The Paris Hilton Air Fryer is one of the only air fryers I've ever looked at and thought, "That's hot." It's stylish, spacious, and perfect for sizzling snacks.

I've fallen for it after seeing it on TikTok, so not only have I tracked it down and found it on Amazon, but I've also asked the pros why it's as practical as it is pretty. As well as this, I've scouted out other air fryers that are also chic. Hey, it's good to have the choice, right?

If you're scouting out the best air fryers and want one that's going to look gorgeous on your countertop, this is an option that Paris herself approves of.

The Paris Hilton Air Fryer is the only one I want right now

For those looking for small air fryers that are sleek and are spacious enough to make meals for the family, this one from Paris Hilton's kitchen range is my top choice.

I love the look of this one and have read so many rave reviews about it, but I have also rounded up other cute air fryers we have actually used here at Real Homes, in case you want tried and tested options.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article.

Why we love the Paris Hilton Air Fryer

The Paris Hilton Air Fryer is super chic and will elevate your kitchen countertop decor game, no matter what kitchen style you’ve gone for.

“Its illuminated touchscreen display, trendy colors, and elegant gold accents make it a standout piece,” explains Sarah Johnson, appliance expert at Big Air Fryers.

“Unlike typical bulky air fryers, this one is designed to be showcased, adding a touch of glam and sophistication,” she says.

One of the standout features of Paris Hilton's Air Fryer is its impressive 1700W technology.

“This ensures thorough air frying, while its 8-in-1 versatility offers settings for air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat, keep warm, pizza, and dehydrate,” she explains.

“This multi-functionality is particularly beneficial in modern homes where space and time are premium,” adds Elissa Hall, lead designer and founder of EDH Interiors.

She continues, “A family can quickly switch from frying to dehydrating snacks for the kids, ensuring healthy and diverse meal options without cluttering the kitchen with multiple devices.”

Sarah is also a fan of the adjustable time control and temperature range from 90°F to 400°F, providing precise cooking options and catering to a wide variety of recipes and culinary needs.

Shop the Paris Hilton Air Fryer

Shop other cute air fryers

Beyond its stylish appearance, Paris Hilton's air fryer offers advanced functionality that makes it a great addition to any kitchen.

“Its multi-functionality and gorgeous style will be beneficial in modern homes where space and time are at a premium,” Elissa finishes by saying.

If you like this but are looking for something from the Paris range that’s more budget-friendly, Paris Hilton’s knife set is the cutest I’ve ever seen.

Nicola Coughlan's cocktail glasses have made their way onto my must-buy list. I think they're perfect for glamming up regular drinks and are seriously versatile, too.

When scrolling through the Bridgerton star's TikTok, I spotted a fun video of her acting as Mrs. George (AKA Regina's mom) from Mean Girls, and my eyes were drawn to her gorgeous glasses. I've asked interior designers why they're a great choice for bar carts and how to bring them in at home in a budget-friendly way.

If you're looking to bring the latest interior design trends into your home, utilizing decor rather than going under full renovations is a clever way to decorate with them.

Why we're loving Nicola Coughlan's cocktail glasses

Nicola Coughlan is known for her fun and playful personality on the red carpet and in interviews, so I’m not surprised to see her decor game matches this.

“The fishbowl shape of these glasses offers a whimsical touch, instantly elevating the visual appeal of any drink served in them,” explains Nina Lichtenstein, principal designer and founder of Nina’s Home Design.

As well as this, the shape not only serves a style purpose but also enhances the practicality of them.

“The wide area of the glass allows herbs, fruits, and even ice spheres to be added to the drink flawlessly,” says Priyanshi Jain, interior designer and founder of Pixels & Spaces.

I also love the gold trim, which takes them from regular glasses to delivering all the Bridgerton design vibes.

She continues, “The gold trim on the rim adds a layer of luxury and refinement, making these glasses suitable for both casual gatherings and more formal occasions.”

This subtle yet striking detail catches the light beautifully, adding a touch of quiet luxury glam to your drink presentation.

How to recreate the look

Even though these vintage-style decor glasses can cost a lot of money, you can actually grab them even if you’re on a budget.

“I like looking at stores such as TJ Maxx and HomeGoods, as they offer various discounts on glassware and other unique items,” says Priyanshi.

I really love the Cupcakes and Cashmere Luster Gin Glasses from T.J. Maxx, which have been discounted to $10 for four (yes, really!) and have an iridescent finish.

She also suggests going to secondhand furniture stores and thrift stores to find amazing vintage gems that will enhance the vibe of your space.

“Another amazing option is to look for online marketplaces such as Facebook and OfferUp,” she says. “People often sell gently used items on these sites at much lower prices than the actual ones.”

For those who already have similar glasses at home or have found secondhand ones that need zhuzhing up, you can also get creative and DIY them.

“If you find plain fish bowl glasses that you love, consider adding your own gold trim,” Nina suggests.

She says food-safe gold paint (the Pebeo Porcelaine Paint from Amazon is non-toxic and comes in 22 different colors) can be applied to the rims for a custom, high-end look.

Shop our Nicola Coughlan cocktail glasses edit

If you want to get the look of Nicola Coughlan's cocktail glasses and are looking for brand new, sparkly pieces, I've found these stylish alternatives.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

Nicola Coughlan’s cocktail glasses show how thoughtful design can enhance your cocktail experience. 

“By exploring budget-friendly options and getting creative with DIY enhancements, you too can enjoy stylish and sophisticated cocktail glasses without compromising on quality or style,” Nina finishes by saying.

If you love vintage-style decor and celeb style, you may also like Jeremy Allen White’s mirrors, which are quirky and retro.

Is cold brew the same as iced coffee? This is a question that I've wondered while standing in the Starbucks queue, before reaching for my normal overly-complicated order.

If, like me, this question has come into your head, I've got you covered with advice from baristas on the differences between the two and top tips for making both. As well as this, I've shopped useful coffee buys to help you start making either.

Once you've chosen the best coffee maker, you might be wondering what coffee shop-style drinks you can make at home. Iced coffee and cold brews are both great choices for this — especially when the weather gets hot.

Is cold brew the same as iced coffee? We explain all

In terms of things to know before buying a coffee maker, figuring out if it can make your favorite brew is always a good idea. So, scoping out the differences between cold brew and iced coffee is useful to do.

Where our experts have recommended specific buys, I've shopped these as well as creating a cold coffee essentials edit to help you start making your own.

The prices below were correct at the time of publishing this article. 

Is cold brew the same as iced coffee?

If you’ve ever wondered ‘Is cold brew the same as iced coffee?’, I’m pleased to say you aren’t the only one and you wouldn’t be the first to get them confused, either.

“Cold brew and iced coffee are two popular choices that often get mixed up,” explains Kayla Stavridis, former Starbucks barista and coffee expert at Barista HQ.

Despite being served cold, Kayla says they have distinct differences in preparation, flavor, and the best ways to enjoy them.

“Cold brew is made by steeping ground coffee in cold or room temperature water for an extended period, usually 12-24 hours,” says Steve Spring, barista, coffee expert and owner of Seattle Coffee Roasters. “This slow extraction results in a less acidic and smoother flavor compared to iced coffee.”  

Because of the longer brewing time, it also has a bolder and more intense flavor. “It often has a higher caffeine concentration due to the higher coffee-to-water ratio and prolonged brewing time,” adds Kayla.

Steve continues, “On the other hand, iced coffee is made by brewing hot coffee using traditional methods and then pouring it over ice to cool it down.” 

He says this quick cooling process results in a brighter and more acidic flavor profile, compared to cold brew.

Tips for making cold brew coffee

If you want to create a smooth, caffeine-fueled drink, Kayla has broken down her top tips for making a cold brew.

“I recommend investing in a good-quality cold-brew coffee maker, or using a large mason jar, fine mesh sieve, or cheesecloth for straining,” she says.

She loves the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew Coffee Maker from Amazon, which has a rainmaker top that distributes water evenly over the coffee grounds, ensuring optimal flavor extraction.

“You can store your cold brew concentrate in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and dilute it with water, milk, or your favorite creamer as needed,” Kayla adds.

Tips for making iced coffee

For those who love a stronger hit of coffee taste, iced coffee is easy to make with the best small coffee makers.

Kayla explains, “Brew your coffee stronger than usual since it will dilute slightly when poured over ice.”

“To preserve flavor and freshness, cool your coffee quickly by immediately pouring it over a cup of ice,” she says.

As well as this, Kayla advises experimenting with brewing methods. She likes to use the AeroPress from Amazon, which is ultra-portable and makes a rich brew that's perfect for chilling and serving over ice. 

Cold coffee essentials

Don’t want to get stuck again? “Just remember that it’s all in the brewing process — cold brew takes longer in cold water, while iced coffee is brewed hot and then is quickly cooled down,” Steve finishes by saying. 

Now you've got your brew down, learn how to clean your coffee maker to make sure your beverage tastes as delicious as possible.

A new Emma Watson interview has put the star's mixology skills to the test, and she certainly channeled Hermione Granger's enthusiasm and determination behind the bar.

The Harry Potter alumna appeared on British Vogue's The Ultimate British Taste Test to whip up an espresso martini, bramble, and other delectable spirits perfect for your next get-together. Despite using her Prada heels to smash ice, we were inspired by the elegant setup and the techniques used to enhance the flavor of each cocktail. 

We spoke to mixologists to see what hosting essentials we need in our bar carts ahead our next get together. There are plenty of items to take your concoctions to new levels, but feel free to leave your (most expensive) heels in the closet.

Bar cart accessories such as a wooden letter board to display menus or a compact mug tree for organizational purposes are fun additions to play up aesthetics, but you can't forget about the basics. 

"A good cocktail shaker and mixing glass are the best place to start," says Gaston Martinez, the co-founder and CEO of IZO Spirits. "This will be your home base for mixing or stirring all kinds of drinks."

Likewise, Sasha Selimotic, the co-founder of Standard Wormwood, Farm to Cocktail Distillers, believes a shaker and a long spoon are non-negotiable. But what else are we going to need for spritzes, sours, and beyond? Cheers to nailing the perfect cocktail recipe.

What to shop

Bar cart ideas are nothing without the following go-to necessities, according to the pros. 

And to top it all off, make sure you're sipping from the appropriate glasses for your drink of choice. 

"Glassware is a fun element to have on the bar cart to show off your style and elevate your cocktails," Gaston insists. 

Cheers to your next mixer!

Gathering friends, but lacking space? No need to worry. You prioritize the menu and cocktails, we'll get help from the pros on how to host a party in a small apartment. 

Knowing how to defrost bread correctly makes the all-important difference between bread that's edible and bread that isn't, so you'll want to make sure you're doing it the right way.

Good news is that the fastest way to defrost bread is also the best. Unlike meat, bread doesn't require slow defrosting in the fridge. Defrosting bread at room temperature is also not a good idea and is likely to result in a stale-tasting loaf. For best results, use one of the three methods we've outlined.

How to defrost bread

Defrosting bread in the oven

This is by far the best method for defrosting whole loaves, but also works for individual slices. Preheat the oven to 320°F/300ºF fan oven. Wrap the loaf in a piece of aluminum foil (i.e: Reynold's wrap on Amazon), put it on a baking tray (like these Wilton sheet pans on Amazon), and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. If defrosting individual slices, line them out and bake for five to 10 minutes. 

Defrosting bread in the air fryer

The best air fryers are slowly replacing ovens in kitchens all around the world. These small kitchen appliances use less energy and are therefore a cost-effective alternative to conventional ovens. There is no need to pre-heat them, and with a small air fryer, you can keep an eye on your bread's progress without getting a face full of hot air or upping the temperature in your apartment. In fact, cooking frozen food is our number one recommendation in our air fryer dos and don'ts article. 

To defrost bread in a countertop convection oven, place up to four slices of frozen bread into the basket and cook for one minute at 320ºF. 

Defrosting bread in the microwave

Yes! Microwave defrosting bread is safe and effective, especially if you're defrosting sliced bread. Take out the individual slices you want to defrost from their packaging and defrost them individually on a microwave-safe plate for 15 to 20 seconds each, using a high setting. We don't recommend defrosting a whole loaf in the best microwave as it's likely to go dry.  

How to freeze bread correctly before defrosting

Ultimately, the success of your bread defrosting operation is largely dependent on how the bread was frozen in the first place. Freezing and defrosting slices of bread is undoubtedly easier than defrosting whole loaves — simply take out the number of slices you need and defrost in the microwave or your toaster if it has a defrosting function. 

But say you prefer serving a whole warm loaf with a family meal – then what? Well, the most important thing is making sure your loaf is stored in some kind of protective casing that will prevent moisture from getting into it. Cling film (e.g: plastic wrap from Reynolds at Amazon) and plastic bags (like these Glad zipper food storage sacks from Amazon) are often used, but they're not environmentally friendly. Instead, we recommend using a Stasher silicone food storage bag for both storing and defrosting your loaf — they're safe for both freezers and ovens. 

FAQs

After tucking into a holiday meal, you may be wondering: "How long does turkey last in the fridge?" It's an important question, to not only help you reduce food waste but to also avoid your food spoiling which can lead to food poisoning — no one needs that.

Stay safe with our guidance on food storage and making the most of your holiday leftovers to use in sandwiches, wraps, and more.  

Whether you cooked your bird in the oven or one of our best air fryers, storing it properly is essential. The CDC has lots of information on taking care of holiday leftovers and we've put together a quick how-to guide also.

How long does turkey last in the fridge

Refrigerating leftover turkey

Once cooked, you should store your turkey leftovers in the refrigerator within two hours and when cool. 

Cooked turkey can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days but you can freeze leftovers you want to keep longer. 

The process of storing it safely starts as soon as you have carved what you need for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.

How to store leftover turkey

• Cover the cooked meat loosely with foil as it cools to avoid any airborne bacteria landing on it (you can stock up on Reynold Wrap on Amazon if you've run out)
• Once it has cooled, wrap it completely or cut it up and store it in a food storage container, like these highly-rated glass Rubbermaid storage containers available on Amazon, before putting it in the fridge.
• Do not store it under or next to uncooked meat as the juices could contaminate it.

Every time you use some, make sure you practice good food hygiene by washing your hands with a good antibacterial soap (Dial Complete hand soap on Amazon has over 35,000 4.7-star reviews) before handling on a clean board that has not been in contact with raw meat. Ideally, you should have more than one cutting board, but this color-coded chopping board set from Joseph Joseph at Amazon will help prevent cross-contamination. Always re-wrap the turkey before returning it to the fridge, and don't let it sit out of the fridge for too long between uses.

If you don't like the idea of rewrapping the bird each time, consider investing in a vacuum sealing system. Our head of ecommerce, Annie Collyer swears by the Zwilling Fresh and Save Set which uses BPA-free reusable bags with secure zip closure, and stackable borosilicate glass containers (which are nestable when not in use). This works by removing all of the air from food storage to keep food fresh for up to five times longer. And, when you're done — the glass vessels can cleaned in the dishwasher!

How to safely reheat cooked turkey

There are so many things you can do to avoid wasting your leftover turkey. The first day or two after cooking, it can be sliced and eaten cold on sandwiches. Later on, you will probably want to reheat it before eating.

To reheat, always check the turkey is piping hot through to the center before eating. If you use it to make a curry or other hot dish (in your best slow cooker), remember that reheated curry should not be reheated again, so make the amount you need and don't be tempted to store the leftovers — reheat the meat only once.

According to the Department of Agriculture, a turkey must reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe. So it might be worth buying a meat thermometer (like this one from Alpha Grillers on Amazon) if you want reassurance.

FAQs

Want to ensure your refrigerator is keeping food at a safe temperature? It might be time for our new one — give one of these bestsellers that are on offer a go. Or check out our buying guide to the best fridge freezers.

Stanley Tucci cooking videos are Instagram perfection, and we'll gladly watch anything he is preparing — especially if it's pasta or carb-related. 

The actor's segue into the food industry by way of his Italian heritage has catapulted him in a new direction. From cookbooks to cookware, TV shows to partnerships, Stanley has more than proved he knows his way around the kitchen. Given his expertise, and our infatuation, we asked chefs and food industry experts how to get our spaghetti up to par with his. 

If you ask us, all small kitchen ideas should allow room for macaroni accessories and great cookware. Let our professionals to introduce you to the essentials. 

Check out one of our favorite Stanley Tucci cooking videos

What did we tell you? If you don't now have a craving for bolognese sauce (accompanied by a glass of red wine, of course) we're not sure what will entice you. 

Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a winter evening, or you're assuming hosting duties for a holiday or celebration, you can never go wrong with a bowl of macaroni. It's time to organize small kitchen cabinets to make room for these pasta necessities.

Chef-recommended pasta accessories

Even if you'd rather stick to store-bought options rather than one of the best pasta makers, there are still other gadgets needed to take your dishes from "satisfactory" to "deliziosa". The industry pros will lead you in the proper direction. Bon appétit!

1. A wooden spoon

While yes, we love pretty and functional kitchen utensil sets, do make sure you're not bypassing a classic wooden spoon. It might seem basic, but it serves a purpose.

"Enter the often-forgotten life-saver: a trusty wooden 'Nonna style' spoon," says Chef Bill Dorrler, corporate executive chef at Osteria Morini DC. "While many default to metal spoons, there's a subtle but crucial difference. Opting for a wooden spoon eliminates any risk of an aluminum or metallic aftertaste."

We certainly don't want anything potentially contaminating our bolognese, right? Completely unacceptable.

2. Mist spray bottle

Sometimes, it's the littlest details that make the biggest difference, especially when cooking. 

"The linchpin of successful pasta creation lies in water — the unsung hero binding sealed pasta," Chef Bill says. "I recommend purchasing a high-quality fine mist spray bottle for the right amount of water and steering clear of any excess that could potentially alter the dough's composition, leading to undesired stickiness."

What's more, mist spray bottles (like the options available at Amazon) can be used for drizzling drops of oil on your dishes when you don't want to add *too* much. 

3. Durable Dishes

When attempting to figure out how to store plates and cookware in a small kitchen, one thing we can say for certain is set aside space for the proper bowls if you plan on making macaroni regularly. 

"Look for pasta bowls with ridges or indentations to catch sauce," says Lindsey Chastain, founder at The Waddle and Cluck. "Wide-rimmed plates allow you to easily twist pasta. You might also choose shallow soup bowls for saucy pasta dishes. Durable dinnerware is ideal, as pasta can stain or scratch more delicate pieces."

4. A non-stick saucepan

“Having the right cookware and dishes for pasta can make a big difference in how the dish will taste when served," says food blogger Julie Pollitt, founder of Back To My Southern Roots. "A good non-stick saucepan will work beautifully."

(And FYI, we have expert advice about how to clean a non-stick pan so you can keep the sauces coming.)

5. A food processor

As much as we love an old-school mentality à la Nonna, a food processor is a great way to speed up menial tasks and make large quantities a little more doable.

"A food processor with a grating or grind disc is indispensable for me as I use it to grind large blocks of hard Romano cheese in bulk," says Liz Krause, food blogger at SimpleItalianCooking.com. "I freeze the cheese in airtight containers in the freezer, maintaining a smaller portion in the fridge for immediate use. If I don't have enough in the fridge for a last minute dish, I can grab the grated cheese from the freezer."

You might also like

Still considering other options for your kitchen? There are other contenders perfect for pasta lovers.

• See olive oil dispensers on Amazon
• See pasta pots at Target
• See pasta forks at Walmart
• See pasta serving bowls at Amazon

Planning on spending a lot of time cooking like our man, Stanley? We can't blame you. Get your favorite room in the house just the way you like it with help from these 10 expert tips for designing a small kitchen. We promise they're a recipe for success.

Buckle up, because we're weighing up the Aeropress vs. French Press argument. When it comes to small coffee makers — these electricity-free devices make both make a good cup of joe. But there's more to just adding grounds and water, and applying pressure.

As your Real Homes shopping rep, I'm here to help you make coffee without a coffee maker. Usually, my remit is to review the best coffee machines (you know, the small kitchen appliances with a power outlet). But, if you enjoy coffee on the go, having a wireless source without going to Starbucks is going to save you spending money.

Portability, and manual brewing process aside, I'll look at which one is easier to clean ('cause wet coffee grounds set off my sensory issues) and explain which one makes a better cup of java. Most of us enjoy the caffeinated benefits of coffee too, so I'll see which one brews the speediest and strongest cup to get you out of the door.

What is a French press, and how does it work?

A French press (aka cafetiere) is a heat-resistant borosilicate glass carafe (typically with a metal outer frame. By steeping coarse coffee grounds and hot water, you can create an aromatic end-product. To immerse said grounds, you'll need to lower the plunger which will enable the coffee-making process.

You'll want to use approximately one tablespoon of coffee for every 4 oz. of water when making coffee using this method. Though the above TikTok vid uses 16 grams for every 250ml. It all depends on your personal preference. Got a water filter? Even better, you'll get a fresher-tasting brew. Using an electric kettle to boil your water beforehand is the quickest way to prepare your hot drink.

It'll take about four minutes to make the perfect drink. Our eight-step guide on how to use a French press will take you through absolutely everything including the ideal water temperature, and how to preheat your jug and cups for a drink that stays warmer for longer. PSA: You *don't* need to violently agitate the grounds like a toilet plunger!

Cleaning a French press couldn't be easier! I have one and have put together a 6-step guide on the quickest way to dispose of spent grounds (or use coffee for cleaning your kitchen). My tutorial also shows you how to properly break down the coffee oils (which could turn rancid) if you don't clean your coffee maker. 

What is an Aeropress, and how does it work?

You could say that an AeroPress (available on Amazon) is a type of cafetiere! Except there are some small differences. Where a French Press uses coarse and even grounds — the AeroPress prefers a finer product. While this might sound a bit fussy at first — the smaller surface area actually imparts more flavor into your hot water.

Take it from someone who loved chemistry class at school. Finer filter + smaller grounds = less time to brew. A French press needs a li'l longer and you run the risk of bitter-tasting coffee if the grounds are sat for too long.

If you don't own a good coffee grinder (you can pick up an Amazon Basics one for under $18), you can use a high-performing blender (like a Nutribullet or Beast B10 blender).

