordinary dish into a culinary masterpiece, elevating flavors and tantalsing taste buds.

Imagine plucking a sprig of fragrant basil or snipping some zesty cilantro straight from your own garden to enhance your favorite recipes. 

If you've ever dreamed of cultivating your own culinary herbs but didn't know where to begin, fear not! Starting your own herb garden is a gratifying journey that promises both culinary and aesthetic rewards.

Why Cultivate Your Own Culinary Herb Garden?

Before diving into the practicalities, let's ponder the numerous benefits of nurturing your own herb garden:

Fresher Flavours: Nothing compares to the taste of freshly harvested herbs. Shop-bought herbs, while convenient, often lack the vibrancy and potency of just-picked varieties.

Cost-effective: Growing your own herbs can save you money in the long run. A small investment in seeds or seedlings can yield abundant harvests, providing you with a continuous supply of herbs without the need to frequently purchase expensive packaged varieties.

Health Benefits: Herbs are not only flavoruful but also packed with health-promoting compounds. Incorporating fresh herbs into your diet can enhance the nutritional value of your meals and contribute to overall well-being.

Sustainable Living: By growing your own herbs, you reduce reliance on commercially produced herbs that may involve extensive transportation and packaging. Cultivating herbs at home promotes sustainability and reduces your carbon footprint.

Getting Started:

Now that we've established the compelling reasons to start your own herb garden, let's delve into the practical steps to kick-start your botanical adventure:

Choose the Right Location: Most culinary herbs thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Select a spot in your garden or balcony that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Select Your Herbs: Consider which herbs you use most frequently in your cooking and start with those. Popular choices for culinary herb gardens include basil, parsley, coriander (also known as cilantro), rosemary, thyme, mint, and chives. Begin with a few varieties to keep things manageable.

Prepare the Soil: Ensure your soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If you're growing herbs in containers, use a high-quality potting mix specifically formulated for herbs or vegetables.

Planting: Whether you opt for seeds or starter plants, follow the instructions on the seed packets or plant labels for proper spacing and depth. Water your newly planted herbs gently but thoroughly.

Care and Maintenance: Regular watering, weeding, and occasional fertilization will keep your herb garden thriving. Monitor your herbs for signs of pests or diseases and address any issues promptly.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Herbs:

As your herbs flourish, it's time to reap the rewards of your efforts:

Harvesting: To encourage bushy growth and ensure a continuous supply of herbs, harvest them frequently. Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip off the outer leaves or stems, taking care not to damage the plant.

Preserving: Extend the shelf life of your herbs by drying, freezing, or preserving them in oil or vinegar. These methods allow you to enjoy your homegrown herbs even during the offseason.

Culinary Creativity: Let your imagination run wild in the kitchen! Experiment with different combinations of herbs to add depth and complexity to your dishes. From fresh pesto and herb-infused oils to flavorful marinades and garnishes, the possibilities are endless.

Embarking on the journey of starting your own culinary herb garden is a rewarding endeavor that enriches both your palate and your soul. With a bit of planning, patience, and tender loving care, you can cultivate a thriving herb garden that enhances your culinary creations and brings joy to your daily life. So roll up your sleeves, dig in the dirt, and let the aromatic allure of fresh herbs inspire your culinary adventures!

And don't forget to ask any more experienced gardeners you know for their expertise and guidance. Most are only too happy to offer their help.

Cultivating Healthy Habits: Strategies to Encourage Children to Eat Vegetables

Encouraging children to eat vegetables can often feel like an uphill battle for many parents and caregivers. 

However, instilling healthy eating habits early in life is crucial for the overall well-being and development of children. 

Vegetables are packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that support growth, boost immunity, and promote overall health. Therefore, finding creative and effective ways to incorporate vegetables into children's diets is essential. 

Here we will explore various strategies to encourage children to eat vegetables and make mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Lead by Example:

Children learn by observing the behavior of those around them, particularly their parents and caregivers. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to encourage children to eat vegetables is by setting a good example. Make sure to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your own meals and demonstrate enthusiasm for healthy eating. When children see adults enjoying vegetables, they are more likely to follow suit.

Get Children Involved:

Involve children in the meal preparation process from an early age. Take them grocery shopping and let them choose their favorite vegetables. Encourage them to participate in meal planning, cooking, and even gardening if possible. When children feel involved in the process, they develop a sense of ownership and are more likely to try new foods, including vegetables.

