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Monday, 26 May 2025

How to Liven Up Your Home-Baked Bread with Peanut Butter Powder

There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh bread wafting through your kitchen. But if you're looking to give your loaves a little extra personality, there's one simple ingredient that can take your baking to the next level—peanut butter powder.

Whether you’re a seasoned bread baker or just beginning, incorporating peanut butter powder into your dough is a fantastic way to infuse rich, nutty flavour without the mess or added oil of traditional peanut butter. Plus, it pairs beautifully with both sweet and savoury toppings.

What Is Peanut Butter Powder?

Peanut butter powder is made by pressing roasted peanuts to remove most of the oil, then grinding the nuts into a fine powder. What you’re left with is a light, shelf-stable ingredient that delivers that classic peanut taste but with far fewer calories and fat.

Why Add It to Bread?

Aside from the obvious deliciousness, here are a few reasons to try peanut butter powder in your next bake:

Enhanced Flavour: Adds a subtle, nutty warmth without overpowering your bread.

Versatile Pairings: Works well with honey, bananas, jam, bacon, or even cheese.

Nutritional Boost: Contains protein and fibre, giving your bread an extra nutritional edge.

No Added Oil: You get the taste without compromising the texture of your dough.

How to Use It

Adding peanut butter powder is simple. You can mix it directly into your dry ingredients. Start by substituting 2 to 4 tablespoons of flour with peanut butter powder in your favourite bread recipe. If you want a stronger flavour, feel free to experiment and go up to ¼ cup (roughly 30g), especially for sweeter loaves.

Recipe Idea: Peanut Butter Powder Sandwich Bread

Here’s a basic outline to get you started:

Ingredients:

500g strong white bread flour

30g peanut butter powder

7g salt

7g instant yeast

300ml warm water

30ml olive oil or melted butter

1 tbsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Method:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, peanut butter powder, salt, and yeast.

Add warm water, oil, and honey if using. Stir until a dough forms.

Knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Cover and let rise until doubled in size (around 1 hour).

Knock back, shape, and place in a loaf tin or on a baking tray.

Let it prove again for 30–45 minutes.

Bake at 200°C (180°C fan) for 30–35 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Creative Twists

Want to get adventurous? Try these variations:

Add chopped peanuts for crunch.

Swirl in jam or honey for a peanut butter and jelly (jam!) vibe.

Use in rolls or buns for packed lunches or picnics.

Top with oats or seeds before baking for extra texture.

Final Thoughts

Peanut butter powder is an easy and delicious upgrade to your baking routine. Whether you’re making a hearty sandwich loaf or a sweet breakfast bread, a spoonful or two can make a big difference. Give it a try and let your loaves shine with a nutty twist that’s sure to impress.

Have you tried baking with peanut butter powder? Share your thoughts or tag your creations—we’d love to see what you bake!

Think Before You Slogan: Why Your Food or Drink Brand’s Message Matters

In the world of food and drink branding, a great slogan can be your most powerful marketing tool. 

It’s the phrase that lingers in customers’ minds, gets repeated at dinner tables, and sometimes becomes part of pop culture. 

But a confusing or poorly worded slogan can do just the opposite—muddy your brand message, make your audience cringe, or even turn them away.

Take Pepsi’s recent slogan: “Living it, not liking it.” At first glance, it feels like a rallying cry for passion or authenticity—perhaps Pepsi is trying to align with a bold, unapologetic lifestyle? 

But dig a little deeper, and the meaning becomes murky. “Not liking it”? For a product you’re asking people to drink and enjoy, that wording seems counterintuitive. 

Some viewers have even interpreted the advert as suggesting that Pepsi isn’t something you’re supposed to like—just something you endure. Hardly the message you’d want to send about a drink you are trying to market.

This highlights a crucial truth for any business, especially in food and drink: words matter.

Your slogan isn’t just decoration—it communicates your values, personality, and promise to the customer. 