Don't have a blender? The experts at Aeropress say that you can make pour-over style coffee using medium grounds. You'll just have to play about with timings.

Our verdict — which device wins, and why?

Out of the criteria below, the AeroPress takes the coffee crown for four our of six categories. Yes, it's made out of plastic, but it is better than the single-use cups we drink out of when visiting our local coffeehouse, so we'll let it slide.

• Best taste: AeroPress, because of the finer surface area
• Speed / time to make: AeroPress (two minutes). Plus finer grounds = quicker extraction
• Easiest clean-up? AeroPress (but both coffee makers can be cleaned with vinegar)
• Cost-per-use: French press (in most cases, dependent on model)
• Portability factor: AeroPress (the glassless-design is rucksack and work bag friendly)
• Style: French Presses are far prettier than the current Aeropress designs, but we'll keep our eyes peeled for what the brand has in store.

AeroPress devices use filters that result in less mess than a French Press. Simply get rid of those soggy papers and 90% of the work has been taken care of. The AeroPress can be used in two ways (inverted and you've practically got a French Press). Grab some ice, and it's possible to use it as an iced coffee maker too.

As well as its main coffee press, Aeropress also sells coffee accessories including the flow control filter cap which allows coffee connoisseurs maximum control over their brew. What this means is that it can emulate a top-of-the-range espresso maker (yep, even the crema), and even the extraction rate of the best filter coffee makers.

At first, we were convinced that air fryer turkey was a lie. It's certainly a question that's been on everyone's minds since getting hold of this beloved gadget. Whether you're wanting to take the pressure off hosting a Thanksgiving feast or free up room in your oven for Christmas, we're looking to go hard or go home when cooking a plump piece of poultry.

Many retailers have already slashed the prices of these popular convection ovens on Black Friday, but if you're struggling to work out which models can fit a whole bird, crown, or joint in — walk this way. We've measured up Ninja, Cuisinart, Breville, and Cosori (and reviewed most of them) to ensure you can fit your festive bird in.

Most of the machines pictured do show a chicken being cooked inside, but if you're looking to tuck into a turkey crown, we've served up some great options including those with rotisserie options (for even cooking), multicookers (great for slow cooking a turkey curry), and air fryers with drawers so you can cook turkey breast and roast potatoes separately with different temperature controls.

We hate waste and don't believe you should be obliged to buy a whole fowl if there are just a few of you. So we've also looked at which machines can fit a rolled and stuffed turkey breast as well as wings too. Perfect for a more informal meal you can tuck into whenever. 

Here are the best air fryers to cook a turkey in, so you can gobble gobble away!

The best air fryers to cook a turkey

Do check the size and weight of your turkey. The majority of these air fryers will only fit a turkey crown in with some trimmings around the sides, of course.

• Better yet? Find an air fryer in the Black Friday sale to make a saving

Are air fryers good for turkey?

"While most air fryers won’t be large enough to accommodate a standard size turkey, turkey crowns will fit perfectly in some of those fryers with a large drawer," says Jenny Tschiesche, author of Sunday Times Bestseller, Air Fryer Cookbook.

"One such appliance is the Instant Vortex Plus VersaZone air fryer," notes Tschiesche. "With its 8.5 L capacity, it’s ideal for not only a crown but also some trimmings such as vegetables or even stuffing alongside."

• Read our expert tips on cleaning an air fryer to ensure yours is ready to roast!

If your phone is full of 'can you microwave [insert food here]', searches on Google – we can clear up your culinary confusion, and save you from scrolling through the endless (and potentially dangerous) web of debate on the internet.

While your best microwave is perfect for quick meals and convenience when time is of the essence, there are some foods that are best prepared elsewhere or should be heated in containers specifically designed for this appliance.

Failing to follow your microwave manufacturer's instructions can involve making a mess, or invalidating your warranty. Worst still, you could cause an electrical or fire-related accident which can result in injury and damage to your kitchen or house. And, to add insult to injury, your home insurance might not even cover you if the incident is classed as negligent.

So, to keep you out of harm's way, we've produced a list of items (edible and non-edible) that you shouldn't nuke, plus a few things that can be used in this handy kitchen appliance.

Some foods, for example, aren't porous (which means air can't escape). Because of this, the build-up of pressure will cause the item to explode and for your evening to be spent cleaning your microwave... Not exactly our idea of fun, even if we've just splashed out on some fancy-smelling cleaning products.

1. Can you microwave styrofoam and other plastic containers?

Let's set the scene: You've had a boozy Friday night, ordered some takeaway to soak up the sauce, and have some leftovers stowed away in the fridge for a quick and easy Saturday lunch – genius.

But if you can't be bothered to pop your fare on a proper bit of dinnerware, you could be ingesting toxic chemicals (and that's on top of last night's alcohol). Here, one expert warns against putting plastic in the microwave...

'You should never microwave Styrofoam, plastic wrap, or takeout containers. These can release harmful chemicals into your food.' says Steven Hill, home improvement expert, and founder of DIY gazette.

'Styrofoam can leach chemicals into your food. Plastic wrap can melt and release harmful chemicals into your food. Takeout containers are often coated with chemicals that can be released into your food when microwaved.'

And, Nick Small, microwave expert at AO.com says: 'It might seem tempting to whack your takeaway from the night before into the microwave still in its styrofoam container, but this could be potentially risky. Styrofoam is a type of plastic that can easily melt when it becomes too hot which can transfer harmful chemicals onto your food. Put your food onto a microwaveable plate instead, your stomach will thank you for it!'

As an alternative, 'Glass, ceramic, and paper are all safe to microwave. Glass and ceramic won't absorb microwaves and paper towels can actually help deflect them away from your food. Just make sure that any containers you're microwaving are microwave-safe. You can usually tell by looking for a symbol on the bottom of the container that looks like a microwave with waves coming out of it.' continues Hill.

2. Metal containers or tin foil

We're sure you've been told (or even learned the hard way about this one already). But if you're wondering if you can put tinfoil in the microwave – it's a hard no. Ditto for anything made of metal.

'Metal objects can cause sparks and even fires.' warns Oberon Copeland, owner, and CEO Of Veryinformed.com.

'If you must heat something in a metal container, be sure to remove the object from the container before microwaving it. Another no-no is aluminum foil. Like metal, aluminum foil can also cause sparks. However, it can also cause damage to your microwave. If you must use foil, keep it away from the sides of the oven.'

Small adds: 'Lots of plates/bowls/cups have patterns on which contain metallic materials. As pretty as they may look, these metallic materials will react with the micro waves and could cause a fire.'

3. Reheat rice with caution

We don't know about you, but we're guilty of overordering when it comes to Asian takeout. Whether yours comes with fried rice, or you prefer a pilau with your curry, rice is one of those funny items that you should consider carefully before microwaving.

It's pretty safe to warm up grains you've cooked at home, but when you've had it delivered from an external eatery, you don't have control over how long it's been out and if it's been stored correctly.

'Reheating rice in the microwave is often noted with caution as some bacteria can form and cause food poisoning if not sufficiently heated. To reheat rice correctly, ensure you cook at a high temperature and that the rice is piping hot all the way through,' says Joe Authbert, buying manager at ProCook.

'If you’re a keen rice eater and reliant on a microwave, rice can be cooked from scratch in a microwaveable rice cooker. The rice cooker provides perfect fluffy rice every time and comes with a water measuring cup and vented lid for a foolproof meal.'

We also like this Joseph Joseph dishwasher-safe microwaveable rice cooker that comes with a contrasting red paddle spoon for fluffing and serving cooked rice.

4. Hard-boiled eggs

Packed full of protein and great for hair, skin, and nails, eggs are nature's wonder food. And while they're a bit of an office faux pas, making some boiled eggs are the perfect portable snack... if you prepare them properly. 

'Cooking a hard-boiled egg, shelled or unshelled, in the microwave isn’t advisable as pressure and steam can build up inside the egg, leading to a very messy explosion,' warns Authbert.  

'Instead, opt for a specially designed microwave egg poacher and cook until you reach your preferred consistency. A Microwave egg poacher is a great way to get microwaved eggs ready in minutes – just crack an egg into the poacher which as has been oiled and cook! Just be sure to pierce the egg with a knife or fork before cooking to release any excess pressure.'

And Aysegul Sanford, content creator, and owner of Foolproof Living blog agrees. She says: 'Though tempting to accelerate the cooking time and save on mess, putting a whole egg in the microwave is definitely not a good idea. The increasing heat will cause pressure to build up inside the shell causing it to eventually burst with a fair amount of force. Stick to the stovetop for your next soft boil and thank us later.'

Boiling a hardboiled egg using your best saucepan on the hob is super easy. Simply  submerge your raw eggs into a pan of cold water, bring to the boil, then simmer for around 7 minutes (depending on the size of the egg).

If you're still unsure or don't have a timer to hand you can take the fuss out of cooking by buying a color-changing egg timer. Kids will love this NobleEgg Egg Timer, but should always be supervised near hot water and kitchen equipment.

Alternatively, you can achieve the same result using an air fryer. Our small kitchen appliances editor, Millie Fender does a cracking job of cooking air fryer hard-boiled eggs, and this hack requires no water!

This Sistema microwave egg cooker and poacher with steam release vent (available from Amazon) is great for poached and scrambled eggs, and can even make mini omelets too.

5. Tomato-based sauces

What do rich ragu and a chunky chili con carne have in common? Yup - they're made with a delicious, tomato-based sauce that taste even better the day after (if we say so ourselves). But, you'll need to be mindful when reheating these mince-based dishes, and anything else containing this savory fruit as a base.

'Microwaving tomatoes and tomato sauces may cause them to burst and spill their contents everywhere. The microwave will be filthy. The exact tomato sauces will likewise be thrown out,' says Dan Close, founder, and CEO at We Buy Houses in Kentucky

According to the USDA, reheating leftovers in a slow cooker is not recommended either. So to warm your saucy leftovers safely, use your hob to gently simmer until piping hot, or decant into an ovenproof casserole dish and heat in your oven until 165°F/75°C. You can use a food thermometer to double-check if you're unsure.

If we haven't managed to save you from scarlet stains in time – don't panic. By using vinegar to clean, you can have a sparkling microwave in no time, using this 10-minute TikTok cleaning hack.

6. Don't microwave sausages

Sausage links are so versatile and super handy to have in the fridge. They're a staple of a traditional fried/grilled breakfast, are great for quick picky snacks in the fridge, and coupled with mashed potato, make a filling and relatively-healthy dinner option if eaten as part of a balanced diet.

But if you're thinking of pre-cooking sausages, and zapping them as you need in the microwave, consider alternate ways to reheat them, according to this medical professional.  

'Sausages contain chemical compounds called cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) which are created during the processing of animal meat. These compounds are harmful to human health, and their consumption is associated with cardiovascular disease.' says DJ Mazzoni, MS, RD, CDN, CSCS, and medical reviewer, Illuminate Labs.

'When microwaving sausages (or other processed meats), the levels of COPs increase. I would recommend reheating sausages using other methods such as baking, though I don't recommend processed meat consumption generally.'

7. Chilli peppers

If you like to spice things up in the kitchen, you might be partial to adding a little bit of chili to your favorite food – especially if you enjoy a little container planting, or have your own kitchen garden. But if you're wanting to venture out from the odd splash of Tabasco, sweet chili, or sriracha on the side of your plate, popping a fresh hot chili pepper in the microwave is not advised. In fact, you could end up in tears, as one expert explains.

'Never microwave hot peppers. These peppers already pack a flaming punch, but when you microwave them you will actually be met with a smoking vegetable, as well as possibly setting them alight!' says Michael East, CEO of Griddle King, an online platform dedicated to outdoor living and grills.

'Hot peppers contain capsaicin – making the peppers spicy – and this chemical is released when they are microwaved. So, when you open that microwave door, you are going to be met with this chemical and your eyes will immediately start to water.'

8. Water

OK, Americans – we're looking at you, especially! When it comes to making tea, you should never heat the water in the microwave. 1) It's dangerous and 2) It's just not the done thing when it comes to preparing a British-style cuppa.

If you do need access to hot water quickly, invest in a boiling water tap, stovetop tea kettle, or heat your H2O in a small saucepan. When you put water to heat in a microwave, it doesn't always appear to 'boil' but you are essential superheating it which can scald and cause a nasty burn. Save yourself the trouble and flick the switch on your kettle instead.

9. Brewed coffee

If you're a parent (or a teacher), you'll know how quickly that cup of java can turn cold. So in an attempt to save on coffee beans or granules, quickly pinging it in your microwave, you might attempt to pop it in the microwave. But, if you're after great-tasting coffee, you're better off starting again.

'You should never microwave brewed coffee. As the coffee cools down, it becomes more acidic and bitter. Reheating coffee in the microwave changes coffee's chemical makeup and ruins the taste by breaking down any remaining aromatics,' says Megan Weimer, content creator, food photographer, and recipe developer.

Making coffee without a coffee maker (using your kettle and instant granules) takes a matter of seconds and the best coffee machines can make even the most complex drinks in a few minutes.

10. Frozen meat

OK – this one gives us slightly scary flashbacks of mom asking us to defrost the chicken (and us forgetting). If you're making dinner for yourself or a loved one, remember that meat should be thawed in the fridge overnight. Yep, not on the counter, not in the sink, and certainly not in the microwave.

We understand that it can be confusing... Especially when microwave ovens have a defrost function (sometimes with a little steak or meat sign on the button). But, be warned that if you treat meat this way, you may be setting yourself up for a dodgy stomach, and several trips to the bathroom (gross).

Defrosting meat in the microwave can create hot spots (where bacteria can harbor) and cold spots where the fibers are still rock-solid. The inconsistency in temperature means that when it comes to cooking your meat, germs will have had ample time (and an optimal environment) to breed, which in turn, can give you food poisoning. 

Surprising things you can microwave

1. Serve up sweet potatoes

Ahh, sweet potatoes: our favorite tuber after the plain ol' tato. Don't get us wrong, regular spuds are great, but when you want to switch things up, the orange variety is a refreshing change from you usual white carb.

If you've ever googled: 'how long to microwave a potato', you'll be pleased to know that sweet potatoes undergo a similar treatment in your micro-cooker.

'This root vegetable is among the hardest, which ultimately means longer cook time, however, the microwave can be a great way to cook them.' explains Trista Best,  environmental health specialist, adjunct nutrition professor, and registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements.

'The minimum requirement to cook a sweet potato in the microwave is to simply poke several holes in it with a fork or knife to allow venting and thorough cooking. If the potato is going to be served whole it is ideal to wash it prior to stabbing and placing it in the microwave.'

'For enhanced flavor, you can rub it with your favorite cooking oil then salt and pepper the outside of the potato. Most of the valuable nutrients, especially fiber, are in the skin and right below the surface making it best to consume at least a portion of the skin.'

'One medium, approximately 8-ounce, sweet potato only needs about five minutes in the microwave to be thoroughly cooked. For larger potatoes, continue cooking at one-minute intervals until it is done.'

'The first pass through the microwave for sweet potatoes, and most other vegetables, does not significantly reduce the nutrients. However, reheating leftover vegetables in the microwave can cause up to a 30 per cent decrease in nutrients.'

2. Cook crispy bacon

If you've got dirty pans in the dishwasher or soaking in the kitchen sink – it's still possible to enjoy the taste of crisp bacon, alongside your aforementioned microwaved eggs. 

'As a BBQ aficionado - amazing burgers are kind of my specialty. But one thing that is a little fiddley - and to be honest - slightly annoying to do on the BBQ, is bacon. And yet any great burger should include amazon crispy bacon,' says Bobby Pritchard, owner, and grillmaster, Smokey Grill BBQ.

'But to save lots of time and effort you might be surprised to know you can get perfectly crispy bacon done in the microwave.'

'The first thing you need to do is find a large bowl that is slightly larger in diameter than the bacon rashers you will be using. Next, place the bacon slices in the bowl, making sure that they are evenly spaced. Then, take an upside-down bowl and place it on top of the bacon slices. Finally, microwave the bacon for about two minutes or until it is crispy.'

'You can absorb the fat with a paper towel- or if you're less worried about calories, keep the fat when you add the bacon to the burger. The fat renders and mixes with the burger juices - making the whole thing taste insanely good,'

'The only thing I would add is the concern with microwaving bacon is that the high temperatures may cause harmful chemicals to form. In particular, the nitrates in bacon may convert into nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic. While the evidence is not conclusive, it is advisable to err on the side of caution and not use this method too frequently.'

If you don't want to stack a set of bowls, this microwave-safe slanted bacon rack from Prep Solutions on Amazon cooks 4-6 strips of bacon. The slanted design means that any fat or excess water drips away so that the pork doesn't essentially sit or boil in its own juices.

3. 'Boil' dry pasta

Renters and house sharers listen up! If your kitchen setup doesn't come with a hob, or your roomie is busy cooking up a storm – you needn't go hungry. Make one of Italy's infamous foodstuffs in your microwave for a fast meal in minutes. We can't say it's the authentic route to preparing penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, but when you're tight on resources, this nifty pasta hack is genius.

'Pasta can be cooked in the microwave as long as it’s in a large container of salted water. You will use a ratio of two parts water to one part pasta. It will take between 6-11 minutes depending on the strength of your microwave. It is perfectly safe and a nice option when you do not want to heat up your kitchen with the stovetop.' says Emily Meyers, founder of Garlic Head.

Why not have a go at recreating her microwave cacio e pepe recipe for a 10-minute dinner? It's suitable for vegans, so everyone can enjoy!

4. Make a chocolate (mug) cake

OK, so don't expect a masterpiece that could win The Great American Baking Show (or GBBO if you're across the pond). But if you get a craving for something sweet while watching TV – it's totally possible to whip up a quick mug cake (no expensive stand mixer required, plus there's minimal washing-up to do!)

'This is one of the easiest ways to bake a cake if you hate cleaning up and going through tiring procedures.' says Noah Davis, author at Power Up Cook blog. 

5. Rebatch wax and leftover soap bars

If you're trying to save dollars, but want your house to smell good – try making wax melts by repurposing the scraps from your best candles and popping them in the microwave. You'll then need to carefully decant the hot liquid into another container and allow it to cool.

'Waxes have no water, so they don't get hot but if you add a few tablespoons of water, it should work,' says Davis.

'For soap, cut it into smaller pieces and add a few tablespoons of water as well. In any case, make sure to keep an eye on the melting process and use ceramic, glass, or microwave-safe containers.'

6. Clean makeup sponges

We love creating new looks with cosmetics! From flawless foundation to contouring with bronzer, if you want to enhance what your mumma gave ya, it's easy to do with a couple of products. But it's all in the application too, so brushes are a must if you want to reimagine your favourite Instagrammer's looks on yourself.

The downside? Brushes, beauty blenders and sponges can take forever to clean. But if you want to speed up the process, Small has got a high-fashion hack to get the gunk off your tools:

1. Soak your makeup sponge in warm, soapy water. Rinse it out and soak it again.
2. Place the sponge in a microwaveable cup with a small drop of washing-up liquid and warm water and place it in the microwave for one minute.
3. Leave it to cool for a little while, rinse the sponge under your cold kitchen tap, and pat dry. Voila! A clean makeup sponge.

7. Easy-peel garlic cloves

We love adding garlic to our food. Sure, it might give you bad breath, but it's totes worth it for butter-filled baguettes, Italian pasta sauces, and anything else we can add a bulb's worth to.

No need for stinky fingers struggling to break up the bulb with Small's helpful trick. He advises that you pop your full bulb of garlic in the microwave for 20 seconds and you’ll be able to simply pull the cloves apart.

Then use a garlic crusher or Microplane to break down your tasty allium.

8. Revive stale bread

Got a loaf that's gone a bit dry? Don't feed it to the birds!

Instead, Small says to 'wrap your stale bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it for 10 seconds or so. This should help to draw the moisture into the bread and revive it.'

What foods should not be microwaved?

If you're not directly breastfeeding, or making a fresh batch of formula, then you'll need to be careful about how you reheat expressed milk.

The National Health Service (NHS) says that: 'You can feed expressed milk straight from the fridge if your baby is happy to drink it cold.'

'Or you can warm the milk to body temperature by putting the bottle in a jug of warm water or holding it under running warm water. Do not use a microwave to heat up or defrost breast milk. This can cause hot spots, which can burn your baby's mouth.'

If you're looking for advice on how to ripen green tomatoes, the great news is that it's very easy. You'll be amazed how well tomatoes will ripen even if picked while still very unripe – if you give them the right conditions.

Tomatoes are a staple in a kitchen garden, but they don't always behave as you expect them to. Unusual weather patterns and climate change may well be wreaking havoc on the rate at which your tomatoes are ripening. Fortunately, using our expert tips will help you ripen yours at home and not waste your produce. 

How to ripen green tomatoes

1. Try the paper bag method

If your tomatoes are quite unripe, place them in a paper bag, cardboard box, or inside a kitchen drawer. Do not use plastic bags, are they're not breathable, and your tomatoes likely will rot without ripening.

2. Add a banana or an apple

To accelerate ripening further, add a banana or an apple to the bag/box. These fruits, as well as the tomatoes themselves, produce ethylene gas that promotes ripening.

Kate Russell, Author of Stop Wasting Your Yard!, adds that it's not just bananas and apples that help speed up tomato ripening: avocados, figs, and other stone fruits will accelerate the ripening 'significantly.'

3. Leave halfway ripe tomatoes in a bowl 

If your tomatoes are halfway or almost ripe, you don't need to ripen them in a bag; just leave them out in a fruit bowl for a few days, in a warm kitchen (at least 65°F/18°C), away from direct sunlight. 

4. Use the paper towel method

Yes – something as simple as paper towels can help ripen green tomatoes. Franco Moiso, Co-Founder of TheSundayGrill.com, says to put tomatoes 'on top of paper towel (to limit humidity) in a place where they'll receive sunlight. The process
won't be immediate, but the tomatoes will ripen fast and naturally.'

