A Feast Fit for Mum: Special Meals for Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday is a perfect, wonderful opportunity to show appreciation for the incredible mums in our lives. 

What better way to do so than with a beautifully prepared meal? 

Whether you're planning a decadent breakfast, a lavish lunch, or a delightful afternoon tea, we have plenty of ideas to help you create a memorable dining experience for your mum, or the mother figure in your life.

Here’s a range of special meals to consider for the occasion.

Breakfast in Bed: A Luxurious Start

Begin the day with a delicious and beautifully presented breakfast in bed. Consider these options:

Classic Eggs Benedict – Poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin for a rich and wonderfully indulgent start.

Fluffy Pancakes with Berries & Honey – Serve with clotted cream and a drizzle of local honey for an extra touch of luxury.

Homemade Granola & Yoghurt – A lighter but still special choice, packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit.

Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice & Coffee – No breakfast is complete without a fresh, invigorating drink.

Lavish Mother’s Day Lunch

For a truly indulgent meal, consider preparing a three-course lunch. Here’s a menu that will make the day feel extra special:

Starter:

Creamy Leek & Potato Soup – Served with warm, crusty bread and a swirl of cream.

Smoked Salmon & Avocado Salad – A light but elegant way to begin the meal.

Main Course:

Traditional Sunday Roast – Roast beef, lamb, or chicken with all the trimmings, including Yorkshire puddings and rich gravy.

Stuffed Butternut Squash (Vegetarian Option) – Filled with quinoa, feta, and roasted vegetables for a wholesome treat.

Dessert:

Raspberry & White Chocolate Cheesecake – Creamy and indulgent, perfect for a sweet ending.

Lemon Drizzle Cake – A zesty, refreshing choice that pairs beautifully with tea.

Afternoon Tea Delights

A classic afternoon tea is a wonderful way to celebrate Mothering Sunday. Create an elegant spread with:

Finger Sandwiches – Fill them with cucumber & cream cheese, smoked salmon, or egg & cress.

Homemade Scones – Serve with clotted cream and jam for a quintessentially British treat.

Mini Victoria Sponges – Light sponge cakes filled with jam and cream.

Selection of Fine Teas – Earl Grey, Darjeeling, or herbal infusions for a relaxing experience.

Elegant Mother’s Day Dinner

End the day on a high note with a candlelit dinner. Some wonderful options include:

Starter: Goat’s Cheese Tartlets with Caramelised Onion

Main: Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce & Asparagus

Dessert: Dark Chocolate Fondant with Vanilla Ice Cream

Pair the meal with a glass of prosecco or a special non-alcoholic cocktail.

Final Touches to Make It Extra Special

Personalised Menus – Print or handwrite a little menu for the meal.

Fresh Flowers – A simple bouquet can brighten the table.

Handmade Treats – Send mum home with a small box of homemade truffles or biscuits.

However you choose to celebrate, the most important thing is the love and effort you put into making Mothering Sunday truly special. Happy cooking, and happy Mother’s Day!

Gourmet Cheese Inspiration for Shrove Tuesday!

For those who love pancakes and also love cheese, here are some ideas from France to help you combine your two loves.

In France, crêpes are a very popular dish throughout the whole year, from sweet indulgence in the form of crêpes griottines (Kirsch-syrup soaked cherries from Fougerolles in the Haute-Saône) and Crêpes Suzette, which were named by man who was to become King Edward VII, to more savoury options such as Breton Galettes where the batter is made with buckwheat.

When it comes to Shrove Tuesday, French celebrations are not just centred around pancakes, but many enjoy other delicious batter-based products in the form of doughnuts and waffles. As in the UK, savoury and sweet options are popular with European cheese being a particularly versatile filling. If you'd like to 'get off the beaten track' (Sorry! pun intended!), try Fourme d'Ambert PDO pancakes with spiced caramelised pears.

This blue-veined cheese, made in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhônes-Alpes region, has a mild, creamy flavour and is an ideal ally in cooking. Its subtle scent of woodland undergrowth goes wonderfully well with sweet, ripened pears.

For something a little more traditional, cheese and ham make a perfect pancake partnership. For a full flavoured combination, add a few slices of Bayonne ham to one or two melting cheese such as Comté PDO, Beaufort PDO or Emmental de Savoie PGI.

For something savoury but still indulgent, a French cheese stuffed waffle is the perfect Shrove Tuesday treat. It's a 'waffley good' take on a cheese toastie. Cheese waffles are the perfect lunch or light supper when served with a delicious green salad. You can also experiment with your favourite grated cheeses, providing endless options for your waffle maker!