Make it Fun:

Make eating vegetables a fun and enjoyable experience for children. Experiment with different cooking methods, such as roasting, grilling, or steaming, to enhance flavor and texture. Get creative with presentations by arranging vegetables into fun shapes or creating colorful and visually appealing dishes. Consider hosting themed vegetable nights or incorporating vegetables into fun snacks like veggie skewers or homemade veggie pizzas.

Encourage Children to Grow their own vegetables:

Allow your children to have their own plot in the garden where thy can grow their own vegetables. Also take a look at buying them microgreen kits.

Offer Choices:

Give children choices when it comes to vegetables. Offer a variety of options and let them select which vegetables they would like to include in their meals. Providing options empowers children and gives them a sense of control over their food choices. Additionally, be open to their preferences and be willing to accommodate their tastes within reason.

Sneak Vegetables into Meals:

For picky eaters who are resistant to eating vegetables, consider sneaking them into their favorite dishes. Puree vegetables and incorporate them into sauces, soups, or smoothies. Add grated or finely chopped vegetables to dishes like pasta sauces, casseroles, or meatloaf. This way, children can enjoy their favorite meals while still getting the nutritional benefits of vegetables.

Be Patient and Persistent:

Encouraging children to eat vegetables may require patience and persistence. It's normal for children to be hesitant or resistant to trying new foods, including vegetables. Avoid pressuring or forcing children to eat vegetables, as this can create negative associations with food. Instead, continue to offer vegetables regularly, and be patient as children gradually develop their palates and preferences.

Celebrate Successes:

Celebrate small victories and successes along the way. Praise children when they try new vegetables or willingly eat their veggies without fuss. Positive reinforcement can help reinforce healthy eating habits and motivate children to continue making nutritious choices.

Encouraging children to eat vegetables is essential for their growth, development, and overall health. By incorporating these strategies into your approach, you can make mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience while instilling lifelong healthy eating habits in children. 

Remember to lead by example, get children involved, make it fun, offer choices, sneak vegetables into meals, be patient and persistent, and celebrate successes along the way. With patience, creativity, and a positive attitude, you can help children develop a love for vegetables that will last a lifetime.

Deliciously Fibrelicious: How to Add Fibre to Your Diet in Tasty Ways

In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, we often hear about the importance of fibre in our diet. 

Fibre not only aids in digestion but also plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy weight, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, and keeping our gut microbiome happy. 

However, finding ways to incorporate fiber into our meals without sacrificing taste can sometimes feel like a challenge. Fear not! In this blog post, we'll explore some delicious and appealing ways to boost your fibre intake while tantalising your taste buds.

Start Your Day with Fibre:

The morning is the perfect time to kick-start your fibre intake. Swap out refined cereals for whole grain options like oats, barley, or quinoa. 

These grains are not only rich in fibre but also provide a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Mix in some fruits like berries, bananas, or apples for an extra fibre punch. You can also sprinkle some ground flaxseeds or chia seeds for added texture and nutrients.

Go Green with Your Salads:

Salads are an excellent opportunity to load up on fibre-rich vegetables. Incorporate a variety of leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula as the base of your salad. Then, toss in colorful veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes for added crunch and fibre content. Don't forget to add some protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make your salad more filling and satisfying.

Embrace Legumes:

Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are nutritional powerhouses packed with fibre, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Incorporate them into soups, stews, salads, or even dips like hummus. Whip up a delicious and fibre-rich chili using black beans, kidney beans, and plenty of vegetables. You can also make a flavorful lentil curry or add chickpeas to your favorite pasta dishes for an extra fibre boost.

Snack Smartly:

Snacking doesn't have to be synonymous with processed junk food. Instead, opt for fibre-rich snacks that will keep you energised and satisfied between meals. Reach for fresh fruits like apples, pears, or oranges paired with a handful of nuts or seeds for a balanced snack. 

Greek yogurt topped with berries and a drizzle of honey is another tasty and fibre-filled option. You can also prepare homemade trail mix using whole grain cereals, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits for a convenient on-the-go snack.

Get Creative with Whole Grains:

Ditch the refined grains and opt for whole grain alternatives to boost your fibre intake. Experiment with different types of whole grain bread, pasta, and rice to find your favorites. Quinoa, brown rice, farro, and Bulgar are excellent options to incorporate into your meals. Use whole grain wraps or tortillas for sandwiches and wraps, and swap regular flour with whole wheat flour in your baking recipes.

Adding fibre to your diet doesn't have to be boring or bland. By incorporating a variety of fibre-rich foods into your meals and snacks, you can enjoy delicious and satisfying dishes while reaping the numerous health benefits that fibre has to offer. 