How to ripen green tomatoes: what not to do

Here's what not to do to ripen your tomatoes: don't attempt to accelerate their ripening on the vine by increasing exposure to sunlight or picking off leaves. It's not sunlight the fruit needs to ripen but warmth. With that in mind, that's why it often best to ripen them once picked in a place you can better control the temperature.

Why are my tomatoes not ripening at all?

There are two main reasons why your green tomatoes aren't ripening despite your best efforts:

1. You picked them when they were completely green. You'll have a far better chance of ripening your tomatoes if you pick them when they've begun ripening even a tiny bit. Even a tiny bit of yellow will give better results than a completely green tomato. If yours are totally green, use them in cooking instead of trying to ripen them.

2. Your kitchen is too cold: if it's very chilly in your kitchen all the time, it may take a very long time for your tomatoes to ripen, or they might not ripen at all. Move them somewhere with a more consistently warm (but not hot) temperature. 

Can you pick tomatoes when they're green?

The short answer is 'yes', but the longer answer is that you should think twice before picking very green tomatoes. Emma Loker, an expert gardener at DIY Garden, tells us that 'while picking the green fruit won't hurt you or your tomato plant, it's
best to leave the tomatoes until they fully ripen, as these will pack a
more powerful flavor punch.'

'If you're picking green tomatoes, ensure they're at their mature green
stage. These will be as large as fully ripened tomatoes, sport a pale green
color, and won't be as hard as nails when you squeeze them.'

How long will green tomatoes take to ripen at home?

Tomatoes will take between one and three weeks to ripen at home 'when kept at room temperature' depending on how green they are when you pick them. Loker recommends keeping them out of the fridge if you can, 'as the refrigeration process eliminates the delicious flavor and prevents them from ripening.'

What should you do with lots of green tomatoes?

Some years, weather conditions may prevent the majority of your tomatoes from ripening, so the only way to rescue your fruit may be to just pick them all while they're still green, before cooler and rainier fall weather rots them. 

If this is the case for you this year, don't worry: there are plenty of uses for a bumper crop of unripe tomatoes. Loker has the following recommendations:

• Make Green Tomato Chutney: 'If you have an abundance of green tomatoes, one of the best recipes to make is green tomato chutney. The recipe is easy peasy, and you can store it for a whole year!'
• Make Green Tomato Jam: 'Why not try a green tomato jam if you have a sweet tooth? Add a load of sugar, just like you would with any other jam, and enjoy atop your burgers during your next BBQ!'
• Enjoy fried green tomatoes: a staple in Southern soul food, the firmer texture of an unripe tomatoe makes for a pleasing dish when breaded or battered, then fried.

Green or red, tomatoes are a garden classic – enjoy them. 

Want to know how to froth milk without paying hundreds or thousands for a professional machine? Let us show you a few budget-friendly hacks for making a fancy-looking, foam-topped drink.

The good news is, you won't have needed to work as a barista at the local java store, nor do you need to have the best coffee maker on the market. And, one of the milk-frothing methods is free... yep, no specialist milk frother needed – it's all in your hands.

Some techniques work better than others (even the type of milk and temperature can determine the quality of the result). But it's worth demonstrating a variety of ways you can make coffee with an attractively aerated look and luxurious mouthfeel for less at home. 

Learning how to froth milk without a frother is great for when you go on vacation and can't move your trusty machine with you.

How to froth milk using a coffee maker steam wand

Making a black coffee (be it an espresso or Americano) is step one to a delicious beverage. If you take your coffee with cream or milk, then why not explore the milk-frothing feature on your machine? Not only can you create the creme-de-la-creme of creamy caps, but this function is also great for foaming up milk for coffee art.

'We believe great coffee should be simple.' says Chloe Taylor, resident barista at Breville.

'As people are making coffee at home more than before, we’re enabling them to make café quality coffee with our range of machines, including barista-worthy frothed milk.'

So, if your order is a cappuccino or latte, you will want to read on.

'Creating microfoam for milk-based drinks can be tricky to master, especially without the right equipment, but it couldn’t be simpler with our latest launches, thanks to their inbuilt, cool-touch steam wands.'

So how do you use a steam wand to make that perfect cappuccino?

How to:

1. Fill up a metal pitcher jug to the base of the spout with the milk of your choice. Ideally always use milk straight from the fridge and a cold jug, as this is better for producing a good microfoam.
2. Purge the steam wand before frothing to remove any impurities from previous use and to ensure the wand is clean and up to the correct temperature.
3. Hold the tip of the steam wand just under the surface of the milk to create a whirlpool, holding the jug at a slight angle. This part is called ‘stretching’ and refers to the process where you heat the milk and create your desired amount of microfoam. Ideally, you are looking to replicate the noise of a hushed whisper, if the wand is making a screeching noise, you may need to reposition the wand.
4. When the milk reaches temperature, lower the steam wand under the surface whilst maintaining the whirlpool. Keep steaming until the milk reaches 65ºC, or until you can no longer touch the surface of the pitcher
5. Bang the jug onto your worktop to break up the larger bubbles, then swirl the milk to achieve the ideal microfoam and silky surface. Let your inner barista shine at this point!
6. Tilt the cup with the espresso slightly and pour the milk in the middle, from a 10cm height whilst slowly straightening the cup and lowering the milk jug as it fills.

Though we did mention in our Breville Barista Max review that the milk frother could have been a little more powerful, it's a great entry-level machine for those wanting to show off their skills to guests.

Frothing milk for your favorite classic coffee drinks

'It's the texture and ratio of the milk that differentiates milk-based coffee drinks such as the cappuccino, latte, and flat white, making it (arguably) the most important factor to get right,' says James Gray, founder, Barista & Co.

'Nowadays, most modern coffee machines come fully equipped with a steam wand, making the milk frothing process quick and effective. The exact process for frothing milk varies slightly based on the drink and texture that is desired, but the basic technique is transferable throughout'.  

'The aim is to create a vortex in the milk. This motion, as well as moving the milk pitcher up and down on the wand, allows air to be incorporated into the milk, increasing the overall volume – there will be a change in pitch as this process occurs.'  

'A latte requires two-thirds of silky, steamed milk with a thin layer of frothed milk on top, creating distinctive layers. The milk for a cappuccino can be referred to as microfoam, meaning it is fluffier and more velvet in texture. This is the thick layer of dry foam that sits on the top of the drink.'

Ways to froth milk without a coffee machine

If you're making coffee without a machine (or have a coffee maker without a steam wand ie: a capsule-based pod machine), you can still have your foamy finish. You might just need a few more pieces of equipment, that you'll find in your kitchen.

'Before we get to frothing we need to heat up milk and we want to do this in as controlled a manner as possible as we want to reach 60–65°C (140–149°F) for cows' milk and 55–60°C (131–140°F) for most milk alternatives,' says Luke Powell, manager, specialty coffee EMEA at Sage.

'I prefer using a microwave as with a little trial and error you can find the perfect time to get to the right temperature, for me 1min 20secs on 900W gets 8oz of alternative milk to 60°C/140°F.'
N.B: If you've done that thing of spinning the dial timer for too long, and the milk has made a mess on the turntable (as it likes to do), you might need some advice on cleaning a micro-oven. We've got a guide on how to clear up the mess and any funky odors so you don't have to cry over spilled milk.

You can also use a saucepan on a hob, with a food thermometer, as Joe Authbert, buying manager, ProCook explains.

He says: 'Frothing milk to add to drinks can add a lovely creamy, airy texture to drinks. If frothing milk for a homemade cappuccino or latte, be sure to heat the milk in a saucepan before frothing as this will provide you with a sweeter taste,'

'The sugars found in milk, are unable to dissolve at colder temperatures, however, when heated, they can dissolve resulting in sweeter milk which is perfect for coffees. Heat it in a small milk pan for 30 – 60 seconds or until it’s simmering (or reached approximately 70°C before frothing for the best results.'

Option 1: use a cafetiere

'If you love coffee you most likely have a cafetiere (or French press). In addition to making beautiful filter coffee, you can use this to froth milk,' says Powell.

'I wouldn’t judge yourself too harshly as although latte art is possible with this method, it will take quite a bit of practice. This is great if you don’t mind getting great latte art and are making a lot of milk-based drinks at once.'

Here he explains how to froth milk with this plunger-based device.

1. Firstly, give it a good clean and rinse with hot water.
2. Then fill with your desired amount of hot milk (or milk alternative) and churn the filter plunger until the desired level of froth is achieved. This can either be poured into your waiting coffee directly or decanted into a barista-style pouring jug and you can try your hand at latte art. 

Option 2: use an electric mini whisk

'There are a lot of brands, I’d personally recommend Aerolatte or Nanofoamer, of electric whisk that you simply stick into your heated milk just below the surface until you get your desired milk consistency,' advises Powell.

'This is super easy and can develop a lot nicer milk quality. This is a great method if you’re just making one or two drinks and want to try your hand at some fancy latte art pouring.'

'Between using a cafetiere and this, my preference is the mini whisk as its far more controllable, and although a minor investment means you can create pretty good quality milk foam to explore how much joy a flat white in the morning brings you before you take the plunge and buy a Sage coffee machine.'

They are small and will fit in a utensil draw no problem too.

Option 3: use a countertop electric milk frother

There are many countertop milk frothers available, but one of the most widely recognized is the Nespresso Aeroccino4 milk frother, available on Amazon. With its glam metallic appearance and ribbed silhouette, it's also right up there in terms of aesthetic appeal.

Brian Mulay, specialist product QA/QC, Nespresso says: 'To get started using your Aeroccino, simply attach the relevant whisk, pour the desired amount of milk up to one of the two “max” level indicators, place the milk jug onto the base, and press the button to start (the Aeroccino stops automatically when milk is perfectly frothed).'

'For hot preparations, briefly press the button. For cold milk froth (perfect for iced lattes!), keep the button pressed for approximately two seconds. Voilà, latte-art-ready milk froth is ready for your sipping enjoyment.'

Watch the video below for instructions on how to froth milk perfectly. Once you're done, put everything (but the base) in your dishwasher for easy cleaning. 

Option 4: use a manual milk frother

Similar to the aforementioned countertop milk frother, except this, uses no electricity. This ProCook Milk Frother looks like a cafetiere, but instead of plunging ground coffee, this mechanism relies on manual force to froth milk. Made from stainless steel, this modern design-led device makes a great gift for coffee aficionados too. 

Option 5: use a specialist product like a Velvetiser

If you're just as obsessed with cocoa as you are with coffee, you may own a Velvetiser. This gorgeous machine, made by Hotel Chocolat and engineered by Dualit creates the most Insta-worthy cold and hot chocolate drinks, but can also be used to froth milk.

'The process is relatively simple and straightforward,' assures David Demaison, development chef, Hotel Chocolat.

'Indeed you can froth milk using the Velvetiser but as the primary goal of the machines is to make the best hot chocolate and we purposely developed the machine to provide this function, there is only one way to froth milk with the Velvetiser, and the result will be something close to latte milk. It’s perfect for lattes as well as flat whites.'

'I recommend that you use fresh chilled milk (the colder, the better) and pre warm your cup if you can with hot water (from your kettle), to keep the coffee hot.'

How to:

1. Simply add your milk of your choice into your Velvetiser up to the MAX line, put the lid on press the button ON.
2. The Velvetiser will perform its magic and 2.5 minutes later you’ll have milk frothed to the perfect temperature.

Option 6: give your carton a shake

OK, so it's not the most, erm, sophisticated of methods, but by shaking your carton or bottle of milk(not recommended with an old school glass one), the force you're creating is helping to create a foamy product for free.

Note however that the bubbles might not last as long as the aforementioned methods, and it also depends on how much air is in the container. We guess you could decant a little product into a glass mason jar or cocktail shaker and give it your best mixologist-style moves. This works best with warmed milk, but in both instances make sure the lids are secured before your milk goes flying all over the place.

Here, we can imagine it's been done by (carefully) shaking up a glass carafe that has a cork stopper. We found a similar one from Ikea on Amazon

Option 7: use an electric hand mixer

Not just for whipping up cakes and bakes to go alongside your creamy coffee, the best hand mixers are capable of adding air to your milk for fixing a fluffy drink for your guests. This piece of kitchen equipment is best for making large batches of frothed milk in a large glass or ceramic bowl.

Erica Katsner, writer at The Pioneer Woman says: 'Heat milk. Using a hand mixer, whisk the milk until it reaches the desired frothiness. This method creates slightly better foam than just whisking by hand.'

Option 8: use a smoothie or stick blender 

If you've made a fruity smoothie in a blender before, you may have noticed the bubbly texture at the top that gives you that signature milk mustache when you take a sip. So it's no surprise that this machine can give your dairy or plant milk a lighter-than-air feel.

But if you've got a small kitchen with limited counter space (and don't have a Nutribullet or single-serve device), a stick, soup, or immersion blender is the better coffee bar idea. Personally, I like making a traditional Greek frappe this way!

What kind of milk is best for frothing?

According to Taylor, the level of froth will depend on the fat content in your milk. For example, full-fat or 'whole' cows' milk will produce barista-worthy wow-factor. On the other hand, you'll need to work harder to 'stretch' (the technical term for aerating) skim or plant-based milks.

Here, she spills the beans on the problems you may face with vegan alternatives:

• Coconut milk: brings an exotic taste to your coffee, but be mindful about not adding too much air when frothing as it creates bigger bubbles than typical cow’s milk.
• Almond milk: has a lovely nutty taste, but be mindful not to overheat as it tends to split.
• Oat milk: perfect for beginners as it is creamier from the start and easier to froth.
• Soy milk: soy is particularly sensitive to heat so keep the temperature to 55-60ºC for a silky result.

If you're starving, you might wonder how long to microwave a potato to make a delicious baked potato. Sure, it doesn't deliver the crisp jacket that a conventional oven would, but if you're famished and want something fast - this is the route to take when preparing this midweek favorite.

The best microwaves come with all sorts of settings, which might include a specific cooking function for this complex carbohydrate. But if it doesn't, don't panic, because we've got the perfect instructions for a potato, whatever size or shape.

The most important takeaway when learning how long to cook a potato in a microwave is to pierce your tater. If you don't, the non-porous properties mean that your spud could explode in your micro oven. It's dangerous and darn right messy (but we've got tips on cleaning a microwave if some starchy water escapes). And, as if we need to mention, be super careful when taking your tuber out of the micro-cook, as it'll be piping hot!

Plus, we'll show you how to get a crispy outer shell without cooking it fully in the oven (or at all).

Get your timings right

In short, the answer is around five to seven minutes. But you're not going to get the best results knowing that alone. To start with, not all potatoes come out of the ground ready to be microwaved for seven minutes. Think medium-sized potato, six minutes; small potato: three to five minutes; big potato, eight, nine, or 10 minutes. 

How do you get it right? Start cautiously if you're not sure, check it and give it another minute. Repeat until you're happy the potato is ready.

What else to know about microwaving a potato

First, it's important to make sure the potato's clean, so run it under a kitchen tap, give it a good rub and pat it dry with kitchen paper (buy in bulk on Amazon) or a clean tea towel. 

Then poke it with a fork on each side. This won't only stop it from exploding in the oven because it helps the steam escape more easily through the skin, it should speed up cooking times, too.

Pop it on a microwave-proof dish (something from your best dinnerware set should do) and set the timer and the power to full.

Aluminum foil is something you should never put in the microwave, so don't be tempted to wrap your potato in tin foil before attempting to nuke it. You wouldn't believe how many people ask us if you can put tin foil in the microwave – and the answer is no.

Microwaving more than one potato at a time

In an ideal world, you should microwave potatoes that are roughly the same size. This will help them to cook evenly. In theory, cooking two potatoes should take twice as long, but be careful.

If you're going to cook your single potato for five minutes, reckon on needing eight minutes for two, then perhaps an extra minute. It all depends on their size...

How to improve flavor when microwaving a potato

Even if you're a not huge fan of microwaved potatoes, you can up their flavor really easily. First, ensure you don't overcook them because they do dry out pretty quickly. Second, once you've poked yours with a fork, rub it over with olive oil, then sprinkle on some table salt and black pepper. This will help the skin be more flavorsome.

Put the microwaved potato in the oven for ten minutes

Better still? While the microwave is cooking your potato, turn your best oven on high. Then simply pop the microwaved potato into the hot oven for five to ten minutes to crisp up the skin. It'll improve the texture immeasurably.

If you are making potatoes for the whole family, you may choose to pop these on a baking tray so you don't have to take them out one at a time. If you are, be very careful... a tea towel or oven glove may help to stop you from scalding your hands. 

Other ways to crisp a microwaved jacket potato

If for whatever reason you don't have a conventional oven, the best air fryer will work wonders to turn your humble white (or sweet potato) into a delicious side or main meal.

While it usually takes 30-40 minutes to cook a jacket in this machine, if you've already cooked the potato in your microwave (and then cooled it in the fridge), you can crisp up the skin in a matter of minutes the next day so it'll have a crisp outer skin. Along with this, you can try some other air fryer recipes for rapid meal inspo.

Cleaning an air fryer thereafter is a breeze, so it's worth spending that extra time on getting optimal results. The cost of running an air fryer is literally a couple of cents too, so getting a superior spud won't be expensive.

Toppings for a microwaved potato

You name it: sour cream and chives, coleslaw and grated cheese, a slow cooker chili, or just lashings of butter, salt, and pepper. You can have your fave ingredients delivered to your door with Amazon Fresh. Or simply have it as your carb option with a salad and grilled meats off your barbecue. Yum.

Are microwaved potatoes healthy?

'Cooking your potatoes in the microwave can take as little as five minutes, making it a great way to save time in the kitchen,' says Thea Whyte, small appliances expert at AO.com.

'It is completely safe to do so as long as you remember to prick the potatoes beforehand. By pricking the skin you avoid a messy potato explosion in your microwave that you’ll be left to clean up afterward.'

'Not only does it save time, but microwaving your potatoes can be a healthier option too as you’re eliminating the need to use any oil or butter during the cooking process.'

'Overall, cooking your potatoes in the microwave will still give you the same fluffy tender insides as if you cooked them in the oven, but you just won’t have the same crispy skin. Alternatively, after cooking your potatoes in the microwave you can pop them in a preheated oven for 10 minutes and the skin will be nice and crispy.'

Can you microwave raw potatoes?

'You can definitely microwave a potato, it takes about 10 to 15 mins for a big one but keep checking,' says Miguel Barclay, chef, and author of One Pound Meals.

'All you need to do is stab it a few times with a fork to allow the steam to escape and prevent an explosion. Then turn it every so often to get a nice even cook. The skin won’t be as dark and crispy but the inside is exactly the same, I definitely recommend this method, it’s cheaper and more energy efficient, plus its loads quicker.'

Knowing how to pick a watermelon should be simple right? Alas, even with watermelon season in full swing, heaps of them in grocery stores and at your local farmer's markets if they grow well in your area, you may know all too well how easy it is to come home with one that isn't as juicy and flavorful as you'd hoped. And above all, watermelons should be a total joy to eat. Packed full of vitamins and fiber, they're not all sugar, so if you enjoy them in moderation they're a healthy addition to your diet. Even if you overdo it at times... They are super hydrating so it's not the worst guilty pleasure come summertime.

So how do you make sure you pick a good one every time, for the best flavor and texture? It often comes down to where you're buying yours from in the first place, how the watermelon was stored if in transit, and whether you stored it in your best refrigerator at home or on the kitchen counter. 

In all, there are some secrets to picking a really good watermelon, so we asked a handful of food experts to help you choose the tastiest, ripest ones the next time you want to add this fruit to your grocery basket. 

How do you pick a good watermelon from the store? 

If you're shopping for your watermelons at the store, you may be wondering how far they've traveled and under what conditions, and when they were picked. All of these factors can impact the taste of the watermelon you're buying, so you need a bit of a technique to choose the perfect watermelon that's ready to eat. 

Ashley Dolan, Founder of Vegiac, tells us that 'although many people think that they will be able to choose a ripe and juicy watermelon just by tapping on it, it is not so easy. In fact, there are many who do not know how to choose the perfect watermelon, especially because it is very difficult to judge what its inside is just from the outside appearance.' So, although tapping is one of the methods for finding out whether a watermelon is ripe, there are several other steps. These are:

1. Observe the shape of the watermelon

'Look for a firm and symmetrical watermelon with no scratches. The strange shape of the watermelon could have been created if the plant did not have enough sun or enough water. That's why it can happen that it is not juicy enough.'

2. Pick up the watermelon

'The weight of the watermelon should be an indicator that it has enough liquid in it, and therefore is ripe. Compare the weight of that watermelon with another watermelon of similar size. The one you think is heavier will probably be more mature.'

3. Look for the yellow mark on the underbelly

'Each watermelon has a yellow mark on the underside, which was caused by the watermelon lying on the ground. If this mark is lighter in color or white, it means that the watermelon is not ripe enough and that it was picked too early. The ideal stain color is dark yellow. Ripe watermelons have a dull green color. While the ones that shine are probably not ripe enough.'

4. Tap the rind of the watermelon

'Although the correct use of this technique is very difficult to master, it is very popular. Tap the watermelon. If the sound is deep, it will mean that the watermelon is not ripe.'

How do you know if a watermelon is sweet?

Jason White, the CEO of All About Gardening, names the spot test as the best indicator of the ripeness and sweetness of a watermelon: 'you want a large, butter-like yellow belly spot': 'the larger and darker the field spot is, the riper and sweeter the watermelon is. Avoid picking ones with a white spot because those are still underripe and will have little to no taste.'

Weight is also a reliable indication of sweetness: 'pick the heavier watermelons among the bunch. Choose one that is heavy for its size because this means that it contains more water, making it juicier and sweeter.'

How can you tell if a watermelon is good and ripe?

Kelsey Sackmann is a supermarket-savvy registered dietitian and food blogger who knows a thing or two about choosing a watermelon. She too told us to ignore 'the rumors about how to pick a good watermelon', which include only thumping and listening for a hollow sound, or smelling watermelons. 

As the watermelon picking expert tells us, 'there’s one tried and true method for picking the perfect watermelon, the Three S’s. Next time you’re in the grocery store, just remember these three things: skin, size, spot. 

Skin: 'Look over the watermelon. The skin should be firm, shiny, and free of bruises, cuts or dents.' 