It's often the first impression someone gets of your brand. If it doesn’t make sense, or worse, gives off the wrong impression, it can undermine everything else you’re trying to build.

What Makes a Great Slogan?

Here are a few principles to keep in mind when crafting your own slogan:

Clarity over cleverness: A pun or twist of phrase can be memorable, but only if the meaning is clear. Confusion is the enemy of engagement.

Speak to the benefit: Your slogan should hint at why your product is worth trying. Is it delicious, comforting, energising, or indulgent? Say so.

Stay on brand: If your business is fun and quirky, your slogan can reflect that. But don’t stray so far into quirkiness that your core message gets lost.

Test your ideas: Run your slogan past people who haven’t been involved in creating it. Their first impressions can reveal whether it’s landing the way you intend.

Bottom Line

Whether you're selling artisan chocolate, local craft beer, or a new plant-based snack, don’t rush your slogan. It should earn its place alongside your logo, website, and social media presence as a key brand asset. Learn from the big players—not just from what they get right, but from the missteps too.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t just want people “living it.” You want them loving it.

Sunday, 25 May 2025

Are Celebrity-Endorsed Diets and Supplements Really Worth It?

In an age of social media influence and celebrity culture, it’s easy to be swept up in the hype of a new diet or food supplement, especially when it’s backed by a famous face. 

From detox teas and collagen powders to keto drops and intermittent fasting plans, the list of celebrity-endorsed health trends grows longer by the day. 

But before you buy into the promises of glowing skin, rapid weight loss, or boundless energy, it’s worth asking—are these products and plans actually beneficial, or just another marketing ploy?

Fame Doesn’t Equal Expertise

One of the most glaring issues with celebrity-endorsed health products is the lack of any qualifications. Many celebrities endorsing these diets or supplements have no background in nutrition, medicine, or science. 

Their appeal often lies in their appearance, lifestyle, or popularity, rather than any genuine understanding of human health or the science behind food and supplements.

While it’s entirely fair to take an interest in how someone stays healthy, it becomes problematic when that individual is promoting products without a solid understanding of the long-term effects, nutritional value, or potential risks. A flawless complexion or slim physique might owe more to genetics, personal chefs, or expensive skincare regimes than to a trendy diet pill or green juice.

The Influence of Celebrity Culture

Celebrities hold significant sway over public opinion. When a well-known actor or reality TV star praises a supplement on Instagram, it can feel like a recommendation from a trusted friend. But what’s often left unsaid is the financial incentive. These endorsements are frequently part of paid partnerships, and the goal is not your health—it’s product sales.

The problem is compounded when young, impressionable audiences are exposed to messages that suggest their current bodies aren’t good enough, and that buying a particular supplement or diet plan is the key to self-worth or happiness.

Questionable Claims and Lack of Regulation

The supplement industry is notoriously under-regulated, especially in the UK and US. Many products hit the shelves with minimal testing, and the claims made—boosted metabolism, faster weight loss, enhanced brain function—are often not supported by peer-reviewed research.

Even diets that seem harmless on the surface may lead to imbalanced eating, nutrient deficiencies, or disordered relationships with food. When these approaches are wrapped up in celebrity sheen, their risks are often glossed over.

What Should You Trust Instead?

If you're considering a new diet or supplement, it's always best to consult with a registered dietitian, nutritionist, or your GP. These professionals can offer advice based on evidence and your personal health needs—not what’s trending on TikTok.

Look for scientific studies, unbiased reviews, and real-world results. Be wary of products that promise quick fixes or rely heavily on before-and-after photos and vague testimonials. True health doesn’t come in a sachet or a bottle—it’s the result of long-term habits, balanced nutrition, and a sustainable approach to wellbeing.

The Bottom Line

There’s no harm in wanting to feel better, improve your health, or even look a bit more like your favourite celebrity. But it’s important to recognise that their endorsements aren’t always coming from a place of expertise—or honesty.

Before you spend your hard-earned money on a celebrity-endorsed diet or supplement, ask yourself: Is this backed by science, or just backed by fame?