Get creative in the kitchen, experiment with new ingredients, and soon you'll find yourself on the path to a happier and healthier lifestyle—one fibrelicious bite at a time.

Trewithen Dairy Tells You How To Make The Perfect Latte At Home

With Trewithen Dairy's justifiably renowned Cornish Barista Milk now available nationally in Ocado and regionally in SPAR and Lidl branches, the leading Cornish dairy is spilling the (coffee) beans on how to create the perfect latte at home with their award-winning barista milk that produces a genuinely superior milk froth.

According to recent research by Mintel, the market intelligence agency, consumers are entering a 'fourth wave' of premium home-crafted coffee. 

With the rising popularity of home barista setups, Trewithen Dairy's Cornish Barista Milk is helping coffee enthusiasts bring the coffee shop experience into their own homes, resulting in a perfect barista quality coffee. Sourced from local Cornish farms and crafted with care, the quality milk is specially designed to complement the rich flavours of coffee, resulting in a velvety and indulgent latte.

Try Trewithen's top tips on how to create the perfect latte and remember that practice makes perfect!

Making the perfect foam

Trewithen Dairy's Cornish Barista Milk is perfect for creating barista style microfroam due to its ideal protein (3.5%) and butterfat (4%) combination which creates a creamy texture and silky, longer lasting microfoam.

Fill one third of your milk jug to allow space in the jug for the milk to expand and enough milk to get the required foaming motion.

Give the steam arm a quick purge before using to clear any excess steam. 

Place the steam arm just underneath the surface of the milk and after a few short 'chirps' lower the steam arm further into the milk, positioning it at the side of the jug. This should initiate a swirling motion in the milk. Heat the milk to around 65 °C and froth until it reaches a velvety consistency. 

Pulling your espresso

For any good coffee it's important to start with high quality coffee for a robust and flavourful base. Whether you're using an espresso machine or a coffee pod, you'll need around 25-30ml of espresso coffee. Start running the shot of espresso as soon as you begin foaming your milk so that it is ready to go. Ideally, you're looking for a golden crema on top of the surface of your espresso.

Mastering the pour

After foaming your milk, gently tap the jug or bump on a table to remove any unwanted air bubbles and get ready for the pour.

Starting from a relatively high position of 2-3” above the cup with a central aim, pour the frothed milk over the espresso in a slow, steady stream until the cup is nearly half full. Continue to pour whilst gradually lowering the milk and steepening your pouring angle, adding a little wiggle to your wrist. Once almost full, pick up the jug and move it forward as you go, to create your first heart pattern. 

You can enhance your latte with syrups, spices, or flavoured powders to suit your taste preferences.

Trewithen Dairy would love coffee fans to share their at-home latte creations on social media using the hashtag #trewbarista for a chance to be featured on their official channels.

For more information on Trewithen Dairy and its range of premium dairy products, please visit www.trewithendairy.co.uk.

Celebrate Fibre February with Matthews Cotswold Flour

Did you know it is Fibre February? Matthews Cotswold Flour wants everyone to know that it's Fibre February and Matthews Cotswold Flour, which is Britain's leading speciality flour producer, is marking Fibre February by encouraging everyone to eat more fibre and sharing easy ways to do it.

Bertie Matthews, Managing Director, says: “Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is a challenge in our busy, modern lives and an estimated 90% of adults don't hit their 30g daily fibre target. 

"Fibre is important for keeping our gut healthy and it may help to reduce our risk of heart disease,  stroke, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer.”

He continues: ”The Fibre February campaign was designed to encourage everyone to boost their fibre intake and using high fibre flours, like malted rye, in your baking, is a quick and tasty way to do that. So we've created a fantastic Rye Sandwich Loaf recipe to celebrate Fibre February and to get you on your way to more fibre in your diet.” 

Throughout February, Matthews Cotswold Flour will be sharing high fibre recipes with their Baking Club and social communities and offering discounts on some of their high in fibre Rye and Ancient Grain flours.

For more information on Fibre February visit Cotswold Flour www.cotswoldflour.com or follow @CotswoldFlour on Instagram or Facebook. 

The Flour Advisory Bureau has some great recipes and hints on fibre and you can visit them at https://fabflour.co.uk/fab-nutrition/fibre/fibrefebruary

Pruning While Respecting The Environment: Discover Château de Pommard's Pruning Method

As the world increasingly prioritises sustainability, Chateau de Pommard is proud to employ eco-friendly vine pruning practices, revolutionising how vineyards maintain their crops while minimising environmental impact.