Size:' since it’s 92 per cent water, a good, ripe watermelon should be heavy for its size.' 

Spot: 'make sure it has a creamy, yellow spot on its underside. This is where it sat on the ground and ripened in the sun. No spot? Put it back, not ripe!'

How can you tell if cut watermelon is tasty or not?

If you're buying watermelon that's already cut and want to make sure that it's tasty, Dolan advises that 'you should pay attention to the color of the seeds and whether the seeds are coming out. If the seeds are white, it means that the watermelon is not ripe, and if the seeds are separating, it means that it has probably been standing for a long time and has lost a lot of liquid.' 

Happy watermelon buying!

If you want to know how to store food in the summertime, you’re asking yourself an important question. As temperatures rise with the arrival of the warm season, your kitchen will be getting much hotter. Add the heat of cooking, and you may be tempted to just put all your food in the fridge to prevent it from spoiling.

This sounds like a good strategy and purely from the point of view of food safety it is. But even the best fridge isn’t always the best place to store every type of produce. In fact, chilling some foods excessively may affect their taste and texture. 

On the other hand, there are ongoing debates about some foods, especially eggs: should they be stored in the fridge, at least during summer, or not? We’ve asked food experts to answer the most common questions about summer food storage. 

How to store food in the summertime

If you find wondering whether you put this or that food item in the fridge soon enough stressful (we definitely do), then Laura Bais has a failsafe tip for you. Laura is an expert in all things food and owns the food blog Julie's Cafe Bakery. She recommends eating fresh as much as possible during summer: ‘eat fresh goods that require short heat treatment, and each day a new meal.’

This may mean adjusting your cooking routine if you like your leftovers, but a lot of cases of food poisoning during the summer months are caused by cooked food that wasn’t put in the fridge soon enough and then reheated. The Minnesota Department of Health advises that food shouldn’t be left out for longer than two hours, but with some cooked foods even one hour may be too long. This especially applies to cooked rice.

You’ll also need to rethink humidity levels in your kitchen. Rachel Scott, Co-Founder and Medical Practitioner of National TASC LLC, explains that ‘bacteria and molds love a moist environment and, in the summertime, there is sure to be a lot of vapor in the air, so moisture formation is highly likely.’

Basically, your food is much more likely to spoil because it’s hot and humid rather than just because it’s hot. Scott’s proposed solution is investing in a dehumidifier for your kitchen for the summer months. Or, failing that using ‘food-grade silica gels in food containers to keep them dry.’ Food-grade silica gel packets can be bought on Amazon.

How to store tomatoes during the summer

The trick with storing tomatoes, whether in or out of the fridge, is not storing them next to produce that will speed up the spoiling of your tomatoes. Scott tells us that it is essential to ‘separate tomatoes from other high-ethylene producing vegetables and fruits with the normal ones to store them for longer durations. The hormone ethylene speeds up deterioration and spoilage, especially during the summer season.’ Store your tomatoes away from bananas, peaches, melons, and peppers.

How to store root vegetables during the summer

Root veggies are known for keeping longer than juicy fruit and vegetables – but that doesn’t mean you can store them indefinitely. While they will do fine for months either in the fridge or in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cellar, there’s a very good reason not to store them for too long. Bais explains that ‘Long storing (just like heat treatment) reduces the amount of vitamin C, so it is advisable to cook potatoes to preserve this vitamin that is sensitive to elevated temperatures.’ Basically, cook and eat your potatoes, beets, and carrots within a few weeks of buying them, or you won’t reap the nutritional benefits of these vegetables.

Cooked vegetables, ‘should be cooled as quickly as possible to avoid the development of microorganisms.’

How to store fish during the summer

Want to know how to store oysters in the fridge? Easy: just place them in a container, flat side up, and cover them with a damp (not wet) cloth. They will keep for up to five days. You can freeze oysters, but their flavor and texture will change, so only do this if you plan on chucking your oysters in a fish stew.

Other fish and shellfish is also best stored in the coldest compartment of your fridge for up to four-five days. The same rule applies: freeze your fish/seafood if you like, but be prepared for a change in texture and taste afterwards. Be sure to keep your freezer organized with labels and the like also so that you can mark up the dates on which you freeze your items.

Top tip from Bais: ‘softer fish (such as river fish) should be sprayed with lemon juice or vinegar before cooking - this way the meat becomes firmer and does not fall apart during cooking.’

How to store fruit during summer

Have a bumper crop of strawberries? There is good news. Bais says that ‘fruits can be preserved by deep freezing while preserving vitamin C and other important nutrients.’ You can store strawberries in freezer bags, either cut or whole. Just make sure you know how to wash strawberries and thoroughly dry them before freezing.

As a general rule, any fruit that is high in water content, such as berries and cut melon or watermelon, should be stored in the fridge. Fruit that is uncut and has a skin (mango, peaches, and bananas) will be fine for several in your fruit bowl so long as it’s not in direct sunlight.

How to keep herbs fresh

The biggest problems with herbs are wilt and rot, and it can be difficult to keep them fresh even in the fridge. To prolong the life of your herb garden produce (if only by a few days), you should do two things: make sure they get a little air and sandwich the leaves between moistened paper towels. The paper towels will prevent water loss, while the air circulation will prevent the rot. You can expect mint and parsley to last this way for up to a week.

Should eggs be kept in the fridge when it's hot?

According to the FDA, you should store eggs ‘in a clean refrigerator at a temperature of 40° F or below. Use a refrigerator thermometer to check.’ Your eggs won’t go off immediately if you choose to store them outside of the fridge, but they won’t last as long. Boiled eggs should always be refrigerated and eaten within one week. That is only if they’re hard-boiled; soft-boiled eggs should be eaten immediately.

What foods should not be refrigerated?

The number one item that people store in the fridge although they shouldn’t is bread. Bread actually goes stale and tasteless in the fridge quicker than it will in your pantry.

Also, never store oils and honey in the fridge – they will solidify and you won’t be able to use them properly.

Finally, coffee should not be kept in the fridge, ever. You will ruin the flavor – and it won’t last any longer. Store it in an airtight container in your pantry.

Get replenished and refreshed with the delicious benefits of coconut water. This ultra-hydrating beverage is chock full of nutritious goodies like potassium and electrolytes. Not only is this liquid a healthy addition to your diet, but it also tastes great, too. To find the coconut water option that suits you, we’ve collected the best options.

Coconut water for the win

If you're looking for a tasty and healthy way to hydrate, look no further than coconut water. This beneficial beverage includes a helping of restorative elements like electrolytes and potassium. When it comes to the best option out there, we love ZICO natural coconut water. This delicious drink is made of real coconut water without added sugars. How can you go wrong?

Sometimes you need an energy boost, in that case, we recommend the Bai Molokai coconut water. The yummy liquid is made with coconut, white tea extract, sea salt, and coffee fruit extract, so you'll get a caffeine lift along with all the coconut-based benefits.

For an option that will add a touch of coconut flavor to smoothies and more, the Earth Circle organics coconut water powder is a great selection. It's a simple beverage-and-more addition that you'll keep reaching for.

Why trust us?

At Real Homes, we recommend the best products to enhance your life. As expert curators, we handpick products based on quality and usefulness to positively impact your day-to-day, from cart to doorstep. We take our responsibility seriously — testing products, reading reviews, and sourcing knowledgeable outlets to ensure our selections are worthy of your time and money. We deliver detailed product overviews, balancing objective information with subjective opinions, so making the best choice for your home and lifestyle is as easy as possible.

If you're asking yourself how to make a cup of tea, we can guess you're either one of two types of people. You have never made tea and want to know how to do it right, or you have been making tea your whole life and your tried and trusted method had come under scrutiny. Boiling water or slightly cooler water? Milk first, or tea first? Should you microwave the water? (Don't even think about it). And so on. 

The list of variables is surprisingly long, and some of these things do affect the taste of your cuppa.

And, as a team with staff in the UK, we have some pretty strong feelings about tea.

Of course, buying the best tea kettle you can find is of major importance. Not only will you enjoy making tea more if your kettle is brand new and shiny, but these days, kettles come with all kinds of extra features that help you achieve the perfect cup. 

Still, there are some rules and tricks you should know about, whether your kettle is one year old or ten. 

How to make a cup of tea

Without further ado, here's how to make a cup of tea the way  BRITA water sommelier and hot beverage expert, Samantha Scoles, does it.

1. Fill your kettle

Many experts recommend not using water straight from the tap but filtering it first. Using a filter 'removes unwanted tastes and odors from water, and rebalances the minerals to let the true taste of the tea shine.'

Don't have a water filter? Consider getting a kettle with a built-in water filter.

Sebastian Michaelis, Master Tea Blender at Tetley, also advises against re-boiling any water left in the kettle, and to 'only use the water you need to save energy!'

2. Fill a teapot with boiled water

The water temperature you need will depend on the type of tea you want to make. Scoles recommends measuring the temperature 'using a kitchen thermometer to check that it is 158°F (70°C) – for green tea – and 200°F (95°C-98°C) for black tea. If it is too hot, leave it to cool down for a minute or so.'

Water that is too hot will scold the tea, ruining the delicate flavors. Not hot enough and you don't get the best infusion.

3. Let you tea infuse

This is a crucial step. The recommended infusion times are 2–3 minutes for green tea and medium-leaf black teas (including tea bags), and 3–5 minutes for black large leaf tea. 

Michaelis likes to 'give the teabag a little stir to allow the leaves to infuse properly' but also says: 'don’t abuse the poor fellow; I brew for 2–3 minutes to allow the tea to infuse properly before adding milk.' If you over brew your tea it will taste quite bitter. 

As Scoles explains, 'the bitter components in tea are soluble in boiling water and, when brewed for too long, they are drawn out quickly into the water which can overwhelm the subtly sweet and aromatic character of the tea.'

If you are making a caffeine-free herbal infusion,  such as fruit, herbal, or rooibos tea, you can cover with boiling water and infuse for 5–7 mins. 

If your tea is flaking in your cup when you pour it or is a murky color, it's most likely been overbrewed. Black tea should be a rich, golden color; green tea should still be a pleasant green or light yellow color. 

4. Add milk (if you want it)

Yep, the milk goes in last. You may have heard that milk traditionally goes in first, but, as Michaelis explains, this goes back to the time when everyone made tea in porcelain teapots: 'legend has it that milk was poured into fine bone China cups to stop the delicate porcelain cracking when pouring hot tea from a pot. Not as many people boil tea in a pot today, and even fewer pour tea into fancy bone China, so the argument is mute.'

However, Michaelis cautions against pouring milk onto a teabag before pouring on your boiling water to brew. 'This will drop the temperature of the water and your tea will taste under brewed and frankly nasty. I personally do pour milk into my cups when brewing tea in a pot, but it’s just habit and it saves me washing up a spoon!'

Should tea for two be made in a teapot?

Yes, there is some sense in using a teapot if you're making tea for multiple people. Michaelis says that he tends to 'use a teapot for two or more people when I’m at home. It allows the teabag to move around more and produces a fully flavoured tea. Using a pot is also a bit of a ceremony. I enjoy the little extra effort when you’ve got guests, and you’ll usually have some extra for a top up. 

If you are usually a coffee drinker and don't have tea as often, did you know you can also use a French press to make tea? Simply add a teaspoon of loose leaf tea per cup, fill with water, put the lid on and leave to steep for the advised length of time before plunging. Try to pour the tea fairly soon though to avoid leaving it stewing.

Top tip: 'When you're using a teapot, it’s really important to heat the pot before brewing your tea. If you don’t, the thick porcelain will reduce the temperature of the boiling water quickly and your tea won’t brew as well and you end up with dishwater. I add a little extra water to the kettle to pour into the pot before it boils to sloosh around the pot.'

Should I add milk to herbal tea?

If you're new to the world of herbal teas, this bit can be confusing. Should you add milk to, say, a rooibos or an oolong? Some of them taste as rich and robust as black teas, so it would make sense to at least try them with milk. 

However, Erica Moore, founder of eteaket tea, tells us that 'green, oolong, white, rooibos and herb/fruit infusions are designed to be drunk without milk. It you do decided to add milk though, it all boils down to heat. Tea needs the hot water to brew properly so if you add milk while it’s brewing you’ll be cooling things down too much. So if you’re brewing in a mug, add the milk after the tea has brewed. If you’re brewing in a pot then it doesn’t matter what order you put the milk in cause the tea will be nicely brewed already (as long as you’ve left it long enough!)'

Ultimately, it's completely up to you: try it both ways and see which way you prefer!

Making tea: top tips

Moore has a few other tips to help you achieve the perfect cuppa:

• Use fresh tea. Tea is a natural product and will have a best before date; try and consume before this date.
• Store your tea in an airtight container at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.
• Brewing tea is all about giving the tea room to breathe and letting the leaves unfurl. Choose a good tea press, filter or infuser which allows this.
• Always remove or separate the leaves from the liquid once the tea has been brewed for the recommended time, otherwise the tea will stew and will taste bitter.

Enjoy! ☕️ 

Want to know how to use a pizza stone properly? Although the best pizza ovens (indoor or outdoor) can be quite an expensive investment (initially), making pizzas with bread flour, water, yeast and salt costs next to nothing when you think of it. Especially considering the eye-watering mark-up your fave independent eatery or food delivery app go-to add on to this cheap, Mediterranean eat.

But unlike the chain or artisan recipes that are passed down from one generation to the next, everyday is a create-your-own experience if you have the goods to make pizza at home. So you can create a bespoke stone-baked meal without the extra add-ons charged to your bill.

Using a pizza stone (also known as a baking stone) essentially creates a stable surface for your dough to sit on, while removing extra moisture from your elastic paste of grain and H₂O. An essential part of recreating your restaurant favorite at home.

It also retains heat and distributes it evenly via its porous surface – if you've watched a famous British TV baking show, you'll know that no once likes a soggy bottom. It's best to keep a continuous blast of heat on your homemade pizza if you want to stretch to crisp and professional results. 

Why should you use a pizza stone?

First of all, it's probably important to know what a pizza stone is and how investing in the best pizza stone you can buy will give you a beautifully crispy pizza base, devoid of any sogginess.

As well as being suited to use on the best BBQ (for a smokey finish with charred edges) you can also use one inside, popped into your conventional oven.

So who better to ask about using a pizza stone in your oven than Clare Edwards, home economist at Smeg, who can explain how this kitchen gadget can revolutionize this Roman classic.

She says: 'Italians are well-known for their pizza, and what the pizza stone allows you to do, is to create the authenticity of a traditional pizza stone oven and cook pizza within four to six minutes.' 

If you wonder if you can make a really good pizza at home without a specialist pizza stone (or oven with one) then the answer is probably, no.

'To really enhance your cooking experience, a pizza stone is essential and is key to providing a perfect pizza,' says Annabelle Luce, UK Communications Manager for ManoMano.

'There are several reasons behind this, however the biggest factor is that the stone holds heat, allowing the pizza to evenly cook. When cold food such as an uncooked pizza is placed on top of it, as long as the stone has been pre-heated, it can help balance out the temperature on both sides, ensuring not one side is too burnt or underdone.'

'Better yet, by immediately transferring the pizza onto a hot platform, the crust gets crispier, providing a more authentic Italian style.'

Enough on why you should make pizza at home with a pizza stone. How do you use one?

How to use a pizza stone (in a conventional oven)

The process couldn't be easier. You just put the stone in the oven to heat while you prep your pie. Once you have spent time on your dough, and shaped it tomato sauce and cheese, or meat can be added on top of the pizza. It then needs sliding onto the warmed stone to cook.

Meats such as Parma ham only need a few minutes. Finally, drizzle some oil over the cooked pizza along with a few basil leaves and it is ready to be eaten!

Whatsmore, pizza stones can also be used to cook other breads such as pitta bread or chapati, or quiches and flans. Casseroles can be placed on the stone to cook from the base. They can of course be used for frozen or part-baked pizzas, too.

You will need:

• An oven (take a peek at our best oven picks if you're looking to buy a new one)
• An oven rack
• A pizza stone
• A pizza peel
• Timer (optional if you have a clock or appropriate oven setting)
• Oven gloves

How to:

• Preheat your pizza stone: Begin to heat the pizza stone in the oven at 280°C/540°F, whilst you prepare the pizza. Always put the stone in a cold oven then turn on to heat both together.
• Let the stone sit in the hot oven:  After the pizza dough has been rolled and stretched, with toppings added, use a pizza peel to place it on the preheated pizza stone. Dust your peel with semolina to help ease the pizza onto the stone. Work quickly to avoid losing heat.
• Cook the pizza: Leave the pizza to cook and check on it (through the glass door if possible) after about four minutes. Smeg’s current pizza stone can reach highs of 350°C/660°F and will cook the pizza from the base within 4–6 minutes but you may need up to 10 minutes for the pizza to be cooked to your liking. It is ready when the crust is browned and bubbling and the cheese just starting to colour.
• Remove the pizza from the oven: You can do this with your pizza peel, or use your oven gloves to carefully slide it onto a suitable heatproof surface.

How to use a pizza stone on the BBQ

Thought your humble barbecue just charbroiled meats, sausage and corn-on-the-cob? Our minds were blown when we learned how to BBQ a pizza using a pizza stone. And, it happens to be on our list of the best BBQ tools and accessories too.

'Simply get the pizza stone piping hot on the grill and add your fresh pizza dough before closing the lid and allow it to cook for a few minutes. Once you open up you'll have perfectly cooked pizza.' says Millie Fender, small appliances and cooking editor, Real Homes.

The key thing here is knowing how to light a bbq correctly. It's absolutely imperative that you allow your cooking appliance to get as hot as possible, because your pizza stone is reliant on that temperature for the most tasty and authentic open pie texture. Once the grill is lit, get the stone on to allow it to heat properly and avoid thermal shock. Feed the grill beneath the stone to maintain a good temperature throughout.

This method of cooking pizza is so good, even retail chain Crate and Barrel cooks their pizzas on grills. They say 'Chefs slide pies directly onto piping hot grills. The result is a perfectly charred crust with just the right amount of chew.'

We spoke to Andrew Lovell, product manager at LANDMANN about how to get a bubbly base on your BBQ. 

You will need:

• A BBQ
• A pizza stone (such as LANDMANN's modulus pizza stone) 

How to:

1. Before you do anything else, it’s important to check what your stone is made from. Cordierite stones are extremely resistant to thermal shock so placing them straight onto on a screaming hot barbecue isn’t a problem. Cheaper ceramic or clay stones may crack if you do this, so you need to heat them up slowly. 
2. If you have a modulus circular grill section, remove it and put your modulus pizza stone down in its place. If you are using a standard gas or charcoal grill, then simply place the stone on the grill.
3. Once your stone is in place, crank up the heat to full on all the burners (or get your charcoal grill extremely hot) and close the lid. If you have a ceramic or clay stone, you’ll need to do this slowly instead.
4. To get the best results, leave the stone on the barbecue at full heat for at least 15 minutes, ideally nearer to 30 minutes, before cooking. This will get the stone piping hot and ready to serve up the perfect crispy base and fluffy crust. 
5. Now it’s time to place your pizza into the barbecue. If you prepare your stone well and have it at a high temperature, you shouldn’t need to add anything at this point to stop your pizza from sticking.  
6. Put your pizza onto the stone, opening the lid for as little time as possible. Once it’s in the right place check your burners are still on full, if using gas, and close the lid.
7. You won’t need to turn your pizza as the heat will be spread evenly under the hood, so just leave the barbecue to work its magic. Your fresh pizza will be ready to enjoy al fresco in 7-8 minutes.

How does a pizza stone work?

The benefit of a pizza stone over a baking sheet is that it retains heat and extracts moisture.

'You can think of pizza stones/baking steels as thermal batteries.' explains Sandra Duncan, sales training and experience manager UK & EU at Sage Appliances.

'They get ‘charged up’ by placing them in your oven and preheating them. Because the ceramic stones are quite poor conductors of heat, they take a long time to fully preheat or ‘charge’, but this is actually a good thing because they hold onto that thermal energy very well.'

'This can help maintain stable baking temps but more importantly, that energy can be rapidly released through conduction when you place a pizza onto the stone. The energy in the stone is transferred into the dough and helps the pizza cook quickly.'

How hot must a pizza stone be to cook pizza?

Pizza needs to be cooked quickly, at a high temperature.

Declan Kingsley-Walsh, MD at Morsø UK says, 'When using a pizza stone, it is important to heat the stone thoroughly before use. For pizza making, the stone must be very hot, and there must be living flames. The optimal temperature of the stone on which you bake the pizza is 250–300°C/480–570°F. Place the pizza directly on the baking stones and turn it at short intervals for even baking. After just a few minutes you will have a delicious pizza.'

What is a pizza stone made from?

The pizza baking stones we've seen have either been crafted from cordierite (a mineral from igneous rocks), ceramic, steel or clay and come in a variety of shapes and sizes so you can manipulate your stretchy pizza base to fit the stone to size. 

Though we briefly touched on the fragility and care you should take in not taking your baking stone from cool to hot temperatures to quickly (and vice versa) – not all pizza stones are made equally. And so it might pay dough-shaped dividends to pay a few extra dollars for a premium pizza stone.

The Emile Henry pizza stone, available from Amazon is made from a proprietary clay mixture and patented technology, and can go straight from fridge or freezer to oven or grill without cracking. It's dishwasher safe, and has a 10-year guarantee, so you can keep popping out those pizzas time and time again.

Is a pizza stone better than a pizza oven?

While you can get amazing results with a pizza stone at home, if you need quicker and more reliable cooking, you might want to look at a pizza oven instead.

Sandra Duncan, sales training and experience manager UK & EU at Sage Appliances says, 'An important thing to note is that the pizza stone is really only going to get as hot as your oven will allow it to. If your oven ‘maxes’ out at 250°C/480°F, your stone is only going to get to a temperature close to that. It will effectively try to reach a point of equilibrium with your oven. That’s why, even with very good pizza stones, it’s very difficult to achieve Neapolitan pizza in a poor home oven – they just don’t get hot enough.'