Cheese stuffed waffles

Serves 8 people

Preparation time: 10 minutes for the batter

Resting time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 4 minutes per waffle

Ingredients

250g flour

1/2 sachet of baking powder

80g melted butter

3 eggs

400 ml whole milk

1/2 tsp of salt

150g of Abondance PDO cheese

150g of Morbier PDO cheese

10 sprigs of chopped flat parsley

Method

1/ Finely grate the cheeses and mix each with the chopped parsley

2/ Mix the flour with the baking powder

3/ In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs with the salt for 2 minutes, add the melted butter and beat again.

4/ Mix in the flour well and then add in milk little by little to avoid the mix becoming lumpy

5/ Leave to rest for half an hour in the refrigerator

6/ Oil the waffle maker, ladle in the mixture and close.

7/ Cook for 3-4 minutes

8/ Take out the waffle and immediately use a knife to slice open into two pieces, leaving one of the long sides attached.

9/ Repeat this with each of the waffles, until you have used up the batter

10/ Take each waffle and spread the cheese and parsley mix onto the interior of each waffle.

11/ Close and place each waffle back in the waffle maker for about 30 seconds

12/ Serve hot with a small salad

Tip: The stuffed waffles can be made with any grated cheese. You can also replace the parsley with spring onions for a stronger taste.

Whilst pancakes are invariably considered a treat, this fromage frais with spinach recipe is filled with green vegetables and would make a delicious lunch or dinner any time of year. Fromage frais is made with whole or semi-skimmed milk mixed with cream and is known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavours. This versatile cheese can be used in sweet and savoury recipes, and it is perfect for those looking for a lighter alternative to cream and heavier cheeses.

Pancakes with fromage frais and crispy vegetables

Serves 4 people

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Resting time - One hour

Cooking time: 5 minutes per pancake

Ingredients:

For the pancakes

75g flour

100g chopped spinach

1 tablespoon of melted butter

1 sachet of baking powder

1 egg

200ml buttermilk

2 pinches of salt

For the garnish

150g of natural fromage frais

1 handful of fresh young spinach

100g of cooked peas

A small handful of mange tout

1/2 courgette finely sliced into rounds

1 spring onion finely chopped

10 sprigs of chopped chives

10 mint leaves

Sprouting leek seeds

30ml Skyr

1 tablespoon of runny honey

Method

1/ Wash and wring out the spinach and mix with the buttermilk, egg and melted butter.

2/ Mix the flour, baking powder and salt and add to the well mixed spinach

3/ Leave to rest for one hour

4/ Heat the pan with a little butter and make your pancakes nice and thick

5/ When cooked, spread the fromage frais onto two/ thirds of each pancake.

6/ Add the fresh vegetables and season before closing each pancake

7/ Serve with a drizzle of Skyr mixed with runny honey

Tip: If you don't like salt and sugar together, use a vinaigrette or balsamic vinegar, instead.

Back at work, at last!

Hi! It's been a while since our blogs were operating at peak efficiency. Please let me explain what happened. These blogs are run by us, a husband and wife team.

About five weeks ago we contracted an infection that took powerful "big gun" antibiotics and antivirals before we began to feel better. 

Medical staff concluded that it was a new version of COVID that is sweeping the nation. 

The two major hospitals near our home are up to capacity dealing with people who caught the infection but who are worse off than we are/were.

We are both following the advice here: https://thatsfoodanddrink.blogspot.com/2025/02/combatting-post-viral-fatigue-foods.html. How I managed to muster up the energy to research and write that blogpost was something of a miracle in itself!  

We are both still feeling tired and are still having to take it easy, but onward and upwards as they say!

Combating Post-Viral Fatigue: Foods, Drinks, and Supplements to Support Recovery

Post-viral fatigue can leave you feeling drained, foggy, and struggling to get through the day. 

Whether you are recovering from a recent illness or dealing with lingering fatigue, nourishing your body with the right foods, drinks, and supplements can play a crucial role in your recovery. 

Here’s a guide to natural ways to support your energy levels and overall well-being.

And yes, my wife and I are going through this list in order to beat our post viral fatigue!