Why You Shouldn’t Allow Vaping on Your Food Premises

Running a food business means maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, customer comfort, and regulatory compliance. 

One policy that often prompts debate is whether to allow vaping on-site. 

While some may view it as a less harmful alternative to smoking, allowing vaping in your café, restaurant, or food retail premises can cause more harm than good—for your brand, your customers, and your staff.

Here are the key reasons why vaping has no place on food premises:

1. Customer Comfort and Experience

Food businesses thrive on atmosphere. For many customers, the presence of vapour clouds—often heavily scented—can be off-putting and disruptive. Even non-nicotine vapours can irritate sensitive individuals or cause discomfort for those with respiratory conditions such as asthma. Some diners may associate visible vapour with smoking and find it unhygienic or unpleasant when eating. Creating a neutral, fresh-smelling environment helps ensure a positive experience for all.

2. Food Hygiene and Safety

One of the golden rules in food service is to minimise contamination risk. Vapour from e-cigarettes can carry particles, flavourings, and even traces of nicotine. While studies on the direct contamination risk are limited, the principle of protecting food from any foreign substance is clear. Vapour lingering around preparation or dining areas undermines the hygiene standards your business is required to uphold.

3. Staff Welfare and Workplace Safety

Allowing vaping indoors exposes staff to substances they may not consent to inhale—particularly in confined or poorly ventilated spaces. This can create a stressful work environment or lead to disputes among team members. Enforcing a no-vaping policy demonstrates care for your employees’ wellbeing and promotes a more professional, inclusive workplace.

4. Brand Image and Public Perception

Your brand is more than just your menu—it’s how people feel when they walk through your doors. Permitting vaping may signal a lack of professionalism or make your establishment seem less clean or family-friendly. In contrast, a clear and fair no-vaping policy reinforces your commitment to quality and care.

5. Regulatory Considerations and Legal Clarity

While vaping is not currently banned in indoor public spaces under the Health Act 2006 (which prohibits smoking), business owners are within their rights to implement their own policies. Some local councils and food safety officers may look unfavourably on vaping in food environments. By taking a proactive stance, you minimise the risk of future complications or enforcement issues should legislation evolve.

6. Avoiding the Grey Area

Unlike smoking, which is clearly regulated, vaping exists in a regulatory grey area. This can lead to confusion among staff and customers. By having a straightforward, visible no-vaping policy—ideally with clear signage—you eliminate ambiguity and make it easier to manage behaviour on your premises.

Conclusion: Take a Clear Stance

In the food industry, clarity, hygiene, and comfort are essential. While vaping may be less harmful than smoking, it still introduces odours, chemicals, and confusion into an environment where food safety and customer satisfaction should be the priority. Protect your brand and your customers by keeping vaping off the menu.

Top Tip: Make your policy known—post signage, include it in staff training, and politely enforce it when needed.

Friday, 23 May 2025

Three Reasons to Visit Cornwall's Firebrand Brewing Co: Beer, Events & Gifts

Firebrand Brewing Co is based just off the A30 in Launceston, Cornwall, where it brews, serves and sells its alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. Here are 3 reasons why you should visit them this summer.

1: It's The Best Place to Try Firebrand's New and Small Batch Beers

Firebrand's taproom is a dynamic community space where craft beer meets culture. Open from Wednesday to Saturday, the taproom offers a rotating selection of their freshest, limited-batch beers, brewed on-site. With ten taps pouring everything from hazy IPAs to crisp lagers, there's always something new to enjoy, alongside all your Firebrand favourites. 

Some of their small-batch beers don't get the opportunity to make it out of the brewery so this is the best place to be if you want to try all their latest brews. Just outside, a variety of food trucks serve up delicious street food that pairs perfectly with their pints. Offerings range from wood-fired sourdough pizzas to Middle Eastern flatbreads, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. 