'The Pizzaiolo is the first domestic benchtop oven to hit 400°C/750°F and cook an authentic wood-fired style pizza in just two minutes. It replicates the three types of heat generated by a brick oven – conductive, radiant and convective. Our Element iQ system also replicates the ideal baking environment for New York, pan, thin and crispy and frozen pizzas.'

'The independently-controlled, dynamic deck has been designed to sit directly above responsive incoloy heating elements. The natural cordierite stone is heated quickly and evenly to maintain the correct temperature, cooking the pizza base to the desired finish, with the right amount of char for the classic wood-fired finish.'

How to look after your pizza stone

Keep your pizza stone somewhere clean, dry and preferably with low humidity levels.  Never soak or overwet your pizza stone as the porous surface will absorb water. Always allow any water to dry away completeley before using the stone again or it could cause damage and cracking.

Once you have finished cooking your pizza, don't turn the oven off. Leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes to cook any food residue off the pizza stone. In this time, it will likely burn and turn to an ash that is much easier to remove than molten ingredients.

Then, allow the pizza stone to cool in the oven. Next day, or when the stone is completely cooled, removed from the oven and wipe over with a lightly damp cloth. If anything is burnt on, use a brush to lift it. For more, read how to clean a pizza stone.

Is a pizza peel the same as a pizza stone?

No, a pizza peel is a completely different tool to a pizza stone. The peel essentially helps you to 'peel' it off your work surface and transfer it to the hot pizza stone. You don't necessarily need a peel, but it will make your raw dough easier and safer to move about.

These long handled kitchen apparatus can be formed of wood, bamboo or metal so it's completely up to you which one you choose (you might want to use natural materials in a traditional kitchen for example). But we like the look of the American Metalcraft Aluminum pizza peel with wood handle that we found on Amazon. It has the best of both worlds, is relatively cheap, and comes with over 1,650 good reviews.

Having a pizza peel also adds extra wow-factor and theater in the kitchen if you happen to be entertaining guests and serving pizza. Looks much better than a make-shift baking sheet situ, or removing your finished product with a plate or chopping board – trust us!

What else can a pizza stone be used for?

These cooking stones can be used for more than just pizza. You can bake other breads on them, or use them under a roasting tin containing meat or veggies to help spread the heat more evenly.

How healthy are air fryers? Air fryers have shot up in popularity in recent years as many of us are becoming more conscious of the benefits of reducing our consumption of fried and processed foods. But is the idea of fries without the guilt too good to be true?

The best air fryers promise the same delicious taste of fried foods minus the adverse health effects. How do these appliances work, are air fryers healthy, and what else do you need to know about them before getting one? We've asked registered dieticians and nutritionists to explain the pros and cons. 

How healthy are air fryers?

There's not a simple answer to this question. The answer will always depend on what you're comparing the air fryer to – other methods of frying, or a diet that cuts out fried foods altogether? 

If you regularly consume fried foods and are simply looking to replace your deep fat fryer with a healthier option, then an air fryer is definitely the way to go. Lisa Richards, a nutritionist, and author of the Candida Diet reminds readers that 'regular consumption of fried food raises the risk of heart disease by increasing bad cholesterol, blood pressure, and obesity risk. Replacing homemade fried foods with air fried foods can significantly decrease these [risk factors].' Air frying rather than deep-frying gives you food that tastes very similar but contains fewer calories, which is great if you're trying to reduce your overall calorie intake. 

However, air frying is still not 'healthy' in the same way baking in an oven – and it's certainly in no way healthier than eating fresh vegetables, for example. What you cook is still as important as how you're cooking it. Lahana Vigliano, Certified Clinical Nutritionist and CEO of Nuvitru, points out that you should still aim to move away from packaged processed foods even if you are using an air fryer:  'It's important to use an air fryer with healthy nutritious food and not just heating up processed frozen food. This is the key to making the air fryer experience healthy!'

According to USDA, over 40 percent of potatoes consumed by Americans come from frozen products, and while it's healthier to cook a packet of frozen French fries in an air fryer rather than in a deep fat fryer, it's even better to air fry fresh potatoes.

Still not sure the difference between an air fryer or deep fat fryer? We put them to the ultimate test.

How do air fryers work?

Air fryers use convection heating to fry your food – in other words, hot air that rotates inside the fryer. It is possible to use an air fryer without using any oil at all for some foods, but most air fryer recipes do still require the use of oil, just substantially less than a deep fat fryer or your skillet. 

Once you've put in the oil (typically about a tablespoonful of it), the air fryer disperses droplets of the oil with the hot air, which gives the food the crispness and enhanced flavor you know from frying.

Richards adds that what 'is placed on the food after it is prepared can still increase the fat, sugar, and harmful nutrients of the food. It is a myth that air fryers make all foods healthy.' In other words, getting an air fryer can be a good step in an overall effort to eat more healthily, but it isn't a panacea. 

What are the benefits of using an air fryer?

The main benefit of air frying is reducing the number of calories in fried foods thanks to the reduced amount of oil needed for air frying. An air fryer is very good news for anyone who cannot yet part with their favorite fried treats but is actively trying to reduce their calorie intake. 

The other big benefit of using an air fryer is that it lowers the risks associated with consuming acrylamides contained in fried foods. Acrylamides are the by-products of frying and have been linked to some cancers. A study has found that 'air-frying reduced acrylamide content by about 90% compared with conventional deep-oil-frying.'

Finally, there is no denying that air fryers are easy and convenient. Food preparation is quicker in an air fryer than in a conventional oven, and it's less messy. In comparison with deep-fat fryers, you're not at risk of scalding yourself using hot oil. 

What are the disadvantages of an air fryer?

Despite the many reasons to buy an air fryer, they are not without their cons. One of the biggest cons of air fryers is that they, paradoxically, can prevent people from consuming oils that are good for health, especially olive oil. Vigliano explains that while using less oil is often seen as a benefit of air fryers, this 'isn't always a good thing. 

'High-quality oils, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, can be great at helping absorb fat-soluble vitamins found in food.' So, do use good oils in your air fryer – just avoid using cheap vegetable oil used in deep fat fryers. 

The other drawback is that the air frying process is not completely understood and may also come with health risks. According to Medical News Today, 'while air fryers reduce the likelihood of acrylamide formation, other potentially harmful compounds could still form.' Apparently, this is especially the case when using them to cook fish. 

Cheaper air fryers may also be harmful through the materials it's made from, so Vigliano cautions that 'it's important to choose an air fryer that uses stainless steel as the cookware versus a non-stick Teflon or plastic. This can cause your food to be exposed to different environmental toxins found in plastic and non-stick materials.' Vigliano gives the Cuisinart Air Fryer (available from Amazon) her seal of approval as it's made from safe and high-quality materials. 

Finally, air fryers may give people trying to eat more healthily a false sense of security in eating fried foods too often.

What are the best foods to cook in an air fryer?

Potatoes and chicken may be the old favorites, but there are all sorts of tasty foods you can cook in your air fryer like these easy peasy air fryer recipes. The dietitian Ariana Cucuzza told The Cleveland Clinic that her most-recommended food to make in an air fryer is sweet potato fries: 

'It can be difficult to make them crispy in a conventional oven. Instead, sprinkle them with your favorite seasoning, throw them in the air fryer, and enjoy!'

On the hunt for air fryer recipes? If you’ve recently invested in an air fryer, you may be wondering what you can cook in it. Or maybe you’re on the fence about buying and want to know if it’s good for more than just french fries. Well, the good news is that the best air fryers can be used for just about any dish you could wish to make. 

Air fryer converts will tell you that they use their machine on a daily basis. In fact, it’s perfectly possible to make breakfast, lunch and dinner in just the one machine. The biggest issue you’ll encounter is that you typically have only one drawer to use at a time, and even then, many people buy a second air fryer or opt for a model with multiple drawers to do even more cooking in their air fryer.

As the small appliance editor for Real Homes, I’ve reviewed countless air fryers. That means I’ve had the chance to learn what all the hype is about, and test out a range of recipes in my day-to-day life. Here are 25 things I’d recommend cooking in your new air fryer, from the basics to unusual dishes like cakes and baked oats. 

25 air fryer recipes to make today

1. French fries

The very first thing most people will cook in their new air fryer is french fries. Whether it’s the frozen variety, which simply need to be poured into the basket and set on to cook for 12-15 minutes, or some homemade low-fat wedges, the results in an air fryer are outstanding. I’d recommend cutting a potato into wedges and tossing it in a drizzle of oil, some salt, paprika and pepper before adding to the air fryer for 25 minutes. It's very easy, which is one of the reasons why some prefer air fryers in the air fryer vs deep fryer debate.

2. Bacon

I don’t see many people cooking bacon in their air fryer, but if you’re still cooking your rashers on the stove, you’re missing out. Bacon cooks best when it’s dry and the fat is rendered, which is why it comes out delicious in a grill or from the oven. Cook your bacon in the air fryer and the juices will drip away to the bottom of the basket, leaving you with perfectly crisp bacon that’s lower in fat, in as little as 8 minutes. 

3. Cookies

That’s right, the air fryer can do more than just savory dishes. I’ve used it to make a cookie skillet, which was as simple as laying down some parchment paper and pressing down some premade cookie dough. When it was done I just lifted my cookie straight out of the air fryer and topped it with some ice cream. It had a perfectly gooey inside and was crisp at the edges.

4. Roast vegetables

While steaming or boiling veggies is a safe way to get more vitamins in your diet, they taste a whole lot better when roasted. Drizzle on a little oil and whatever seasonings you’d like and put your broccoli, carrots, or brussels sprouts straight into your air fryer basket. You’ll never go back.

5. Toast

That’s right, toast comes out great when it’s been left in the air fryer for a few minutes. Crisp, evenly cooked, and with a soft and chewy texture.

6. Toasted paninis

Let’s take the toast one step further and put all your favorite fillings in between two slices. It could be a simple grilled cheese or an extravagant affair with deli meat, pickles, and all your favorite sauces. The air fryer will toast the bread, melt the cheese, and you won’t have to worry about fitting your sandwich into a panini press. 

7. Grilled chicken

For a simple salad or the perfect filling for a lunchtime sandwich, grilled chicken makes its way into a lot of dishes. Using an air fryer for your grilled chicken will get the job done quicker, because the pre-heat time is significantly shorter than with a regular oven. That means you’ll be left with more time to enjoy your lunch break, or you can hit those chicken cravings in a lot less time.

8. Nachos

The air fryer makes quick and easy nachos, and the best part is, you can lay them out on baking parchment to cook and then easily transfer this to your dish.Stick to cheese or add some extra toppings, or mix and match with a two-drawer fryer.

9. Eggs

That’s right, you can make air fryer boiled eggs. I did this as an experiment and I’ve not gone back. To achieve the perfect soft-boiled egg, cook for 12 minutes at 300°F. Be sure to let it cool down before peeling! 

10. Cauliflower

Cauliflower wings are delicious veggie-friendly treats, and after doing them in the air fryer, I’ll never go back to the oven. Just toss your florets in buffalo sauce and put them in to air fry for 25 minutes. Be sure to turn them over halfway through for a crispy finish.

11. Mozzarella sticks

Crispy, creamy, and with the all-important cheese pull, there are few greater snacks than mozzarella sticks. Instead of breaking out the best deep-fryer to achieve that crisp exterior, you can easily throw your frozen mozzarella sticks into the air fryer and let it do all the hard work. As it’s essentially a mini convection oven, the air fryer will circulate hot air around your food and make sure it’s cooked evenly, with a crisp coating. You could even make your own mozzarella sticks with a pane and some breadcrumbs.

12. Roast potatoes

The perfect addition to any family meal, roast potatoes are not a side dish to be taken lightly. I made the risky decision to cook my Christmas roast potatoes in my air fryer for the past two years, and both came out beautifully. Par-boil first, then shake them to make sure they’re a little fluffy on the outside. This will give you a great crisp. Toss in some oil and rosemary and then let the air fryer work its magic.

13. Spring rolls

Homemade or frozen, spring rolls are best served hot and crispy. That’s what the air fryer was made for, so place your rolls at the bottom of the basket and keep an eye on them as they cook. You might be surprised at how fast they’re finished.

14. Tofu

Not everyone is a tofu fan, but you may not have tried it at its best. When it’s crispy on the outside and deliciously soft at the center, your tofu works wonderfully when tossed in a simple glaze after cooking in the air fryer for 10 minutes. For extra crisp, shake in some cornflour and spray some cooking oil into the basket before you cook. 

15. Chicken parm

Breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and mozzarella? Sign me up. It can be a bit fiddly to make this without an air fryer, because you’ll need to fry your breaded chicken and then put it under the grill with the sauce and the mozzarella. It’s easy in the air fryer though. Simply cook the chicken until it’s a few minutes away from being perfectly done, and then add your sauce and mozzarella and cook away for the final minutes. Delicious. 

16. Steak

We were sceptical about this one, but a pre-heated air fryer does make a mean steak. Make sure it’s up to your desired temperature when you add your steak to cook, and rub some oil on your steak before you do. You’ll be left with tender steak with a crisp outside and perfectly rendered fat.

17. Enchiladas

Many air fryers have baskets with removable inserts, which will allow you to cook sauces when this is taken out. Sure, your enchilada sauce may have fallen through the slats if you hadn’t removed the insert, but you can just use the base of the basket to line up your enchiladas and top with sauce and cheese. It’ll be crispy on top and cooked through in no time.

18. Cake

Yes, cake. I’ve actually made cake in an air fryer for my Ninja Foodi Dual Zone review and while it was a little darker than if I’d cooked it in the oven, the taste was still delicious. Most air fryers have a mode for baking, so simply line the tray and pour in your batter for a tasty (if unconventionally shaped) treat.

19. Dehydrated fruit

Dehydrated fruit makes a delicious snack. Whether it’s banana chips to top off a coffee cake or slices of sweet potato to feed your pets as a trest, you’d be surprised at the quality dehydrating you’ll achieve in an air fryer. Many have a specific mode for this, so cook slow and low until you’ve hit the desired consistency.

20. Pastries

Croissants and pain au chocolats are best served warmed up, but you can’t exactly fit them into the toaster to get the perfect crisp pastry. Air fryers will do this job in just a couple of minutes, for bakery-quality pastries. 

21. Leftovers

Pizza, fries, even mac and cheese – whatever you couldn’t quite manage of last night’s dinner will be reheated with your air fryer in no time. I particularly like reheating my leftover pizza in the air fryer, because it crisps up. 

22. Pasta chips

Cook up some of these famous TikTok snacks in minutes using an air fryer. Pasta chips are very easy to prepare. Simply par-boil some of your favorite shape, toss it in some oil and seasoning, and put in the air fryer to crisp up for a few minutes. They make a great alternative to potato chips, and we also love them on salads to add some crunch.

23. Chicken wings 

Chicken wings couldn’t be easier to cook than in an air fryer. Because they have a higher level of fat you won’t even need to add any to the basket. The juices will drip away and leave you with delicious, crispy wings ready to be tossed in a sauce of your choice. 

24. Baked oats

Baked oats are a popular breakfast choice, but pre-heating the entire oven just to cook a ramekin of oats for a few minutes can feel like a bit of a waste. If you add your ramekin to an air fryer your oats will be done a lot faster, and you’ll save on energy.

25. Pizza

Making pizza from scratch is easy with an air fryer. Put some rolled-out dough onto your base and let it pre-cook before adding your toppings. This shouldn’t take long, and then all that’s left to do is choosing your toppings. By crisping up your pepperoni and perfectly bubbling the mozzarella, an air fryer will deliver that tasty cheese pull, every time.

Mint is a delectable refreshing plant that's the subject of many tasty treats, delighting palates after dinner and beyond. For mint lovers, that nostalgic cooling sensation is a tradition worth indulging in, whether it's candy or a fresh-from-the-oven confection. As far as peppermint goes, there's no better choice than a candy cane. These hook-style striped red and white candies are something of a staple in the candy world, even becoming symbolic of the holiday season. Though in its classic incarnation, candy canes have that minty flavor, there are a ton of additional taste bud-friendly options. Peruse our carefully curated candy creations and choose the most suitable stripey option. 

Candy cane lane

Candy canes are a peppermint tradition in the candy community with their refreshing taste and red-and-white color scheme. These staff-style treats can be added to hot and spirited drinks, crumbled into cookie batter, and can even become décor. Whatever the case, these go-to candies are a must-have. For those who like a little peppermint in their favorite beverage, the Fun Express candy cane spoons are a great selection. Their spoon shape makes it easy to stir in your favorite ingredients and a little peppermint, too. This edible flatware collection includes 12 6-inch individually wrapped spoons. So, they are easily gifted if you can manage to part with them.

For those looking for standard striped canes, the Spangler peppermint candy canes are a great addition to your sweet treat stash. They are an easy sell, with their cool mint flavor, familiar shape, and red stripes. To top it all off, Spangler offers several quantity options, styles, and sizes to adequately support candy cane additions, cooking exploits, and festive crafting.  

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Whether it's a reaction to the pandemic, or due to us having more time on our hands thanks to working remotely, social media has exploded with fridge organization videos. It's shockingly easy to fall down a rabbit hole of clips showing freshly washed fruit and vegetables being stored away neatly in glass jars. 

But is this burgeoning food storage trend a #lifehack we should all be adopting at home? We spoke to experts to find out whether you should wash fruit and veg before storing them in your best fridge freezer, and for tips on making fresh produce last longer.

Should you wash fruits and vegetables before storing?

Sometimes it can feel like our fresh produce is out of date before we even have a chance to eat it – fresh berries for your morning smoothie have a particularly limited lifespan, making it feel like a ticking time bomb as you race to use up all the fresh fruit and veg from your weekly shop before mold starts to appear. It seems like washing vegetables in cold water with some vinegar can go a long way in keeping some fruit and vegetables fresh. 

That said, experts are divided on the new kitchen storage idea - Health and Wellness advisor at Coffeeable Nadia Charif is firmly against it. ‘As a professional health fanatic, I’m meticulous with my food storage, and Instagram is ruining my mood!’ Nadia tells us.

She says she's alarmed by the aesthetic videos of giving produce 'baths' by washing it before putting it away. The wellness enthusiast argues that it creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive in, which certainly won't extend food's shelf-life.

‘Admittedly, using vinegar helps to kill this bacteria, especially in berries,' she continues, 'but you’re best to simply wash your produce shortly before consumption, rather than risk bacteria growth while they’re being stored!'

Kysha Harris, chef and food editor for The Spruce Eats sees things differently. 'The first thing to note is that all fruits and vegetables are different, so there's not one singular strategy that will prolong the life of every item,' she says.

Harris recommends paying attention to which items you store together, as this also impacts the life of certain fruits and vegetables. For example, storing potatoes next to onions will cause the potatoes to sprout faster.

She also told us that storing different fruit and veg close together can accelerate the ripening process, meaning they spoil quicker - so that's one reason to try storing items in separate containers.

'As far as washing and using glass jars, the only things that have a prolonged shelf life using similar methods are things with long stalks like asparagus and green onions, and lettuce,' she says.

So there's nothing wrong with enjoying colorful rows or organized jars in your fridge. But the time-consuming process of pre-washing and storing doesn't seem worth it if you ask us – and can sometimes even be harmful to the shelf-life of the produce.

Air fryer pasta chips are back. We’re seeing these low-effort tasty treats all over our FYP right now, and we just had to try it out. 

These snacks are perfect for those days when you want something to dip into your favorite hummus or salsa, but you don't want to go to the store to pick up some chips. Not only are they often lower in fat than store-bought chips, but they're also fully customizable. You can add any flavorings and spices that you may be craving, so finding your favorite toppings can be a fun adventure to try with your family and friends this summer. 

If you don’t have an air fryer, it’s also possible to make these treats in an oven on a baking tray. You can take a look at our best air fryer guide if you want to make these air fryer pasta chips all summer long. Trust us, you won’t be the only one. 

What are pasta chips?

Think potato chips, but made of pasta. Yes, it really is that straightforward. By cooking and then air frying your pasta with whatever seasoning you desire, this dish is totally customizable, and because it only takes a drizzle of oil, it’s also healthier than many store-bought potato chips!

How to make pasta chips

1. Boil your pasta

You want your pasta to boil away until it’s fully cooked, past that al dente stage. Choosing different shells is a fun way to add your own twist and experiment with air fryer pasta chips, but we used fusili.

We used a handful of pasta when trying out this recipe. It doesn’t require any specific measurements because the dish is so customizable.

2. Add your flavorings

Once boiled and drained, we tossed the pasta in a drizzle of olive oil. Because it doesn’t absorb the oil, you really won’t need much. We also added a good handful of grated parmesan, some salt, pepper, mixed herbs and paprika.

3. Cook in the air fryer, and enjoy! 

We added to our air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for eight minutes. Keep an eye on your pasta as it cooks, because you don’t want it to burn and every type of pasta is different.

Be sure to shake up your pasta a few to ensure that it is cooked evenly. The dish won’t take long, but it does take some supervision.

How to eat air fried pasta chips

Once cooked we tipped the pasta chips into a bowl and demolished them instantly. They’re great dipped in hummus, but you could also dip them in a queso or salsa dip depending on the spices you used. 

Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea with plenty of health benefits and being tasty to boot. If you've been craving local kombucha, then why not consider making your own with a starter kit? It really is easier than it seems with the use of the best starter kits in our guide. 

Our top pick is The Kombucha Shop Kombucha Brewing Kit – simple to use and produces great-tasting results. See more of our top picks below. 

This home brewing kit from The Kombucha Shop has everything you need to become a rockstar brewer in no time. You'll have a 1-gallon brew jar that's made of thick glass along with pH Test Strips and a temperature gauge for monitoring your brew's progress. The live cultures in this kit are grown in an American brewery using triple-filtered water, high-quality sugar, and loose leaf tea. The Kombucha Shop is so confident in its starter kit that it will send you a free replacement if your first batch doesn't ferment.

The starter kit from Get Kombucha promises the largest kombucha culture in North America at 6.5 inches in diameter. If you're really looking to maximize your first homebrewing experience, this is the right kit for you. This bundle will produce a whopping 40 bottles of kombucha. It also comes with 60 servings of a flavorful organic kombucha tea blend. You'll have access to a fully illustrated recipe guide and online videos to guide you through the kombucha home brewing process. We still found the step-by-step process could've been more detailed; if you're a complete beginner, bear this in mind.