How is this done? For a start, Chateau de Pommard uses different types of pruning adapted to each vine, always preserving the sap flow of the vines to guarantee their longevity. 

Chateau de Pommard's vineyard manager Jean-Rémi explained: "We shape our young vines using the 'Guyot Simple' pruning method, which is the most suitable for our grape varieties and plant densities. 

He went on to say: "On older vines with two distinct sap paths, we use the Guyot-Poussard method, a variant of Guyot Simple. The difference is, we position two spurs, one on each flow. Finally, on old vines that are quite high, we often prune them in Cordons de Royat, meaning we leave four spurs."

Pruning while respecting the environment

Throughout the winter, as you drive along the Route des Grands Crus, you can see clouds of smoke from the burning of vine shoots. While tolerated, this practice harms air and health, so Château de Pommard's team banned it some years ago. 

Chateau de Pommard chose to recycle its canes from pruning. The cut shoots are bundled in the rows and removed by the team. One part will be shredded and composted with bovine manure, which will be spread in the autumn. Chateau de Pommard's partner, Vitis Valorem, will collect and recycle the other part into biodegradable staples for trellising.

This method is part of Chateau de Pommard's commitment to respecting the environment. Through various eco-friendly initiatives, Chateau de Pommard aims to transform the Clos Marey-Monge, its 20-hectare biodynamic-certified vineyard, into a self-reliant viticultural ecosystem and protect it for the next 300 years.

www.chateaudepommard.com

Now Open: Mr Fogg's City Tavern

Mr Fogg's City Tavern, the brand-new bar and restaurant in Broadgate Circle near Liverpool Street, is now open.

As guests enter the venue, they are met with a warm and welcoming interior with a ceiling bedecked in everything from bunting, Victorian boxing gloves, a rocking chair, tankards, wooden hot air balloons and flags collected from Phileas' travels around the world. 

The wood-paneled tavern features characterful portraits of Fogg's varied friends and tables made from glass display cabinets, showcasing prized collectibles. Adjoining the Tavern is the sumptuous Saloon, akin to the traditional tavern reception room for games playing and conducting business, with luxuriously upholstered sofas and low seating. This will lead to The Snug, another classic addition to Victorian pubs, a slightly separated area that offers a transitional space between Tavern and Saloon

The cocktail menu features punches, for one, two or four to share, alongside 'Matron's Tipples' that provide a modern take on classic cocktails. Highlights include:

Mexican Berry Biff £14 / £26 / £50

Citrusy / Vibrant / Fruity

Patrón Silver tequila, Martini Fiero vermouth, raspberry shrub, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice

Blue Bull Negroni £14.5

Boozy / Aromatic / Complex

Blue butterfly pea flower-infused Bombay Sapphire gin, Martini Riserva Speciale Ambrato vermouth, Luxardo Bitter Bianco aperitif and Nardini Acqua di Cedro liqueur mist

The Gilded Portfolio £15

Boozy / Aromatic / Complex

Hennessy V.S. cognac, Martini Riserva Speciale Rubino vermouth, Cointreau Noir orange liqueur, Guinness reduction syrup and Ardbeg 10yr Scotch whisky mist

The food menu features elevated classic tavern options such as the homemade chicken & leek pie served with creamy mash potato and red wine onion gravy, vegan shepherd's pie with tenderstem broccoli and vegan gravy and ribeye steak sandwich with melted blue cheese, caramelised onions, and American mustard on a sourdough bloomer. 

Every Saturday, Mr Fogg's City Tavern will host the Live Music Brunch featuring Midnight Rye Society. Guest are treated to a savoury main course and a sweet dessert course with 90 minutes of free-flowing prosecco or punch for £48. 

Savoury dishes include Eggs Benedict with crispy bacon on an English muffin lathered with homemade Hollandaise sauce or Fogg's Famous Fry-up featuring pork sausage, bacon rashers, fried egg, roasted cherry vine tomatoes, portobello mushroom, black pudding, Heinz baked beans, and a hash brown. Sweet dishes range from homemade pancakes with maple syrup, fruit, and coconut yogurt to The Tropical Mess featuring cinnamon meringue, coconut rum cream, mango, pineapple, and shaved toasted coconut.