Nutrient-Dense Foods for Recovery

1. Protein-Rich Foods

Protein is essential for repairing tissues and supporting immune function. Include:

Lean meats like chicken and turkey

Oily fish such as salmon and mackerel (rich in omega-3s)

Eggs, tofu, and legumes

Nuts and seeds for healthy fats and protein

2. Complex Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates provide a steady source of energy. Opt for:

Whole grains like quinoa, oats, and brown rice

Sweet potatoes for fibre and vitamins

Legumes such as lentils and chickpeas for a balanced energy boost

3. Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Antioxidants help combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Include:

Berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale

Brightly coloured vegetables like carrots and peppers

4. Healthy Fats

Good fats support brain health and energy levels. Try:

Avocados for monounsaturated fats

Olive oil for its anti-inflammatory properties

Nuts like walnuts and almonds

Hydrating and Restorative Drinks

1. Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can help soothe the body and provide immune-boosting benefits. Recommended options include:

Ginger tea for anti-inflammatory properties

Peppermint tea to aid digestion

Green tea for a gentle caffeine boost and antioxidants

2. Bone Broth

Rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, bone broth supports gut health and immune function.

3. Fresh Smoothies

Blending nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, banana, Greek yoghurt, and chia seeds can provide a convenient energy boost.

4. Coconut Water

A natural source of electrolytes to help combat dehydration and fatigue.

Supplements to Aid Recovery

1. Vitamin C

Supports the immune system and reduces inflammation. Citrus fruits, red peppers, and broccoli are great dietary sources.

2. Vitamin D

Essential for energy levels and immune function, especially if you have limited sun exposure. Consider supplementation if needed.

3. Magnesium

Helps with muscle recovery, relaxation, and reducing fatigue. Found in nuts, seeds, and leafy greens.

4. B Vitamins

B-complex vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, help combat fatigue and improve brain function. Good sources include eggs, dairy, and fortified foods.

5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

These support brain health and reduce inflammation. Found in oily fish or taken as a fish oil supplement.

6. Adaptogens

Herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola can help the body manage stress and improve resilience to fatigue.

Additional Lifestyle Tips

Prioritise Rest – Allow your body ample time to recover by getting quality sleep.

Gentle Movement – Low-impact activities like walking or yoga can help boost circulation without overexerting yourself.

Manage Stress – Practising mindfulness or breathing exercises can aid recovery.

Post-viral fatigue can be challenging, but by nourishing your body with the right nutrients and supporting your recovery holistically, you can gradually regain your energy and well-being.

Boost Your Immune System: The Best Foods and Supplements to Fight Off Flu Bugs and Colds

As the cold and flu season is here, it’s essential to strengthen your immune system to ward off pesky viruses. 

While good hygiene and adequate sleep play crucial roles in staying healthy, your diet can also be a powerful tool in preventing and fighting colds and flu. 

Here are the best foods and supplements to incorporate into your routine for optimal immunity.

Incidentally, nothing is guaranteed 100% and even though my wife and I follow these tips we came down with an infection that laid us low, which is why blogging activity has been severely curtailed, recently! Hopefully a normal service will be up and running soon.  

Immune-Boosting Foods

1. Citrus Fruits

Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are packed with vitamin C, a key nutrient that helps boost white blood cell production, which is vital for fighting infections.

2. Garlic

Garlic has powerful antimicrobial properties due to its high allicin content. It has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of colds while also enhancing the immune response.

3. Ginger

Ginger is well known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help relieve sore throats, combat nausea, and may have antiviral benefits.

4. Yoghurt

Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt help balance gut bacteria, which play a crucial role in immune function. A healthy gut microbiome supports better resistance against infections.

5. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with antioxidants that support immune health and help the body fight off infections.

6. Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are packed with vitamin E, zinc, and healthy fats that help maintain a robust immune system.

7. Chicken Soup

There’s truth behind the old remedy—chicken soup contains amino acids and minerals that support immune function and help alleviate cold symptoms.

8. Turmeric

Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has strong anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making it a great addition to your diet.

Beneficial Supplements

1. Vitamin C

Vitamin C supplements can help reduce the duration and severity of colds by enhancing immune function.

2. Vitamin D

Low vitamin D levels are associated with increased susceptibility to infections. During the winter months, supplementing with vitamin D can help keep your immune system strong.

3. Zinc

Zinc is crucial for immune function and has been shown to reduce the length of colds when taken at the first sign of symptoms.

4. Elderberry

Elderberry extract is packed with antioxidants and has antiviral properties that may help prevent and shorten the duration of colds and flu.

5. Echinacea

Echinacea supplements may help boost immune function and reduce the risk of catching colds.

6. Probiotics

Probiotic supplements help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for a strong immune response.