The starter kit from Joshua Tree Kombucha is one of the more affordable options while still offering everything you need to become a successful brewer. You'll get a 1-gallon glass jar with a plastic lid, a cover and secure band, one starter culture, one cup of starter tea, pH test strips, a temperature gauge, and instructions. The kombucha scoby culture is always grown and stored in glass containers, so you can count on the fact that your Joshua Tree Kombucha starter kit will come with the very best ingredients.

This high-quality kombucha starter kit boasts a scoby that produces a more delicate, fresher kombucha taste – 'the Champagne of kombucha', as the manufacturer calls it. There are lots included in the kit – honey, green tea, pH strips, adhesive thermometer, cloth cover + rubber band, and detailed instructions. The only thing that's not included is a jar. 

Our verdict

All of these kombucha starter kits are great. Still, we would recommend trying The Kombucha Shop Kombucha Brewing Kit. The quality of the ingredients is simply unmatched and it comes with everything you need to get started.

Any of these kits will be your one-way ticket to kombucha town. You'll have a fun learning experience to look forward to when you invest in a kombucha starter kit. Not to mention that you'll be saving a significant amount of money while reducing your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for single-use bottles. Happy brewing!

Air fryer hard boiled eggs are a thing, and we put them to the test. When we heard that you can cook hard boiled eggs in an air fryer, we knew we had to give it a try. Of course, when you remove the boiling water from the equation it just becomes a hard air fried egg, but nonetheless I was keen to find out if this hack really works. How do you cook air fryer hard boiled eggs? Let’s find out together. 

I’ve subjected my air fryer (the trusty Ninja Dual Zone, which is the best air fryer I've tried to date) to a fair few tests. This includes an air fried lemon cake (not a complete fail, but also not recommended) and even dehydrating flower petals, but this one may be the weirdest yet. 

The concept makes complete sense when you think about it. Boiling an egg is simply submerging it in hot water until it’s cooked through, so there’s no reason why you can’t do this with air. 

Air fried boiled eggs: does it work?

To cut to the chase, yes it does. This hack is very appealing for a few reasons. For one, it takes time to heat up water, and then add your egg carefully so it doesn’t crack when it hits the bottom of the pot. By comparison, simply placing your egg at the bottom of an air fryer basket can be done without splashing your hand with hot water, so cracking is less likely.

It is also easy to lose track of how long your egg has been cooking for when boiling it, which can result in your egg either being under-cooked or too hard boiled. 

Air fryers come with timers, so you can go about making your morning coffee while your egg cooks away and be notified when the cooking is finished. Most air fryers also stop cooking when the timer is done, so you don’t have to hurry back to the kitchen to retrieve it. 

Boiled eggs are very hot to peel, but I found it a lot easier to peel my air fried eggs without burning my fingers.

How long to air fry boiled eggs for

Hard boiled eggs: 150°C/300°F, for 12 minutes
Soft boiled eggs: 150°C/300°F, for 8 minutes

How to make air fryer hard boiled eggs

You will need: 1 air fryer, and however many eggs you want to eat. 

Right off the bat, I was nervous that my air fryer would be too hot to do this justice. Visions of egg explosions did cross my mind, but I’m pleased to report that no such explosions took place when testing this hack. 

While boiling water is roughly 100°C or 212°F, the minimum heat the Ninja Dual Zone air fryer would cook at was 150°C, which is the equivalent of 300°F. 

My first attempt was more or less successful. I put in the egg at 150°C for 15 minutes and it came out looking like this: 

My initial observations: 

1. It’s harder to peel than a regular hard boiled egg (hence the chunk I removed from the top when peeling it), but this may be because I overcooked it
2. My home now as a mild eggy smell in a way it doesn’t when the egg is submerged in water

I tried a second egg for 12 minutes in the hope of a slightly less tough exterior and it came out far better, with just a hint of softness but no rubbery exterior. This was also far easier to peel. 

One tip I have is to immediately submerge the egg in cold tap water when you take it out of the air fryer (I did this with tongs to protect my fingers). It only needs to be in there for about 30 seconds until it’s ready to peel.

How to make air fryer soft boiled eggs 

I prefer my yolk to be soft boiled, so I put a third egg in the air fryer at the same temperature for 8 minutes to see if this would deliver my desired firmness.  

The white came out cooked through but the yolk was just the right amount of soft. Perfect for putting on top of a bowl of ramen or uploading to Instagram with some avo toast. 

So, there you have it. Can you air fry hard boiled eggs? The answer is yes, and they taste more or less the same. 

As you're about to discover, we love slow cooker recipes. Not only do they require minimal labour – which is always good news in our books – but they also deliver super satisfying and super succulent meals, whether you're throwing in a joint of meat or a load of leftover veggies.

So, how do they work? Well in the case of the best slow cookers, all that you'll need to do is add all of your ingredients to the pot and set the timer. From there your slow cooker will do all the work, allowing you to get on with work or simply sit back and relax. It really doesn't get much easier than that. Jump to view our simple slow cooker soups, slow cooker meals, or even slow cooker desserts. Yep, that's a thing.

• Looking for more recipe ideas? Head over to our dedicated food hub

Best slow cooker recipes

From soups, to main dishes, to desserts, we've rounded up our favorite slow-cooker dishes, below. 

1. Chili chicken and sweetcorn soup

Slow cooking this chicken and sweetcorn soup will make the meat beautifully tender, while requiring minimal effort. Plus, the added chili and lime make it a little more zingy and flavourful than your average chicken broth.

You will need:

• 500g skinless boneless chicken thighs, or breasts, cut into 2.5cm pieces
• 500ml chicken stock
• 400g can cannellini beans, drained
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 green chillli, chopped, plus slices, seeds removed if preferred, to garnish
• 200g can sweetcorn
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp lime juice

Method:

1. Add the chicken to the slow cooker or a heavy based pan and stir in stock, cannellini beans, onion, garlic, chili, sweetcorn, cumin and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Cover and cook on low for seven to eight hours in the slow cooker; or for three hours on a hob.

3. Stir in lime juice and season to taste.

4. Garnish with slices of green chili.

• Back to top

2. Aubergine red Thai curry

• How to cook smoked haddock – 4 failsafe methods for delicious results

This aubergine curry is delicious and healthy, and the ingredients are not difficult to find. Thai cuisine is also very vegetarian-friendly, with a great range of dishes that don't require any meat at all. 

You will need:

• Aubergine, 300 grams. We prefer using mini aubergines, but can also chop up one large aubergine
• Thai red curry paste, preferable Barts, two to four teaspoons, to taste
• White cup mushrooms, 250 grams
• Lemongrass, one stalk
• Ginger, 20 grams or a thumb-sized piece, sliced
• Tinned tomato, one tin
• Coconut milk, 500ml
• Juice of one lime

Method:

1. For best results, it's best to start on the sear function on your slow cooker (if you have it; don't worry it not, you can do this in a frying pan). Stir fry the aubergines and the cleaned and chopped mushrooms in the red curry paste; if you wish, you can add a little bit or rapeseed oil. 

2. When the vegetables have softened, add all the other ingredients to your slow cooker or to your lidded pot, put the lid on and slow cook on a low heat for about 1.5 hours, or until the sauce is not too runny. 

3. For an even fresher taste, you can add fine green beans or sugarsnap peas towards the end. 

4. Serve with jasmine rice. 

Some recipes advise mixing your own Thai paste, but we've found it almost impossible to achieve an authentic flavour. Some people also like adding a bit of fish sauce to the mix, but we find the flavour (and smell) to be quite strong, so go easy if you do decide to add it. Obviously, the fish sauce will also make the dish non-veggie.

3. Slow cooker chili

This slow cooker chilli is a thing of beauty: a simple, hearty meal that can be happily consumed in front of Netflix, or served with nachos as party food. It also was pretty much made for the slow cooker (although you can cook it on a hob, too). The longer you stew it, the tastier it gets. 

You will need:

• Lean beef mince, 400 grams;
• Rapeseed oil, two tablespoons;
• A tin of tomatoes;
• Tomato paste, 20-30 grams;
• A tin of kidney beans;
• White onion, one, chopped;
• Garlic, two cloves;
• Salt, to taste
• Medium-hot red chillies, two;
• Stock, chicken, vegetable, or beef, 750ml;
• Very dark chocolate (at least 70 per cent cocoa), finely chopped or grated;
• Coriander, 50 grams, to granish

Method:

1. In a deep frying pan, warm the onions in the oil; they should soften but not change colour.

2. Add the garlic cloves and the beef mince, season with salt and fry on high heat until the mince is slightly browned on the outside. Don't like your chili hot? Go down to just one chili instead. Want it hotter than everyone else? Add some Tabasco sauce at the serving stage.

3. Add the tinned tomato and paste and the chillies and distribute evenly throughout the mince. Fry for about five minutes.

4. Scoop the mixture into your slow cooker, add the chocolate and cover with stock. Cook on medium heat for four to five hours, adding the kidney beans in the last 40 minutes/half hour of cooking. 

5. Garnish with chopped coriander and serve with plain boiled rice as a healthy meal, or as party food with tortilla chips and Tex-mex dips. 

4. Chicken fajita one pot pasta

This one pot slow cooker pasta bake is such an easy midweek meal to make – especially since it uses a fajita mix to add seasoning and depth of flavour. To achieve a deeper depth of flavour to your chicken, try to remember to marinade the day before, too. This recipe can be cooked in a pressure cooker, too – much more speedily. And, of course, you can make it in a lidded pot on the hob if you don't have a slow cooker (yet).

You will need:

• 600g skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into strips
• 50g approx. fajita seasoning
• 1tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 800ml hot chicken stock
• 300g farfalle pasta
• 1 x 400g chopped tomatoes
• 1 green pepper, deseeded and cut into strips
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into strips
• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut into strips
• To serve - sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños

Method:

1. Place the chicken into a suitable mixing bowl. Add the fajita seasoning (we used two sachets of the medium flavoured seasoning). Stir well to thoroughly mix and set aside for approximately 30 minutes.

2. Select Brown/Sauté on your slow cooker and allow to heat. If you don't have that function, you can do this step in a frying pan.

3. Add the oil and the chicken and stir fry for around five minutes, stirring occasionally allowing the chicken to brown.

4. Add the onion and continue sautéing for a further two to three minutes.

5. If you've been cooking in a frying pan, transfer to the warmed slow cooker now. Pour in the hot stock on top, add the pasta and briefly stir.

6. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and do not stir.

7. Place the peppers onto a square piece of foil and loosely fold around, crimping the edges to make a parcel.

8. Sit the parcel on top of the tomatoes (this prevents the peppers from getting too mushy).

9. Secure the lid and cook on high for eight to 10 minutes.

10. Once the time has elapsed, allow the unit to continue onto Keep Warm for a further five minutes.

11. Remove the lid, using a pair of tongs carefully release the peppers from the foil pack and empty into the bowl. Stir well to combine the ingredients.

12. Adjust the seasoning and serve ladled into warm pasta bowls.

13. Add a dollop of sour cream, a handful of grated cheddar and a scattering of chopped jalapeños.

5. Teriyaki chicken brown rice bowls

This comforting, tangy Teriyaki chicken recipe is the perfect pick me up – and while it's packed with exotic flavours, it's easy to make. Love a takeaway but saving your pennies? Homemade is always better and cheaper.

You will need:

• Boneless chicken thighs, 450 grams. We don't recommend using chicken breast for this recipe, as the slow cooking benefits thighs much more, with their higher fat content;
• Honey, 100 ml;
• Soy sauce, 100 ml;
• Garlic, two cloves, finely chopped;
• Ginger, a thumb-sized piece, finely chopped;
• Sesame seed, 10 grams;
• A medium-hot red chilli, chopped;
• Spring onion to garnish, 50 grams;
• White jasmine rice, steamed, 125 grams per person;
• Broccoli, steamed, 250 grams 

Method:

1. For the slow cook method, combine the honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chilli, and sesame in a bowl and mix together well. Cooking on the hob: keep these ingredients separate for now.

2. Put your chicken thighs into the slow cooker and cook on high for three to four hours, or on low for four to five hours. You're done! 

3. Cooking on the hob? Fry the chicken thighs in a dash of light vegetable oil in a thick-based pan until the skin is golden all over. 

4. For hob cooking, add the ginger, chilli (go easy if you don't like it too hot) and garlic to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes.  

4. Next, add in the honey, soy sauce and a splash of water to the pan; coat the chicken with the sauce, adding more water if it gets too dry. Watch the sauce carefully so that it doesn't burn until the chicken is cooked through.

5. Plate up on steamed rice with a side of steamed broccoli (find more ways to cook broccoli in our guide). Drizzle any sauce left in the pan over the chicken. Garnish with chopped spring onion and sesame seeds. 

Tip: If your sauce is too runny after the cooking is done, you can thicken it with a couple of tablespoons of plain flour in the pan on low heat. Simply remove the chicken, mix in a little flour vigorously until you achieve a uniform texture.

6. Slow cooker roast chicken

This slow cooker roast chicken recipe makes for a delicious Sunday roast and has a delicious smoky flavour.

You will need:

• White onion, one
• Carrots, two
• A large whole chicken
• Salt
• Smoked paprika, 10 grams
• Garlic, one clove

Method: 

1. Line the bottom of your slow cooker with the roughly chopped onion and carrots.

2. Mix the paprika, salt, and finely chopped garlic clove in a small bowl. Score the chicken skin in a few places, then rub as much of the chicken as you can with the seasoning.

3. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, then cook for five hours on the low setting of your cooker. 

4. If you want crispy skin, stick the pot under the grill for the last five to 10 minutes, without the lid. Check that your slow cooker is safe to go under the grill; if not – transfer the chicken into a grill proof dish for the skin crisping. 

5. The juices remaining from cooking will make an excellent sauce/gravy, especially if you're serving the chicken with mashed potato.  

Slow cooker ham

These slow cooker gammon recipes will change your ham game forever. Home-cooked ham is many people's favourite guilty pleasure, and these recipes will help you avoid a dried out piece of gammon. 

To make sure your ham doesn't turn out dry, you'll need to cook your gammon in something quite acidic, though not too vinegary. We recommend apple cider, ale, or apple juice, about 750ml. You'll also need:

You will need:

• Gammon cut of pork, about 750g–1kg;
• Whole grain mustard, 100 grams. You can use any other type of mustard if you prefer, but we think whole grain works especially well here;
• Honey, 100 ml;
• Salt, to taste;
• 750ml of apple cider, ale or apple juice, to cover the gammon joint.

Method:

1. Rub the gammon with the salt, mustard, and honey. 

2. Put it in the slow cooker and pour in the cider/juice/ale to cover the meat. 

3. Leave to cook on slow for six hours. 

4. Your ham is ready to serve with apple chutney and chips/fresh bread. 

Yes, it really is that easy! What to do with the leftover juice? We'd reduce it, skim off the fat and use in next week's gravy.

Slow cooker pulled pork

The ultimate slow cooker pulled pork recipe is here: and it's probably the easiest slow cooker recipe ever. We don't say that lightly, but you really can pretty much throw any ingredients you have in your kitchen at it, and it'll still be nice. There's also likely no better way to make pulled pork than in a slow cooker – it's almost as if slow cookers were invented for the stuff. However, you can cook it in an oven, too. 

You will need:

• Pork shoulder, 500-750 grams, with the fat trimmed off
• Dry white wine/apple cider vinegar/ketchup, 250ml – either of these acidic ingredients will do
• Stock, chicken or vegetable, 250 ml
• Salt, to taste
• Onion, finely chopped, one
• Garlic, four cloves
• Paprika, two teaspoons

Method:

1. Rub a generous amount of salt and paprika (or meat spice rub) into the pork before placing it into the slow cooker – or a deep, oven-proof dish if you don't have one. This is supposed to be a salty, flavoursome meat, so don't hold back on the salt, or it could turn out bland.

2. In a pouring jug, combine the stock, the acidifier (wine/vinegar/ketchup), the onion, and the stock. 

3. Pour over the mixture over the pork. Tuck in the garlic cloves. 

4. If you are cooking in a slow cooker, set it on a low setting and cook for six to eight hours, until the meat is easily pulled away with a fork. If you're cooking it in the oven, cover it with a lid (or make a lid with foil) and cook at 150ºC/130ºC (fan oven)/gas mark 2 for upwards of four hours – you want the meat to literally fall apart. If it isn't, give it longer. As long as you don't let the stock dry out, you can continue to cook the pork at this temperature for up to eight hours. If it does dry out, add more stock.

5. Serve with warmed mini tortillas, coleslaw, lime and coriander (as shown in the photo), or with a brioche bun, slaw, and sweet pickled gherkins.

Find more gorgeous slow cooker recipes in our feature – starters, mains, and desserts sorted. 

Slow cooker rice pudding

This vegan slow cooker rice pudding is made with coconut milk, giving it a gorgeous flavour. Serve with berries for a healthy breakfast, dessert or snack

You will need:

• Vegan butter, 15 grams
• Pudding rice, 100 grams
• Coconut milk, 750 millilitres
• Cater sugar, 25 grams
• Sprig of mint, to decorate
• Raspberries, 250 grams (for the sauce) plus extra to decorate, and 2 tbsp icing sugar

Method:

1. Grease the inside of slow cooker pot with vegan butter.

2. Add the rice, coconut milk and sugar, and stir.

3. Cover and cook on low for three to four hours, until the rice is tender. If cooking in a heavy based pan, it will be worth checking that the rice doesn't dry out as it cooks every now and then. If it does, add more milk.

4. Make the raspberry sauce. Place raspberries, icing sugar and 50ml of water in a food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth.

5. Spoon the raspberry sauce into bowls, and top with rice pudding. Sprinkle with whole raspberries and add a sprig of mint.

Slow cooker chocolate cake

This super tasty chocolate cake is one of the most indulgent slow cooker recipes around – and we can't get enough of it.

You will need:

• Dark chocolate, powdered in a food processor, or dark chocolate powder, 100 grams
• Plain flour, 150 grams
• Plain Greek yoghurt, 200 grams
• Sugar, two to four tablespoons, to taste
• A teaspoon of melted butter, plus a little extra for greasing
• A teaspoon of baking soda

Method:

1. Grease the inner bowl of your slow cooker with butter. 

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate, yoghurt, and sugar, mix together well.

3. Fold in the flour gradually to avoid lumps. 

4. Add the melted butter and baking soda.

5. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker bowl. Cook on low for three hours. Serve with cream or ice cream. 

Slow cooker raspberry upside down cake

Got yourself a slow cooker and thinking... 'cake'? This one is easy, delicious and light

You will need:

• 150g caster sugar
• 150g softened butter
• 3 medium eggs
• 150g self raising flour

For topping:

• 50g caster sugar
• 50g softened butter
• 300g fresh raspberries

Method:

1. Prepare the topping by placing the sugar and butter into a small mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to whisk for approx one minute until combined.

2. Spoon onto the lined base of your bowl, spreading evenly to cover.

3. Top with the raspberries.

4. For the sponge, place the butter and sugar into a medium sized mixing bowl and whisk until light and creamy.

5. Gradually whisk in the eggs beating well between each addition.

6. Slowly mix in the flour, do not over-mix.

7. Spoon the sponge mixture over the raspberries and level the top.

8. Place a clean tea-towel over the bowl before closing the lid, this will ensure your cake stays dry during cooking.

9. Cook on Low for 2.5 to three hours.

10. Remove the t-towel and lid and carefully place the inner bowl onto a wire cooling rack for approx 30 mins.

11. Carefully remove the cake using the foil sling which formed part of your bowl lining. Otherwise run a knife around the outside of the cake and invert the pot, carefully catching the cooled cake onto your hand before transferring to a plate.

12. Delicious served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

Peanut butter is food that is high in protein and can be added to many different dishes. Maybe you like it on bread with jelly, or you like to dip your veggies into it. However you enjoy eating it, there are lots of savory options out there. We've gathered a collection of our favorite peanut butter options to help you narrow down your choices.

Feed the whole family with the larger jar options available from SKIPPY. You can choose from creamy or creamy roasted honey nut flavors. Each jar is best stored at room temperature for the easiest spreading but can be refrigerated if you prefer.

If you want to branch out from your usual plain peanut butter, this company has you covered. Some options taste as nice as a dessert, without the need for any other ingredients. Peanut Butter and Co. has been in business since 1998 and even runs their own 119-acre peanut farm in Arkansas, so they definitely understand what makes good peanut butter!

If your household uses a lot of peanut butter, this budget-friendly option from Amazon will ease the strain on your wallet. They source their peanuts from the USA and blend them into a super creamy mixture that will delight your taste buds. You can easily elevate the taste of fruits and other dishes with this peanut butter.

This is the peanut butter you can reach for and start spreading on your sandwich right away. Jif offers two creamy options, one of which includes Omega-3s, and a crunchy option. If you plan to bake some cookies, this is one of the best peanut kinds of butter to use in your recipe.

This two-ingredient peanut butter offers the creaminess you need for any application. It's made with responsibly sourced peanuts and is certified gluten-free and Kosher. You'll also be surprised to know that it doesn't require stirring, so it's ready to eat when hunger strikes.

Peanut butter for snacks and meals

Which peanut butter will be gracing your fruits and sandwiches? Our favorite option is SKIPPY creamy peanut butter. There's no stirring needed, it's temptingly sweet, and the flavor is always consistent. The large jar options are ideal for big families who really love peanut butter. SKIPPY's honey roasted nut flavor is savory and sweet, making it difficult to pass up. 

For those wanting to taste something a bit beyond standard options, we recommend Peanut Butter and Co. peanut butter. They have some tried and true flavor combinations that will be hard to resist, like dark chocolate and peanut butter or peanut butter and honey. Plus, they use only peanuts grown in the USA for their products.

Giving food delivery boxes a go could be a real time saver. Sometimes known as recipe kits, they contain pre-portioned ingredients – no weighing out or measuring – and a step by step recipe for the week ahead's meals. They can be a slightly more expensive way to shop, but lead to much less food waste, and will reduce your shopping trips, too. 