Later in 2024, the downstairs area The Luggage Room will be opened to the public featuring experiential and immersive aspects that Mr Fogg's venues are known for.

www.mr-foggs.com/mr-foggs-city-tavern

IG: @MrFoggsGB

Mr Fogg's City Tavern 

37 Broadgate Circle,

Liverpool Street,

London EC2M 2QS

Opening Times:

Monday & Tuesday: 12pm - 9pm

Wednesday – Saturday: 12pm - 12am

Sunday: Closed

FACTFILE: Mr Fogg's are well-loved for their unique, eclectic and immersive hospitality concepts across London including Mayfair based Mr Fogg's Residence, modelled on the actual home of Jules Verne's character Phileas Fogg, Mr Fogg's Apothecary, just opposite Claridge's, Mr Fogg's Tavern, a Victorian-inspired pub in Covent Garden, and Mr Fogg's Gin Parlour, which serves over 300 different gins. 

2018 saw the arrival of three new Mr Fogg's concepts, Mr Fogg's House of Botanicals, a Fitzrovia-based floral oasis, Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration, just minutes away from Charing Cross station as well as the newly launched Mr Fogg's Pawnbrokers and Mr Fogg's Hat Tavern & Gin Club in Soho.

Free Etching on Classic Mathmos Astro Lava Lamps

Yes, if you order your Astro Lava Lamp before 5pm on Friday the 9th of February you can have a special message etched on a new Classic Mathmos Astro lava lamp.

And if your order is for delivery to someone within the UK, Matmos will arrange for it to be delivered on or before the 13th Feb in time for Valentine's Day.

The free personalisation is for this week only. A spokesperson said: "We can etch on the full range of Mathmos Astros, polished, vinyl, copper, black or platinum vinyl. Etching is usually £10."

"It's a lovely way to personalise a gift or put your own stamp on a Mathmos classic."

To learn about the personalisation service please visit here:- https://shorturl.at/hELQ9

To learn about ordering lamps please visit here:- https://shorturl.at/hksC7

Now Swizzels has 70 reasons for you to love Love Hearts

70 years ago the Korean War was being waged, smog was a problem in London and other major industrialised cities, Anne Frank's Diary was published in English, Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, Singin' in the Rain was released and Swizzels introduced Love Hearts.

And this year, the UK’s most favourite sweet maker, Swizzels, is celebrating the Love Hearts 70th Anniversary, offering up a whole range of sweet treats in time for Valentine’s Day to help share the love.

Whatever your age, whatever your budget, Swizzels’ range of Love Hearts treats is all about spreading love and positivity, making it the perfect gift to show someone you care.

Be they your, beau, beloved, darling, dearest, inamorata or inamorato, your paramour, Romeo or your Juliet, your swain or your sweetheart, you can shower them with Love and with Love Hearts. And the range is vegan-friendly too, so that's one less thing to worry about.

Love Hearts gift drums, jam-packed full of Love Hearts mini rolls, making for a most special gift, now sold at B&M stores at a RRP of £2.50.

Giant Love Hearts rolls, RRP 45p per roll

Originals Love Hearts hanging bags, RRP £1.25

Love Hearts multipacks, including giant rolls

Love Hearts clip strips

All of the above are available nationwide from major supermarkets and convenience stores.

For those seeking a personalised touch, fans can create their own Giant Love Hearts rolls for just £1.49 on the Swizzels website, here https://www.swizzels.com/shop/personalised-giant-love-hearts.

https://swizzels.com

Swizzel's are running a pretty unique competition to celebrate the 70th Anniversary where you can win your very own personalised 500 mini rolls of Love Hearts, featuring your own message on the sweets and on the wrapper. Enter here:- https://swizzels.com/lovehearts-70years.

A Minty Treat for your sweet? Ask for Peppersmiths

Everyone who I know loves mints. So why not give the sweet soul in your life some really neat minty treats, courtesy of Peppersmiths?

The only products Peppersmith makes are 100% naturally tasty, feel good treats. 

Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles are bursting with 100% natural flavours and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that are also actively good for you. 

So not only are you giving the love of your life some delicious treats, you are giving them something that's good for them, too? (If that doesn't earn you extra points...)

Peppersmith Taster Pack £16.99 from www.peppersmith.co.uk

You'll both be able to pucker up with Peppersmith!

From Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles to refreshing Peppermint Mints and Gum, the natural flavours include peppermint and spearmint oils, eucalyptus, Sicilian lemons and delicious strawberries, giving you banging flavours, freshening up your breath and caring for your dental health all in one!

https://peppersmith.co.uk/collections/bestsellers/products/taster-pack-12-x-15g-mixed-pocket-packs-2