Final Thoughts

No single food or supplement can guarantee immunity from colds and flu, but incorporating these immune-boosting options into your daily routine can significantly improve your body’s ability to fight infections. Combine them with proper hygiene, adequate rest, and regular exercise for the best defence against seasonal illnesses. Stay healthy and flu-free this season!

Have any go-to remedies for staying healthy during flu season? Share them in the comments!

That's Christmas: Winter Comfort Foods Inspired by Christmas Dinners

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30 Red Flags That a Restaurant Might Not be a Good Choice

Choosing a restaurant can be a gamble, but some warning signs can help you avoid a disappointing (or even dangerous) dining experience. 

Here are 30 red flags that should make you think twice before sitting down for a meal.

1. Strange or Overwhelming Smells

If a restaurant smells of old grease, sewage, or strong cleaning chemicals, it’s a bad sign. A fresh, inviting aroma should greet you instead.

2. Sticky or Dirty Menus

Menus that are sticky, torn, or covered in food stains suggest poor hygiene practices throughout the establishment.

3. Unkempt or Unfriendly Staff

Disinterested, unclean, or rude staff can indicate deeper issues with management and overall service quality.

4. Unclean Floors and Tables

If you see crumbs, spills, or food debris left unattended, or floors with ground in dirt, chances are the kitchen isn’t any cleaner.

5. Overly Large or Unfocused Menu

A menu with hundreds of items often means the food isn’t fresh and may rely heavily on frozen or pre-prepared ingredients.

6. Unexplained Long Wait Times

Long waits during off-peak hours suggest understaffing or inefficiency in the kitchen.

7. Empty Dining Room at Peak Hours

A restaurant should be reasonably busy at mealtime. A deserted dining area could mean it has a bad reputation.

8. Cash-Only Policy Without Explanation

Some small businesses are cash-only, but if a full-service restaurant avoids card payments, it might be dodging tax obligations.

9. Dirty or Neglected washrooms or toilets

If a restaurant can’t keep its toilets clean, imagine what’s happening in the kitchen!

10. No Visible Food Hygiene Rating

In many countries, restaurants display their hygiene ratings. A missing or low rating is a major red flag.

11. Suspiciously Cheap Prices

While bargains are great, very low prices on meat and seafood dishes could mean poor quality or old ingredients.

12. Lack of Allergen Information

If staff can’t confidently answer questions about allergens, they likely don’t take food safety seriously.

13. Filthy Condiment Bottles

If ketchup, salt shakers, or sauce bottles are sticky or crusty, it’s a sign that cleanliness isn’t a priority.

14. Reheated or Microwaved Food

If food arrives suspiciously quickly or unevenly hot, it may have been microwaved rather than freshly prepared.

15. Overpowering Air Fresheners

Strong scents can be used to mask bad odours, which might suggest poor kitchen hygiene.

16. Pests or Signs of Them

Seeing cockroaches, flies, or rodents (or their droppings) is a major dealbreaker.

17. Multiple Bad Reviews Mentioning the Same Issue

One bad review is normal, but repeated complaints about food poisoning, rude service, or dirty conditions should be a warning.

18. Mismatched or Cheap Cutlery and Dishes

While not always a dealbreaker, broken or low-quality tableware can signal a lack of attention to detail.

19. Uncomfortable or Unmaintained Seating

Ripped chairs, wobbly tables, or uncomfortable seating show a lack of investment in customer experience.

20. Overworked and Stressed Staff

If the waitstaff seem frantic and overwhelmed, it could mean management isn’t treating them well or that they’re severely understaffed.

21. Questionable Food Storage

If you see ingredients left out at room temperature, open containers, or cross-contamination at a buffet, steer clear.

22. Strange or Unfamiliar Colours in Food

Oddly bright or unnatural colours in sauces or meats can mean artificial additives or poor-quality ingredients.

23. Lack of Vegetarian or Special Diet Options

If a restaurant can’t accommodate basic dietary requests, it may not be keeping up with modern food safety and preferences.

24. No Clear Leadership or Managerial Presence

If no one appears to be in charge, problems are less likely to be resolved efficiently.

25. Overuse of Frozen Ingredients

Fresh food should taste, well, fresh. If everything tastes frozen or canned, the kitchen might be cutting corners.

26. Overly Gimmicky Presentation

Smoke effects and extravagant plating are fun, but they shouldn’t be used to disguise poor-quality food.

27. Strange or Out-of-Season Ingredients

Finding strawberries in the winter or asparagus in summer can indicate reliance on imported, possibly lower-quality produce.