Another perk is that they introduce your family to meals you might not have otherwise tried. And even if you only use recipe kits one a week, month or even once every few months, they can give you loads of new family favourites and are easy for the kids to help cook. 

Like the idea? We’ve taken a look at what’s on offer, how much it costs, and the meal choices you’ll get from the top food delivery box providers. 

Just be aware that our picks are all subscription services not one-off orders, so you do have to cancel if it’s not right for you. Also, while most provide virtually all ingredients save for a bare minimum of staples, one option requires you to shop for the fresh ingredients (it provides flavourings plus the recipes themselves). Also, one is for snacks rather than full meals. So there really is something for everyone.

Do you need to be good at cooking to try a recipe kit? Definitely not. The instructions are so simple that even the least confident cooks can give them a go. You will need to be able to do some light prep – washing and chopping ingredients – and then fry, roast or boil certain parts before assembling. We recommend getting hold of the best blender as some recipes require prep and mixing that is much easier with a bit of power.

Read on to see our top picks and you will be cooking up a feast in no time.

The best food delivery boxes

What’s on offer?
Gousto operates via subscription and delivers a weekly box with measured portions of ingredients to create the included recipes. It promises over 40 of these each week.

Subscriptions can be paused, while a box can be skipped as long as this is done by the cut-off deadline.

You can pick a box for two or four people, but Gousto does suggest that, for example, two adults and three children could try the four serving box as the portions are generous.

Either box can be ordered with either two, three or four recipes in it.

How much does it cost?
The least expensive option is a box with two recipes which costs £24.99 for the two person version, while a family (four person) box is £31.75 for two recipes. 

Delivery of the box is free between 8am and 7pm, but they will leave it in an insulated box in a safe place. Need a morning or evening slot? This costs £2.99 extra.

Where is food sourced?
Gousto works with suppliers in the UK and further away. It uses only UK meat and poultry, free-range eggs from Lincolnshire and charcuterie from a Bristol supplier. Fish and seafood promises to be sustainably sourced. They also do great collaborations with the likes of Marmite and Meatless Farm Co.

What’s not included?
You will need to keep some basics to hand in your kitchen – that’s salt, pepper, butter, flour, sugar, olive oil, vegetable oil and milk.

What about the packaging?
The weekly box is recyclable cardboard (it’s from FSC certified sustainable sources, too). The plastic pots inside can be recycled, as can tins. The ice packs contain only water, and the bag can be recycled. Most of the plastic packaging can be recycled via plastic bag collection points, too, but the small sauce and paste sachets aren’t recyclable.

Where does it deliver?
A large chunk of the UK mainland, Gousto says. However, some postcodes don’t get delivery as yet. Check if this includes yours.

What do the reviews say?
Four and a half stars out of five is the verdict on Trustpilot with 70% excellent ratings. Customers praise the quality of ingredients, the lack of waste, and the tasty recipes. The environmentally aware approach with packaging is also noted. Customers who weren’t happy mentioned delivery issues and missing items.

Current offers: Check out our Gousto discount codes.

What’s on offer?
You’ll get a weekly box for one, two or four people containing two to five recipes with Mindful Chef. The recipes are in a little booklet (so you get to see all the other recipes, too) and the ingredients are pre-portioned and packaged into a single bag for each meal. All recipes are designed to take under 30 minutes.

All meals are gluten free and dairy free, and are based on fresh vegetables. The ethos is to reduce sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, so you won’t receive any pasta, bread or white rice. There are 16 recipes to choose from every week of which 12 are new, and aren’t repeated in 12 weeks, while four are 15 minute meals which change every four weeks. The vegan options are phenomenal.

It’s a subscription service but you aren’t tied in. The default when you sign up is a weekly box, but you can specify something else. When you’re going away you can cancel individual deliveries up to eight weeks in advance. There are set deadlines for any delivery changes you request.

How much does it cost?
A family box costs from £5 per person per portion based on four people; for a two-person box, it’s £5.50 per person per portion; and for one, it’s £8 per portion. Delivery is free.

Where is food sourced?

Mindful Chef promises that all red meat is 100% grass fed heritage breed and reared on the Yorkshire Dales. Chicken is free range from East Anglia. All fish is sustainably sourced and landed in the UK.

What’s not included?
You’ll need to provide cooking oil, salt and pepper.

What about the packaging?
The box is recyclable, as are the pots and craft bags. Insulation is made from recycled off-cuts from the cotton industry, and ice packs are made with non-toxic polymer gel. Both insulation and ice packs are reusable and can be returned.

Where does it deliver?
Delivery is nationwide excepting some parts of the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Wight. The boxes are designed to stay cool for 48 hours so they can be left in a safe place.

What do the reviews say?
Mindful Chef gets 4.5 out of five stars on Trustpilot with 82% of reviews rating it excellent. Fans like the taste of what they make, and the easy to follow recipes. The quality of the food also wins praise. The criticisms include issues with delivery, and those not realising they were signing up to a subscription.

Current offers: Get £10 off your first and second boxes with the code AFF10X2, free delivery and look out for offers and discounts for signing friends up.

What’s on offer?
Like its competitors, SimplyCook is a subscription service. However, its box is letterbox sized. Each includes four recipe kits and step-by-step recipe cards. You’ll need to combine what’s in the kit with four to six fresh ingredients you shop for. Pick between kits designed to feed two and four people – if you’re feeding four, you use a larger quantity of fresh ingredients as detailed in the recipe cards.

What’s supplied includes culinary pastes, infused oils, garnishes, rubs, specialist stocks and herb and spice blends, and SimplyCook says the blends may contain as many as 18 ingredients. Everything has a good shelf life so this is a great choice if you want to expand your culinary horizons, but like the flexibility of changing your dinner plans.

You can have a delivery each week, every two weeks or once a month. You can also pause or cancel the subscription online.

SimplyCook’s recipes are designed to take 20 minutes each and promise flavours from around the world.

For the trial (see below), you can choose from 44 recipes, and if you continue with the service after that, there are over 100 to choose from.

How much does it cost?
You can start with a £3 trial box. After that each box is £9.99 with delivery included.

Where is food sourced?
As you’re buying your own fresh ingredients, the provenance of these is up to you.

What’s not included?
You’ll need to put things like meat, vegetables, rice or pasta on your shopping list, although you may have ingredients like the two latter in your cupboards in any case. You might also need cooking oils or flour, depending on the recipe.

What about the packaging?
The box, kit boxes, cards and pots are recyclable, but the film lids on the pots aren’t.

Where does it deliver?
The boxes are available throughout the UK, and are delivered by the Royal Mail. They should fit through a standard letterbox and don’t need a signature.

What do the reviews say?
It’s four and half stars on Trustpilot for SimplyCook, and 81% of ratings are excellent. Subscribers like the recipes and the flavours of the dishes they’ve produced, and the fact that cooking doesn’t take very long. Unhappy reviewers expected the fresh ingredients to arrive, too, while there is disappointment that there isn’t a vegan range.

Current offers: Try four recipes for just £3.

What’s on offer?
You might know Abel & Cole for its fruit and veg boxes, but the company also offers recipe boxes containing pre-portioned ingredients and recipes to create meals.

You can choose from 15 recipes a week, and order as many as you like from one meal to seven days’ worth. Meals are for two, but you can double up to make for more. There are four vegetarian, three vegan and three fish recipes as part of each week’s selection.

Recipes are divided into four types: foodie (designed to be more adventurous), light (that’s under 500 calories), simple (the company’s twist on favourite dishes), and speedy (ready in 20 minutes with just seven ingredients).

It’s a subscription service, but you can cancel at any time. You can choose how often a box is delivered and you can skip a delivery when you need to.

How much does it cost?
From £6 per person per portion. A one-recipe box costs between £12 and £14 and there’s a £1.25 delivery charge on all orders.

Where is food sourced?
Food comes from the UK and further afield – the company says it can’t rely solely on British or local suppliers because of the issues of seasonal availability. Food from abroad is shipped over water rather than airfreighted. Almost everything is organic although some items, like wild game and sea-caught fish, can’t be officially certified.

What’s not included?
You’ll need cooking oil, salt and pepper.

What about the packaging?
The company says most packaging can be recycled or re-used. If your local authority doesn’t recycle something particular, you can put it in the box you’re returning for the company to deal with.

Where does it deliver?
Check on the website to see if you’re in an area to which Abel & Cole delivers. If it does, bear in mind that your delivery day and time depends on where you live and each area is only visited once a week.

What do the reviews say?
It’s four and half stars for Abel & Cole on Trustpilot, with 70% rating it as excellent. Reviews aren’t specific to the recipe boxes, but overall customers are pleased with the reliability of the deliveries, and the quality of the produce. Criticisms include that customers didn’t realise they were subscribing – as with other services – while some do report issues with delivery.

Current offers: Visit the offers page for discounts.

What’s on offer?
You guessed it: Graze delivers snacks rather than meals. Both sweet and savoury nibbles are on offer.

There’s a choice of three boxes with four sections (punnets) for the snacks. The variety box offers the full range of over 100 different snacks. The light box consists of the lower calorie options, while the protein box offers snacks designed to up your intake of this food group.

You can set up dietary preferences, and decide which snacks you want to try, and the boxes are customised for you. It’s actually an algorithm that tailors each box, and learns about your preferences as you rate the snacks you’ve eaten.

It’s a subscription service with the frequency of delivery up to you. You can pause your subscription if you’re away, or change an upcoming box, but you’ll need to do so at least a week in advance. You can cancel a subscription entirely online, too.

How much does it cost?
A four punnet box costs £4.49, and delivery is free.

What’s not included?
These aren’t recipe boxes, but snacks, so you’ll need to sort out meals separately.

What about the packaging?
Graze says its punnets are made from fully recyclable plastic – it’s the same sort as that used for plastic drinks bottles. There’s at least 50% recycled plastic in each punnet, too.

Where does it deliver?
You can opt for delivery anywhere in the UK.

What do the reviews say?
Graze gets four stars out of five on Trustpilot, with 60% of reviewers scoring it as excellent. The tastes, variety and portability of the snacks is acclaimed. Customers who weren’t happy had encountered delivery issues, while others reported problems when trying to cancel subscriptions.

Current offers: Get your first box half price.

How to choose the right recipe kit for you

We hope the advice above has given you everything you need to know to choose. But if you are still unsure, think about why you are getting a food delivery box. For most people it is about the convenience and cutting trips to the shops – but this can come at a price, so think about your budget. That said, some people find they save money using recipe kits as they are buying the ingredients they need and not wasting and food. It is also a great choice for people who don't like cooking and tend to turn to take out – you could make big savings and pick up some kitchen confidence in the process.

If budget is less of a concern, then your choice will be driven by the types of meals on offer. Gousto have made a name for themselves offering a wide range of exciting meal options. They have also worked in collaboration with companies like Meatless Farm who produce meat alternatives and even Marmite, producing some interesting meals like Marmite mushroom carbonara.

If you are looking at managing your weight or eating a healthier diet, we think Mindful Chef is the best option. They use lean cuts of meat, limit use of highly processed carbohydrates and pack their meals with vitamin rich fruit and veggies. They are really helpful if you are looking to cut out gluten and dairy too as all of their meal options are free from these ingredients. 

Just want to learn some new recipes and use your own protein or veg? Simply Cook are not recipe kits as such, but spice kits. They are a great budget option for turning leftovers and bits and bobs in the fridge into something delicious and might teach you some new flavour combos.

Celebrating Burns Night at home this year? Whether you're going full out with nips and tatties or you're just going to have a singalong to Auld Lang Syne and eat some shortbread, here's how to make this celebration feel just the same, all while staying at home. We're talking more than just whisky and haggis!

Burns Night falls on the 25th January in 2021, and we're here to help you buy a few things in time for this celebration. Whether that's a bottle of whisky to add to your collection, a shiny new decanter, a tartan blanket to curl up on the sofa with, or, a dedicated haggis plate for serving the family. 

Keep scrolling for eight top Burns Night must-haves to enjoy 2021's celebration, however different it may be to previous years. And, there are a few top buys for whisky lovers in there, too.

See our best bar carts guide for inspiration on where to store your whisky (and more!).

1. A whisky tasting set so you can try before you buy

Spend this Burns Night trying out some new whisky with help from this tasting kit from Drinks By The Dram. Included comes 12 wax-sealed bottles, each with enough for a serving so you can test the waters before investing in a full-size bottle. If you are celebrating as a household, these make lovely table favours – pop one at each place setting on the table. Then they can have a look at what it is and pour for themselves.

2. A whisky decanter for displaying your favourite drink

Every whisky lover needs a decanter to store their favourite drink in style. And, a good decanter will keep your whisky looking the part in your kitchen (or on your drinks trolley) and tasting fresh. It also makes a great present for whisky lovers.

3. Why not light a whisky scented candle while you dine?

An easy way to make your home smell like a Burns Night celebration is in full swing, buy this whisky and water scented candle for the centre of your dinner table and strike a match. 

4. Wrap up while cooking your Haggis with this whisky-themed apron

Because you don't want to ruin your clothes while cooking your Haggis, neeps and tatties, buy yourself an apron for the occasion. This one from Not on the High Street reads 'A dram before the storm'.

5. Invest in a bar cart to wheel your whisky around your home

Need somewhere to store your whisky collection proudly? When your kitchen worktop will no longer suffice (and it's taking up half of your cooking space), you know you need a bar cart. Great for storing your favourite bottles, glasses and cocktail-making utensils, and they're usually on wheels for easy moving from your dining table to your sofa.

Non-whisky related but still great must-haves...

6. This special Burns Night plate for serving your haggis

Looking for a plate for serving your haggis this year? This handmade option will be used for years and years to come. Alternatively, it would make a lovely present for someone who might be celebrating Burns Night alone.

7. A stylish cheeseboard for your Scottish oat cakes and cheese 

Although not a tradition, some of us like to enjoy a few Scottish oat cakes with some cheese after our Burns Night supper. To do it in style this year, buy a new cheese board. Not just for Burns Night, too, as you can use it year-round.

8. Buy a new tartan blanket to wrap up on the sofa after supper

Is there anything more Scottish than a tartan blanket? Okay, we are admittedly being slightly stereotypical right now, but from a non-Scottish point of view, the moment I see tartan I think of Scotland. Buy a tartan blanket to drape over your sofa – you never know how Burns Night will end up. Maybe you'll curl up on your sofa and watch The Wicker Man.

When you think of snacks that are easy to pack, options with lots of carbs or processed sugars may come to mind. Beef jerky is a better alternative that is filled with protein and flavor. There are lots of different flavor profiles to choose from, like sweet, smoky, or spicy. We think you'll enjoy our favorite beef jerky options, so check them out.  

A good chew

Beef jerky is one of the tastiest snacks you can pack in your bag for later. Our favorite option is the Jack Link’s beef jerky variety pack. Two of their top flavors are included, so you can swap between them during the week. The protein per serving is very reasonable at 14 grams. It’s also made with lean cuts of meat, which keeps the fat content down.

For something a little less ordinary, we recommend the Tillamook Country Smoker silver dollar beef jerky. We found their unique shape really appealing for snacking since you won’t have to tear any pieces apart. They come in a large jar that you can close to keep them fresh, and their flavor comes from real hardwood smoke.

Coconut oil is an extremely versatile item to have in your pantry. Enriched with healthy fatty acids, coconut oil is great for cooking. It can also be used as a substitute for cream in your coffee. As far as skincare goes, coconut oil reduces inflammation, treats acne, and keeps you moisturized. When it comes to the best coconut oil, here is a roundup of our favorites.

The bottom line

The best coconut oil is extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways. The Nutiva Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil is great for cooking as it is packed with medium-chain triglycerides that help with weight loss. This cold-pressed coconut oil can even be applied to the skin, leaving you looking luminous and feeling moisturized. 

The NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil targets dry skin. Its nourishing formula mends flakey and cracked skin with its hydrating properties. It also creates a barrier over your skin, protecting you from bacteria and environmental irritants. 

Searching for the best baking soda might feel like a silly task. After all, it's the same molecular composition every time; it doesn't spoil and can be used for countless purposes. But baked goods are only the beginning when considering the virtues of baking soda. As a carpet freshener, laundry brightener, and indigestion aid, it does it all. We put together a list of standout NaHCO₃ options, so check it out below and pick the right one for your household. 

Bottom line

Ultimately, baking soda is a multi-purpose product, so any sort you choose should do the job. Arm & Hammer is a classic, tried and true brand trusted by generations, so its place at the top of our list is an earned one. The 4-pound size might feel excessive, especially if you're not a baker. When you realize how many things you can use baking soda for, it'll pay for itself in no time. 

Bob's Red Mill is committed to products that are safe to consume and of the highest quality. Their baking soda is the best choice if you're affected by Celiac disease or cook for those needing gluten-free ingredients. It's a two-pack as well, so you'll always have backup baking soda.

After a month (or two) of pure indulgence, it's high time we introduced a few green smoothies into our diets for 2021. But we don't mean any old green smoothies, especially not the type that you take one sip of only to push it to the side... Because green smoothies got really good in the past couple of years and we've rounded up our favorite five from some of the best health food bloggers around to inspire your New Year's health kick.

So if your diet from about Thanksgiving time through to Christmas and onto New Years consisted mainly of pumpkin pie, turkey, cheese and wine (lots of wine) then it's fair to say that you're going to need to brush away the cobwebs and get on track for a fruitful New Year – excuse the pun!

Most of these smoothies are naturally vegetarian, gluten-free and some are completely vegan also. What they all are however is super green and beautiful, nutritionally dense and designed to nourish your body and to make you feel good. Grab your best blender and let's get to it.

1. Minimalist Baker's SUPER green spirulina smoothie

You can't get much more healthy and delicious than Minimalist Baker's SUPER Green Spirulina Smoothie. Sticking to the minimalist mantra – one of the reasons why we and the world love what Dana the founder of Minimalist Baker does so much – this super green smoothie needs just five ingredients including spirulina powder which – is full of antioxidants – puts the SUPER into this smoothie. 

2. Oh She Glows green tea lime pie smoothie bowl

If you still feel like indulging for breakfast – you are not alone – then Oh She Glows green tea lime smoothie bowl was created for you! Smoothie bowls do just feel that bit more comforting, and this recipe is full of hydrating coconut water, avocado (omegas) and like in the name, Matcha green tea powder that is a great add in for its detoxing benefits. Help that liver out why don't you! 

3. Deliciously Ella's green glow smoothie

You can always count on Ella for great vegan recipes, and this green smoothie is perfect if you want a fresh pick-me-up as it has all the summer vibes going on too. It's got banana in it which is great for a potassium boost – oh hey energy – it gets sweetness from the apple juice and the almond butter makes it really rich, creamy and satisfying. Deliciously Ella's green glow smoothie is totally on our New Year new me menu. Oh, and with the launch of Deliciously Ella's new app, healthy eating is made beyond easy.

4. Jar of Lemons' avocado green smoothie 

Avocado is great in green smoothies and it's that superfood that we all love for brunch and the like. It's got heaps of fibre in it and is full of good fats which helps you get that glow. Start 2021 with this gorgeous avocado green smoothie concoction from Christine, creator of Jar of Lemons and you will not regret it. Plus, it's totally vegetarian, gluten-free and divine (much like every thing else on Christine's platform!).

5. HEMSLEY + HEMSLEY's Baobab ‘Green eggs' smoothie

A green eggs smoothie isn't what you were expecting right? But, if you have eggs leftover from making eggnog for the holidays then this is the perfect way to use them up, and it's a far cry from an omelette!  Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley, founders of the wonderfully inspiring HEMSLEY + HEMSLEY created this awesome smoothie complete with raw egg yolks to help boost energy and kiss hangovers goodbye.

Anyone who follows HEMSLEY + HEMSLEY will see just how delicious and nutrient-dense their recipes are, and this green smoothie is no different. It will fuel you up for the day ahead, all while still light, easy to digest and above all, delicious!

Whether for Christmas, New Years Eve, a birthday or just because, a bottle of bubbly is a fine way to mark an occasion. And since we're now all enjoying more restaurant style meals in our own homes, champagne and all, it means that we only have ourselves to rely on when it comes to opening champagne both successfully and in a somewhat elegant fashion. 

There are a few different ways to open champagne; you can open it for show, or even saber champagne but this quick guide will show you how to open champagne at home in the simplest way. Rather than a pop that is sure to wake up anyone indulging in a nap on the couch, your champagne will sigh delightfully. Sure to keep the bubbles in tact, as well as any glassware around also, have your best champagne glasses at the ready and keep scrolling to get clued up.

1. Chill the champagne

It is out of the question to serve warm champagne but there is more benefit to chilling the bottle than just the fact that it tastes better. Ideally your champagne should be chilled to around 45 F/7 C, since, if your champagne or prosecco isn't cool enough, the pressure will cause the cork to project prematurely and dangerously which isn't what you want. 

2. Prep the bottle

To ready your bottle of champagne, you need to remove the foil sleeve. You can do this by hand or with help of a wine key/cork screw. This will reveal the cage which protects the cork. You need to be careful here as you don't want to release the cage until you're ready to open the champagne. Avoid this by keeping your thumb on the cork, using a napkin to cover it also if you wish, as you untwist the "O" about six times, and usually anticlockwise.

3. Release the bottle

When it's time to open the champagne, you want to rotate the bottle, not the cork as this could run the risk of corking the champagne.

The pressure from the bottle will naturally release the cork, which you should hold steady in your non dominant hand, leaving the champagne bottle free to rotate in your dominant hand. 

4.  Control the cork

At this point your dominant hand should have moved about midway down the bottle to support it. When the you begin to feel the cork move on its own, you'll want to push against it gently to stop it releasing prematurely.  

5. Control the pop

To achieve a pleasant sigh and not an earthly pop, keep hold of the cork firmly and press your thumb up just beneath the lip of the bottle to draw the cork out smoothly, 'catching it' as it were.

6. Serve up

Beautifully done. Now simply wipe the lip of the bottle with a clean tea towel or napkin and pour the bubbly into your champagne flutes, one third of the way up only. 