2: They Host Some of The Most Entertaining Free Events in Cornwall

The taproom is a hub for live music and community gatherings, hosting regular music events such as Open Mic Nights and Songwriters' Nights, which provide a platform for emerging talent, and Firejam, a lively jam night fostering spontaneous musical collaborations. 

For those who prefer a cerebral challenge, they host regular fun nights of Pop Bingo and their charity Beer & Brains Quiz. Most of their events are free entry with the exception of the Beer & Brains Quiz (£2.00pp) where half the proceeds go to charity and the other half to the winner.

3: It's The Perfect Place to Stock Up on Beer & Gifts

For those based in the area, popping into an event or just passing through en route to a Cornish holiday, their Beer Shop is the perfect place to stock up on Firebrand Beer and merchandise. The shop is open Monday to Saturday and stocks all the core Firebrand brews as well as all the latest small-batch beers, fresh out of the brewery. 

Visitors can fill up on their fantastic range of authentic alcoholic and non-alcoholic Cornish beers and pick up some gifts too. The brewery is just behind the renowned Philip Warren Butchers, making it the perfect drink and BBQ stop. 

Firebrand Brewing Co was forged in 2012 in a converted milking parlour on the untamed edge of Bodmin Moor, North Cornwall. The idea was born from a passion for beer made from all-natural ingredients, Cornish spring water and American hops. 

Its highly acclaimed beers include Shorebreak Alcohol Free Hazy Pale, Little Wave Alcohol-Free Lager, Summerleaze Hazy Pale, Helles Beach Lager and West Coast, a session IPA. For further information on Firebrand Brewing Co. please visit www.firebrandbrewing.co.uk or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. 

Thousands to Be Informed, Inspired and Have Their Taste Buds Tantalised at the Allergy & Free from Show

The Allergy & Free From Show, partnering with Koko Dairy Free, returns to Olympia this June (21st - 22nd). 

Re-locating to the iconic Grand Hall to cater for increased demand, the UK's biggest event dedicated to everything free from will host an impressive line-up including the 'Queen of Gluten Free' Becky Excell, 'The Doctor's Kitchen' Dr Rupy Aujla, Hollyoaks and Corrie actress Stephanie Davis, plus siblings Tyler and Lewis West.

The unmissable two day showcase will see over 15,000 attendees discover everything they need to know about free from, with learning experiences, interactive features and fun activities for the entire family, plus a packed agenda featuring almost 50 speakers, including the biggest names in the industry, across two stages and a live kitchen.

New Show highlights include a Mindfulness Zone sponsored by Arla LactoFREE with practical mindfulness sessions and Allergies in the Home in partnership with Allergy UK, which showcases household solutions for allergy sufferers, plus a fun and interactive Family Trail. 

These complement the event's popular features such as Balmonds Skin Clinic with advice, Q&As and product demonstrations, plus the Family Zone, Cafés sponsored by NOMO, the Meet and Greet area and a VIP Blogger Lounge sponsored by Kirsty's.

With more exhibitors than ever before, The Allergy & Free From Show in partnership with Koko Dairy Free will be connecting thousands of people with notable brands including Dr Schar, TESCO, M&S, Warburtons Gluten Free, EcoEgg, Balmonds, Olsson Hair Care, Robert Thomas, Creative Nature, Elave Skincare, plus new emerging exciting entrants in the free from space.

Timetable of Speakers

Saturday June 21st

Inspiration Stage sponsored by Koko Dairy Free - (fireside chats, panel discussions and clinics)

Featuring: Morgan McKenzie Moore (Host), Professor Adam Fox, Ruth Holroyd, Becky Excell, Sarah Howells, Ali Walsh, Lorna Gardner, Julianne Ponan MBE, Penny Hamilton, Jo Greenslade, Lucy Gulland, Nadim Ednan-Laperouse and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse.

The Live Kitchen sponsored by Tesco (live demonstrations)

Featuring: Steve Walpole, Sarah Howells, Adam Edwards, Jamie Robinson, Kate Lancaster, Francesca Della Penna and Dr Rupy Aujla.