28. Inconsistent Portions or Quality

If the same dish varies wildly each time you visit, it suggests a lack of quality control in the kitchen.

29. Multiple Menu Items Unavailable

A few missing items are fine, but if half the menu is unavailable, the restaurant may be struggling financially or disorganised.

30. Your Gut Feeling Tells You to Leave

Sometimes, you just get a bad vibe. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Final Thoughts

Dining out should be an enjoyable experience, and recognising these red flags can help you avoid bad meals, poor service, or even foodborne illnesses. When in doubt, choose a restaurant that values cleanliness, good service, and fresh, quality ingredients.

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Get Ready for a Fantastic Flavour Explosion at the Three Counties Food & Drink Festival This Summer

Be sure to mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable weekend at the Three Counties Food & Drink Festival on Saturday, July 26th and Sunday, July 27th, 2025! 

With doors open from 10am – 5pm daily, this is the ultimate food lover's paradise.

Join the organisers as they celebrate the very best of the region's food and drink scene, featuring a mouthwatering line-up of local producers, live TV chef demonstrations, hands-on workshops for all ages, and a host of fun activities for the whole family!

From mouthwatering street food to pop-up bars, and from delicious food and drink products to beautiful gifts, crafts, and homewares, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Unwind with live music and soak-up the lively festival atmosphere.

They're busy cooking up some big surprises – stay tuned for exciting announcements in the coming months, including guest TV chefs, news on tasting sessions and more.

Tickets start at a mere £12, with a limited number of VIP tickets also available for those who want to enjoy priority parking and an exclusive meet-and-greet with their TV chefs.

Don't miss out – the countdown is on. Get your tickets now at Three Counties Food Festival, here https://www.threecountiesfoodfestival.com.

Why Non-Recyclable Food Pouches Should Be Banned

In recent years, the convenience of single-use food pouches has made them a staple in households across the world. 

From baby food and pet food and treats to ready-made sauces and energy gels, these pouches offer a mess-free and portable way to consume food on the go. 

However, the environmental cost of non-recyclable food pouches is far too great to ignore.

The Environmental Impact

1. Difficult to Recycle

Most food pouches are made from multi-layered plastic and aluminium, designed to keep food fresh and lightweight. 

However, this very design makes them nearly impossible to recycle. Unlike single-material plastics, these composite materials require specialised recycling processes that most facilities are not equipped to handle. As a result, the majority of these pouches end up in landfill or are incinerated, contributing to pollution.

2. Contributing to Plastic Waste

Non-recyclable food pouches are a major contributor to the global plastic waste crisis. According to environmental reports, millions of these pouches are discarded daily, with many finding their way into oceans and waterways. Marine life often mistakes them for food, leading to ingestion, suffocation, and death.

3. Long Decomposition Time

Unlike biodegradable or compostable materials, plastic food pouches take hundreds of years to break down. Even when they do degrade, they fragment into microplastics that infiltrate ecosystems, harming wildlife and potentially entering the human food chain.

The Health Risks

1. Microplastic Contamination

Studies have shown that microplastics are now present in drinking water, soil, and even the air we breathe. By continuing to use non-recyclable food pouches, we are exacerbating the problem, increasing the risk of microplastic ingestion, which has been linked to potential health concerns.

2. Chemical Leaching

Many plastic pouches contain chemicals such as phthalates and BPA, which can leach into food over time. These chemicals have been associated with hormone disruption, developmental issues in children, and other health problems. By banning non-recyclable pouches, we can encourage the use of safer, more sustainable alternatives.

The Need for a Ban

1. Encouraging Sustainable Alternatives

Banning non-recyclable food pouches would push manufacturers to develop environmentally friendly packaging solutions. Many companies have already started producing recyclable, compostable, or refillable alternatives, proving that a shift is possible.

2. Reducing Waste Management Costs

Governments and local councils spend millions dealing with plastic waste. By eliminating non-recyclable pouches, we can reduce the burden on waste management systems and focus on truly sustainable recycling efforts.

3. Protecting Future Generations

The plastic crisis is not just an environmental issue—it’s a legacy we leave for future generations. By taking action now, we can prevent further damage to our planet and ensure a healthier future for all.

Conclusion

The convenience of non-recyclable food pouches does not outweigh the environmental and health risks they pose. A ban on these wasteful products is a necessary step towards a cleaner, greener future. Governments, businesses, and consumers must work together to demand and support sustainable packaging solutions. The time to act is now—before the damage becomes irreversible.