The Education Stage sponsored by Ready2React (educative talks)

Featuring: Dr Jose Costa (Host), Nic Wilson, Ready2React, Dr Glenis Scadding, Catherine Hobson, Simon Williams, Tracey Dunn, Ben Freedman, Betsy Craig and Asal Shirazi BEM.

Sunday June 22nd

Inspiration Stage sponsored by Koko Dairy Free - (fireside chats, panel discussions and clinics)

Featuring: Morgan McKenzie Moore (Host), Stephanie Davis, Dan Kelly, Kirsty Henshaw, Lucy Upton, Dr Karen Murphy, Jo Greenslade, Amena Warner, Dr Chloe Paco-Gleeson, Tyler West and Lewis West.

The Live Kitchen sponsored by Tesco (live demonstrations)

Featuring: Nathalie Newman, Dale Pinnock 'The Medicinal Chef', Becky Excell, Julianne Ponan MBE and Eva Humphries.

The Education Stage sponsored by Ready2React (educative talks)

Featuring: Dr Jose Costa (Host), Goldie Putrym, Paula Benedi, Stacey Forsey, Amy Langfield and Ali Walsh.

Annie Bennett, Event Manager told That's Food and Drink: "It's really very exciting to see the show continuously develop in line with the evolving community, and I know the crowds will be impressed by the stellar line-up we have assembled across the stages and live kitchen for 2025. The growth in demand from visitors and exhibitors means we're moving into The Grand Hall this year, a large, ambient event space with stunning Victorian architecture."

The opening times of the show are 9am – 5pm on Saturday 21st June and 10am – 4pm on Sunday 22nd June, with no entry after 2pm on Sunday. Tickets are still available with a 50% OFF limited time offer until 3rd June using code '1MONTH'.

https://allergyshow.co.uk/

Thursday, 22 May 2025

Raise a Glass, a Mug, or a Fork: Hosting Fundraisers for World Blood Cancer Day

Every year on 28 May, people across the globe unite in support of World Blood Cancer Day, raising awareness of the over 1.2 million people diagnosed each year with blood cancer. 

Whether it’s leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma, these diseases don’t discriminate—and neither should our support.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to get involved, why not combine your love of socialising with a powerful cause? 

Hosting a coffee morning, lunch, or wine and cheese party is a fantastic way to bring people together while raising money and awareness for blood cancer research, support services, and donor registration campaigns.

Coffee Morning for a Cause

Coffee mornings are an accessible and cosy way to fundraise. Invite friends, colleagues, neighbours—or your entire street—and enjoy a laid-back morning of brews, bakes and bonding. Here’s how to make it a success:

Date & Time: Pick a morning close to 28 May to mark the occasion.

Venue: Your home, a local hall, or even the office break room.

Theme: Red is the symbol of World Blood Cancer Day—decorate with red balloons, tablecloths, or cupcakes with red icing.

Fundraising ideas: Ask guests to donate what they’d normally spend on a coffee run, run a bake sale, or set up a ‘guess the weight of the cake’ game.

Top Tip: Print out blood cancer facts and donor registration info to place around the room. It’s a brilliant conversation starter.

Lunchtime with Purpose

Turn an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary opportunity. Whether it’s a picnic in the park or a sit-down meal at home, your midday get-together can be both delicious and impactful.

Dish ideas: Keep it simple with sharing platters, seasonal salads, or a build-your-own sandwich bar.

Activities: Incorporate a quiz about blood cancer myths and facts or share stories from survivors and donors (with permission).

Donations: Suggest a set price per plate or use the “pay what you feel” approach.

Include a moment of reflection or a toast to those affected by blood cancer. It makes the event more meaningful for everyone.

Wine & Cheese with a Cause

For an evening affair, a wine and cheese party is a sophisticated and sociable choice. Whether it's a garden gathering or a cosy night in, you can easily pair fun with fundraising.

Wine & Cheese Pairings: Offer tastings with brief descriptions. Local British cheeses and wines give it a lovely regional touch.

Silent Auction or Raffle: Partner with local businesses for donated prizes.

Music & Mood: Light background music and soft lighting create the perfect atmosphere.

Raise your glass in honour of World Blood Cancer Day and encourage guests to register as stem cell donors or contribute to a chosen blood cancer charity.

Where the Money Goes

Funds raised can be donated to organisations such as:

Anthony Nolan https://www.anthonynolan.org/

DKMS UK https://www.dkms.org.uk/

Leukaemia UK https://www.leukaemiauk.org.uk/

Blood Cancer UK https://bloodcancer.org.uk/

These charities support patients, fund vital research, and run donor drives—making a difference every day.

Make It Social (and Shareable)

Don’t forget to promote your event on social media. Use hashtags like #WorldBloodCancerDay, #MakeYourMark, and #BloodCancerAwareness to connect with the wider campaign. Post updates, photos, and fundraising links before, during, and after the event.

Small gatherings can lead to big change. Whether you’re pouring tea, serving lunch, or clinking glasses, your efforts will help shine a light on blood cancer and the people it affects.

This 28 May, let’s raise awareness—and funds—together.

Simple & Tasty Refrigerator Porridge with Oats, Cinnamon, Honey & Greek Yogurt

Many years ago late one evening I put some cold milk into a bowl of raw oats, intending to eat them right away. 

However I realised that I was so tired that I'd rather go to bed than eat, so I put the bowl into the fridge for safe keeping.

The next morning I remembered the bowl of oats, removed it from the fridge and found that I had accidentally invented refrigerator porridge before it had become a general breakfast staple. 

Over the years I have changed, tweaked and improved my recipe and I can say if you're looking for a no-fuss, make-ahead breakfast that's both wholesome and delicious, refrigerator porridge (also known as overnight oats) is the way to go. 

This simple recipe combines hearty oats, creamy Greek yogurt, fragrant cinnamon, and a touch of honey for natural sweetness — all ready to grab straight from the fridge in the morning.

Whether you're rushing out the door, enjoying a slow start to the day, or need a refreshing post-workout snack, this porridge ticks every box. Plus, it's endlessly customisable!

Ingredients (Serves 1)

50g rolled oats

100g Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)

120ml milk (dairy or plant-based – your choice)

1 tsp honey (or more to taste)

½ tsp ground cinnamon or try ground ginger, too

Optional toppings: fresh berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, seeds, a drizzle of nut butter

Method

Mix the base

In a jar, bowl or airtight container, stir together the oats, Greek yogurt, milk, honey and cinnamon until fully combined.

Chill overnight

Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The oats will soften and absorb the liquid, creating a creamy, pudding-like texture.

Add your toppings

In the morning, give the porridge a quick stir. Add your favourite toppings and enjoy straight from the fridge — no cooking required!

Tips & Variations

Make it vegan: Use plant-based yogurt and swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.

Boost the protein: Stir in a spoonful of chia seeds or a scoop of protein powder before refrigerating.

Seasonal swaps: Try adding grated apple or pear in autumn, or a handful of fresh berries in summer.

Why You'll Love It

This refrigerator porridge is:

✔ Naturally sweetened

✔ High in protein and fibre

✔ Ideal for meal prep

✔ Customisable for any season

And best of all — no hob, no fuss, just grab and go.

Do you make overnight oats at home? Share your favourite combinations in the comments or tag me on Instagram with your creations!

Chicken... Banana? The latest viral trend is here just in time for the summer

What do a chicken, a banana, and billions of views have in common? Chicken Banana — the viral hit from Swedish duo Maads and Bruno (Crazy Music Channel) — has exploded online to become one of 2025’s biggest TikTok trends.

The numbers are staggering: 10 billion views globally across all major platforms, with 2 billion views on TikTok, 6.5 billion on YouTube Shorts, and 1.9 million TikTok creations. The official video has topped 34 million views, with streams nearing 300,000 per day. Chicken Banana isn’t just a song — it’s a cultural moment!

It’s simple, silly, and catchy choreography has sparked a global dance movement. From kids and families to farmers and grandparents, the trend has crossed age and cultural lines. Celebrities like @ginjiro_koyama and @ciizezphr, plus celeb families like @carlosferiag and @lafamiliagomes, have all joined the wave.

Mainstream media has picked it up too, with features on Germany’s Frühstücksfernsehen, Dancing with the Stars Austria, and even in German Schlager pop. The trend’s universality and low barrier to entry have helped it thrive everywhere.

Plenty of companies haven’t missed out - everyone from entertainment groups to video game franchises and even supermarkets have jumped on the Chicken Banana trend, putting their own creative spin on it.

So why is it so irresistible? A bouncy electro-house beat, a modulated bassline, and a looping male voice chanting “Chicken Banana” with an Indian flair — it’s hypnotic and absurd in the best way.

To truly understand TikTok, you need to know Chicken Banana. And once you do, you'll suddenly understand a whole lot more.

https://crazymusicchannel.lnk.to/ChickenBanana

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/music/Chicken-Banana-7465696476092042006

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY27hxWP4QRIvTnJvrfGJoA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazymusicchannel/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazymusicchannel

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/crazymusicchannel

Creating Food Memories for Your Family: The Joy of Shared Meals

Some of the most treasured moments in life are tied not just to what we ate, but to who we were with and how we felt. 

A roast dinner on a rainy Sunday. Hot buttered crumpets after school. 

The scent of a parent’s special recipe wafting through the house. 

These are more than meals—they’re memories. And as parents, carers, or hosts, we have the power to create those unforgettable food moments for the next generation.

Why Food Memories Matter

Food memories aren’t just about nostalgia—they build connection, culture, and comfort. They’re the stories our children will tell one day: "My mum made the best Victoria sponge," or "Every Christmas, we’d bake mince pies together." These memories root us in family, in tradition, and in love.

How to Start Creating Food Memories

You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Some of the best food memories are built on simplicity, routine, and a little fun.

1. Establish a Weekly Tradition

Taco Tuesdays, Friday Night Curry, or Sunday Roast can quickly become beloved rituals.

Let the kids help plan the menu or set the table—it gives them ownership and makes the occasion special.

2. Cook Together

It might be messy, but it’s worth it. Baking biscuits on a rainy afternoon or making homemade pizza lets children explore tastes, textures, and skills.

Cooking together teaches patience, teamwork, and the joy of creating something from scratch.

3. Celebrate the Seasons

Mark the year with seasonal favourites: strawberry picking in summer, toffee apples at Halloween, hearty stews in winter.

Build annual food traditions around holidays, birthdays, or even the first snow of the year.

4. Pass Down Family Recipes

Share the story behind a recipe: who taught you, when you first made it, why it’s special.

Create a little recipe book or family food journal to keep these stories alive for future generations.

5. Make Mealtimes Screen-Free

Sitting down together, without distractions, opens the door to laughter, conversation, and connection.

Even if it’s just once or twice a week, those shared meals build stronger family bonds.

Creating Comfort and Connection

Food memories are often tied to comfort. The cup of tea Mum made after a bad day. The warming bowl of soup when you were poorly. The late-night toast after getting home from university. These aren’t gourmet moments—they’re emotional ones. Being there, offering care through food, is a quiet but powerful kind of love.

Remember: It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

Burnt toast, lumpy mash, biscuits that didn’t rise—these will all still be remembered fondly if they’re part of a shared story. Don’t let the pressure for perfection stop you from trying. It’s not about the food being flawless—it’s about it being yours.

Final Thoughts?

Food connects us. It tells our stories, celebrates our heritage, and carries our love. By creating food memories with your family, you’re giving them something that lasts far beyond the last bite: a feeling of belonging, joy, and home.

So set the table, let the flour fly, and make some memories—one meal at a time.