If you want to use champagne in a cocktail, our favorite is a French 75.

Pro Champagne pouring tips 

Use these pro tips to ensure that your champagne opening display is faultless. 

Ensure the bottle is dry: if you were storing it in an ice bucket or wine cooler, be sure to wipe off any condensation that could cause the bottle to slip out of your hands when opening it. 

Stand your glasses upright: and it is best etiquette to only fill a third of the way up. Once everyone is served, then you can top up.

Do not shake the bottle: this can cause the pressure to build up which will release the cork dangerously at high velocity. Should you or an overexcited child shake the bottle accidentally, leave it to settle for a couple of hours.

A Christmas turkey should be both tender and juicy, and carving it should make the very most of what you’ve cooked. So, for many of us, that’s a fair bit of pressure on the 25th December when the most epic meal of the year: Christmas dinner, is about to be served. Use our recipe and carving instructions, though, and we promise it’ll dial down your big occasion stress and you can enjoy the event even if you’re in charge.

For more recipes (including for roasties and veg), see our dedicated hub. 

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes, plus one hour to come up to room temperature

Cooking time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2.5kg turkey

50g butter

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

Take turkey out of the fridge and leave out, covered and in a cool place, for one hour to bring it up to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 180ºC/350ºF/GM4.

1. To make carving easier, take out the wishbone before cooking. Remove the skin from the neck of the turkey and feel inside the cavity for the wishbone (V shaped). Cut around it with a small knife, then pull firmly to remove.

2. Smear the turkey with butter and season with salt and pepper.

3. Place the turkey in a roasting tin, breast side up. Put in the oven for around 2 hours 15 minutes, or according to retailer’s instructions. To test that the turkey is cooked, insert a roasting fork or skewer into the thickest part of the thigh. If the juices run clear, it’s cooked.

4. Remove from the oven and rest in a warm area, loosely covered with foil, for 30 minutes to 1 hour before carving.

To carve:

1. Cut between the wing and the turkey and remove the wing. Repeat on the other side.

2. Cut the skin between breast and leg with a sharp knife.

3. Bend the leg outwards using a carving fork, and cut through the joint to remove. Repeat on the other side.

4. For the breast, use a sharp knife or carving knife and start from the bottom where the wing was located, cutting slices across the grain and moving upwards until you reach the top of the breast bone.

5. For the legs, place on a chopping board one at a time and cut through the joint with a sharp knife, separating the thigh and drumstick. Slice the meat from the thigh, working around the bone. Carve the drumsticks towards the knuckle end.

How to carve a turkey like Jamie Oliver

Want to carve your turkey like a pro? Watch the video above to watch Jamie Oliver carve turkey two ways – the traditional way we've outlined above, starting from the wing, and another way which involves cutting off the whole breast by going in alongside the backbone and then slicing the breast separately. It's very easy to get even slices this way. 

Don't miss our pick of the best Boxing Day sales buys:

Succulent roast beef with a fabulously caramelised brown outside and a pink inside is a treat for the eye as well as the palate. The key to getting it that way? It's easier than it seems – even a beginner cook can tackle this Sunday classic. Here's how we like to cook roast beef.

For more recipe ideas and food tips, visit our hub page.

How to roast beef

1. First, the maths part. Weigh the joint and then do your sums. If the meat is to be medium rare or medium so it stays pink in the middle, you need to cook it for 20 minutes per 500g for medium rare, or 25 minutes per 500g for medium.

2. Use an oven temperature of 240°C for 20 minutes, then turn the oven down to 180°C for the rest of the cooking time you worked out.

3. To ensure it’s done but still retains its pink colour inside, you can pierce the joint with a skewer and check out the juices. A pinky red colour equals medium rare, and pink means medium.

4. Even better than this for pink perfection but cooking through, though, is using a meat thermometer. Push it into the centre of the meat and read after 20 seconds. It should read 50°C for rare, and 60°C for medium. Beware of the thermometer meeting a bone, though, if your joint has one, as this isn’t the temperature you should be checking and it will be higher than that of the meat and lead you astray.

How to prevent roast beef from drying out

There's one very clever trick with roast beef that will ensure that your meat comes out succulent and tender, not dry: it's all about the temperature. The lower the temperature you cool your roast beef at, the less chance it will dry out. Make sure than the high-temperature searing stage is no longer the 15-20 minutes, and turn the heat right down to 180°C for the rest of the cooking time. Even 200°C will dry out the meat.

The other crucial element to moist roast beef is resting the meat properly. Ideally, you need to roast your beef joint for a full 10-15 minutes before carving, longer if you can. Don't worry about the meat being cold – just make sure you rest it away from open windows.  

Yes, cocktail making kits are officially a thing. And we are totally here for them. The majority of us who live in the UK are now in tier 3, which means pubs, bars and restaurants are closed. Now, instead of trying (and possibly failing) to make your favourite cocktail from home, we have an idea. Why not buy a cocktail making kit to help you out? We've tried a few of these and boy are they easy! Also, they rid the need to head to your local supermarket and source the ingredients. Some even come with a glass to enjoy your tipple in. Fancy! Oh, and these cocktail making kits make great presents – Christmas or not...

Head to our shopping page for more great suggestions of what to buy right now.

1. Check out this Grey Goose Espresso Martini kit from Amazon

2. A Negroni cocktail making kit from Master of Malt

3. A Mojito making kit from Not on the High Street

4. For someone who loves an Old Fashioned – from Master of Malt

5. And how could we forget an Aperol Spritz cocktail kit? From Drink Supermarket...

More Christmas content:

• Best Christmas gift ideas 2020: top picks for everyone
• Plant gifts: Christmas picks for your fave plant parents
• Best Christmas hampers 2020: 10 festive feasting gifts for everyone
• Gifts for coffee lovers: 16 gifts for celebrating their favourite drink
• Eco-friendly gifts for Christmas: 15 buys that are kind to our planet
• The best letterbox gifts 2020: 5 picks for every occasion

Freezing Yorkshire puddings means you can not only quickly introduce a whole new dish to your roast dinner in minutes, but you can also cut down on space. Or, you can cook ahead for a big family dinner, freeze your Yorkshire puds, and not have to start from scratch on a day when your efforts are better spent perfecting the meat and potatoes. 

Use this simple step by step guide to find out how to freeze Yorkshire puddings for a just-cooked-fresh taste every time.

For more food advice and recipe ideas, you can go to our hub page.

How to freeze Yorkshire puddings

Before you freeze your Yorkshire puddings, you'll need to make space in the freezer. While they will give when fresh if they get a little squashed, once frozen they will break easily if you push other items down on top of them.

1. Allow your Yorkshire puddings to cool

Once the Yorkshire puddings are out of the oven, take them out of the pan they’ve been cooked in and put them on a cooling rack to cool.

2. Transfer them to a freezer bag

Once they are completely cold, transfer them to a freezer bag (or several) that you can seal tightly. Or you can use glass or plastic containers, such as those below, which will stop the puddings from getting squashed.

3. Make space in the freezer

Pop them into the freezer, giving them plenty of space while they freeze to hold their shape. Try to avoid pressing other items down on top of them once they are frozen – they will break and chip easily. Leave them in the freezer for up to a month.

4. Get ready to reheat

When you’re ready to cook them, they can simply be popped in a hot oven straight from the freezer and warmed through – this step should only take three or four minutes. If they come out a little dry, next time spray them with a light vegetable before putting them in the oven – but this time, smother them with gravy.

FAQs

You can cook frozen Yorkshire puddings without defrosting them – but make sure to put them into a really hot oven (around 390℉) for just 5 minutes or they will over-cook. 

Looking for a Christmas gift for a keen baker? You've come to the right place! There's A LOT of baking gifts out there and it can be pretty overwhelming narrowing down the choices if you're more of a cake eater, rather than cake baker.

If there's somebody in your life with a penchant for patisserie, who's barmy about bread-making and crazy about cake; if you are greeted by the of sweet smell of freshly-baked goodies every time you step through their door, or if there is a go-to person for birthday bakes in the family, who is glued to every episode of Great British Bake Off, you know that you've just got to get them something baking related for Crimbo.

But where to start? We’ve rounded up the perfect selection of treats to butter them up this Christmas. Fingers crossed you get to taste the results too!

Head to our best Christmas gifts page for more ways to get ready for the big day. It's something we can all look forward to...

The best baking gifts for Christmas

As seen in the Great British Bake Off tent and coveted by passionate home cooks for a century, KitchenAid has been one of the industry leaders in stand mixers for the last 100 years, and it’s easy to see why. Extremely versatile, the attachment-ready Artisan stand mixer has a 4.8 litre bowl and comes with four accessories included. It will be top of Santa's wish-list for many a home cook. Did we mention that it's at the top of our list for the best stand mixers, too?

Based on the iconic Nutcracker ballet by Tchaikovsky, this very festive apron will help to protect your sparkling Christmas jumper from flour puffs and dinner spills. It's made from cotton for comfort which also means that it is machine washable, too.

If you're a fan of the print you could get the matching double oven gloves to complete the look.

Perfect for mince pies – it even has it written on the plate – this Emma Bridgewater piece is the perfect way to display a staple Christmas treat. It's dishwasher and microwave safe so it can be used time and time again, when you're restocking those festive pastries (yum!)

If you're yet to decorate the Christmas cake then boy, are you in for a treat. This looks lush and very festive. It's more to eat AND will mean that there is no wastage when you cut into the cake. You'll just need to be careful when securing it because it's pretty delicate.

If you want a little cake and quick, this cupcake maker from Lakeland will do the trick. It'll make up to seven scrummy cakes which won't stick to the pan. And then, when you're all done, cleaning will be easy as pie (eating cake) too.

There's some recipes included in the box so you can rise to the challenge as soon as it arrives, unless you already have a recipe in mind that is...

This delightful set of three striking cake tins from Joules are perfect for all-year-round use, not just for Christmas. They'll keep all the baked goodies fresh and looking pretty before consumed. A lovely gift idea for any baker.

A must-have for showing off that fresh batch of perfectly risen scones or showstopper Christmas cake, a classic cake stand is always a safe bet. This fine china cake stand from John Lewis is timeless so if in doubt about what colours and patterns they prefer, go plain and simple. 

Tea towels are mega useful in the kitchen, especially for mopping up any baking spills or covering the stand mixer so no flour dare escape. The perfect print for this time of year (and who doesn't like sprouts?) it'll quickly become the centre piece around a working kitchen. Oh and it's got a hanging loop so it can be hung up out of the way when it's not needed.

A baking essential, the magic starts in the mixing bowl. This example from Mason Cash is a firm favourite amongst the bakers at Real Homes. It's timeless and is oh so very durable, too. It comes in various colours but our fave is that one pictured, classic.

We love a Kilner jar. They're just so useful. Whether you're preserving a chutney or storing some flour, they are a fab storage solution for bakers all over the country. If they don' have the cupboard space to store them, they'll look wonderful if left out on a shelf or kitchen worktop.

The best bit? It all dishwasher safe. Lovely.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a selection of show-stopping mince pies. To get them looking their best, a pastry cutter will help to shape the pastry for you. They could even be used to make gingerbread biscuits and shortbread, too.

We know we would say this but Real Homes magazine is a fab read – as well as being a great reference for anyone looking to transform their home. A subscription means they'll know all the latest on updating an owned or rented home. Whether  on a budget or splashing out on a forever family home. It covers the latest recipes which would be worth a try, too. The gift that keep on giving...

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If you're wondering why bangers and mash isn't as easy as to cook as you'd imagined, we have some news for you. Oven-baked bangers are far easier to get right and a far healthier option too. 

Knowing how to cook sausages in the oven is a must. It's simply a fail-safe way to completely cook your sausages through, with minimal/no added fat, zero faff, yet maximum taste. Forget repeat frying, oil spitting and splashes on clothes or around your hob, cooking sausages in the oven is a no-brainer and we've put together the easiest eight-step method to follow – and one dead-easy sausage recipe you can make on the hob or in the oven. 

Just keep scrolling to learn how to cook sausages in the oven...then for more delicious food advice and recipes, see our dedicated hub page.

1. Check what the packaging says

Always the safest option: if the manufacturer suggests a set time and a set oven temperature, follow that. Just ensure you've noted the difference between the temperatures required for a fan oven and one that doesn't have a fan: cook yours on too high a fan temperature and the sausages will burn and dry out. Remember, too, to allow for oven heating time before you put them in – they need to go in a hot oven.

2. Prick the sausages or not before they go in the oven?

If you want to reduce the fat content of the sausages, prick them before you put them in the oven. The fat, however, does provide lots of flavour, so this is a question of taste over health. Quick poll of the Realhomes.com office: we tend not to prick the sausages, but then we don't eat sausages every night. 

3. How long do you cook sausages in the oven? 

Thick sausages need around 20 to 25 minutes in an oven set at around 180ºC; thinner sausages may cook in the same oven in 15 minutes.

Our advice? Pop them on baking paper – they stick easily to foil and baking trays and might tear when you lift them on to the plate.

4. How to tell if sausages are cooked properly

Even if you've followed our instructions, you should always check your sausages are cooked through – eating uncooked sausage meat is likely to result in food poisoning. You'll know your sausages are cooked through properly when the outsides are a lovely golden brown (not too brown or the exteriors go hard and dry), and the insides are a pale brown – there should be no signs of pink meat or bloody juices. If there is, put them back into the oven for another five minutes (then check again).

5. How to cook sausages in the oven from frozen

Believe it or not, it is safe to cook frozen sausages in the oven – but it's vital to ensure they cook through properly. Check the packaging before you do this – some brands might warn you not to and you should heed the instruction. Otherwise, pop them on a tray and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions – usually 10 minutes longer than cooking chilled sausages. Turn them occasionally to ensure they're evenly cooked. Always do the 'is this cooked through?' test before serving up.

6. How to cook sausages in the oven even more healthily

You may not want to prick your sausages but you can cut down on fat by placing them on a rack that sits up above your baking tray. That way, the fat that escapes the sausages during cooking drips down into the tray and the sausages don't sit in it (and transfer it to your plate.

7. How to serve sausages cooked in the oven

We love them with a buttery mashed potato, green veg and onion gravy. Can't beat it.

8. Or... chop up sausages and oven cook them in a sauce

Want to make a quick veggie-rich stew the kids will love? You can't go wrong with oven cooking your sausages, making a sauce in the oven, on the hob or in a slow cooker, then dropping chopped sausage into the sauce. Makes them go further, too. Serve with mash or pasta. Yum. 

9. Or...make a sausage stew

If you're always a bit nervous about sausages being cooked properly, then a sausage stew is the way to go. All you really need is some chopped root vegetables of your choice, tinned tomato, and stock (vegetable or chicken, according to taste). Quickly fry the sausages in some oil and onion to seal their skins, add the veggies and cover with the tomato and stock. Simmer for 45 minutes – or bake in the oven in a ceramic casserole. You can't go wrong with this one on a cold winter's night. 

Leftover sausage recipes

We doubt you'll have leftovers BUT if you do, think along the lines of Toad in the Hole, easy traybakes, jazzy baked beans and the likes.

A steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup is a must on chilly nights. Warm and comforting yet super fresh and aromatic, it hits all the spots. Plus, for something that tastes so good, it's seriously healthy and pretty easy to make vegetarian if you prefer.

A little hot, this chicken noodle soup recipe calls for Sriracha sauce, which is why this is a firm favorite when you're in need of warming up! If you'd prefer, you can use fresh chilli of course, and the rest of the recipe is pretty flexible also.

Whether you use a soup maker like this recipe suggests, or your favorite pot, this is a really easy and quick recipe to follow. The main thing you want to get right, is the quality of your ingredients. Using good quality chicken stock – homemade if possible – and free range chicken makes all the difference in taste and texture also. This recipe suggests using pre-cooked udon noodles (which makes this even more of a breeze to make) but if you have more time on your hands then cook them from fresh as you go.

Warming chicken noodle soup recipe

Ingredients:

• 800ml chicken stock
• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 1 small knob fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1 cooked skinless free range chicken breast 
• 1 pack udon noodles (pre-cooked if you wish)
• 3 spears Tenderstem broccoli 
• 2–3 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce 
• 3 spring onions
• 1 handful beansprouts
• Sesame oil
• 1 bunch of coriander
• 1 tablespoon of Sriracha sauce (optional but recommended) 

Equipment:

• Morphy Richards Sauté & Soup Machine 
• Chopping board 
• Cook’s knife
• Plastic/moulded slotted spoon

Method:

1. If using a soup maker, select the sauté setting and pour in the chicken stock. If not, heat a large pot to a medium setting.

2. Add the garlic and ginger, letting this simmer for 5 minutes so that the garlic and ginger to infuse. Meanwhile, cook your noodles if not using pre-cooked udon.

3. Carefully remove and discard the garlic and ginger, using your slotted spoon.

4. Roughly tear the chicken breast, and add it to the stock.

5. Add your noodles once cooked and simmer for this for 2–3 minutes, or until the noodles are loose and the chicken is hot though.

6. Chop the broccoli into small pieces and finely slice the spring onions ahead of adding them to the soup pot, with the soy.

7. If you like spice, then add a big squeeze of Sriracha sauce. Stir and leave the soup for a further minute.

8. Finally, add the beansprouts and warm it all through for 30 seconds or so. 

9. To serve, divide the soup into two deep bowls and serve with an extra drizzle of sesame oil and a handful of chopped cilantro.

How can you make this vegetarian?

Simply swap the chicken stock to vegetarian, and the chicken for an alternative like tofu or seitan.

• With special thanks to Morphy Richards for sharing one of our favorite soup recipes.

If you love cheese as much as team Real Homes you will know that a good cheese plate is not just for at the end of a meal. It should take pride of place on the menu and we happily serve it as the main course whenever we can. 

So we have put together these cheese board ideas so everyone can share in our love of the stuff. And it might be well timed too – after all Christmas is the time we eat the most cheese. Whether you are hosting or just enjoying a quiet night in, it is an easy and fun dinner option.

There is a bit of a science to building the perfect cheese board though. So we have put together what we hope is the complete guide to creating your cheese platter, including tips from the experts.

From knowing how much cheese you need, to choosing the right accompaniments, read on and you will be putting these cheese board ideas to good use in no time. Be inspired, then for some tipple to pair with it, take a look at the best alcohol delivery services.

Cheese boards and plates: what to serve your cheese on

Before you even think of buying your cheese, you need to make sure you have a way to serve it. Decide how big a board you need. This will depend on whether you plan on putting all of the cheese and accompaniments on one platter, or want the cheese on its own, with everything else in separate serving dishes. We like the look of a large slate or marble board, crammed with cheese, charcuterie, grapes, bread – the lot – but some find it less practical for getting in and cutting a wedge off.

We also love the cheese boards that come with a set of knives for cutting and serving. Another great serving idea is a chalk board or slate that you can write the name of each cheese next to. Finally a big chopping board does a great job and offers rustic cool when laden with cheese, crackers and some fresh fruit.

Get your cheese out a couple of hours before serving so it is not fridge-cold as that impairs flavor. Some cheese boards have a dome to protect the cheese while it is out, but a clean tea towel can protect it while allowing it to breathe (yes, cheese needs to breathe).

What are the best cheeses for a cheese board?

If the cheese board is for a quiet night in for two, then of course you can put whatever you want on, but if you are entertaining it is best to have a variety so that there is something for everyone. When you get a cheese board in a restaurant, you will find that they tend to include one of each of the following:

• Hard aged cheese: such as Cheddar, Manchego, Gouda and Gruyère
• Bloomy rinded cheese: such as Brie or Camembert
• Blue cheese: Stilton, Roquefort or Danish Blue

A fourth or fifth type of cheese may be included, such as a soft washed rind cheese (Reblachon, Epoisses or Fontina) and then a cheese flavored with herbs, fruit, chillies or even a smoked cheese.

Some cheeses fit into two or more of these categories and can be chosen to give a bit of breadth to your cheeseboard without having to buy too many different types. For example, Cambozola is like a blue-veined Brie so ticks a few boxes, or a nice flavoured cheddar could make room on your cheese board for a nutty Manchego to play the part of the hard cheese.

1. How much cheese?

If you are serving a cheese course at the end of a meal or as an appetizer, you need about two or three ounces (about 60–90 grams) per person. If you are throwing a cheese and wine party, or enjoying the cheese board as a supper, you will need to double that and allow at least four ounces (from 120g) per person, if not slightly more. 

When buying pre-packaged cheese, get about three blocks for a gathering of four to six people – you can freeze the leftovers or use in recipes in the following days. If possible though, visit a deli counter where you can buy the cheese off the block and choose how much you want. This will avoid wastage and mean you could buy a few more cheeses of different types.

2. Pick a cheese board theme

Now you know what styles of cheese need to go on your cheese board for a well-balanced plate and how much to buy, how can you narrow it down from the thousands on offer? Marissa Mullen from That Cheese Plate and inventor of the Cheese by Numbers method recommends using a theme to guide your cheese selection, but don't let it become a case of style over substance. She says, 'Although the theme is important to aesthetics of a cheese plate, you want to make sure the pairings on the plate work together. The taste is the best part!'

See the ideas below to give your cheese board a steer.

3. Theme by region

One smart option is to choose a region or country and explore cheeses from that one area. Places known for their cheese such as Italy, France and even England create such a wide range of cheeses so it won't be hard to find one of each. Try these combinations for inspiration:

• French cheese board: Comte, Brie, Roquefort, Epoisses
• Italian cheese board: Pecorino, Tallegio, Gorgonzola
• British cheese board: Cheddar, Stinking Bishop, Cashel Blue, Wensleydale & Cranberry

You could also choose a theme of locally-sourced cheeses if you live in an area where this is possible. Or for something different pick cheeses from different countries for a little tour of the world in dairy form.

4. Theme by season

Cheese plate expert Marissa Mullen often takes a seasonal stance when theming her cheese boards:

'If I'm making a winter themed cheese board I'd want to include some decadent cheeses, like a soft-ripened cow's milk cheese or a pungent blue, paired with a sweet accoutrement like fig jam or spiced pecans. In the summertime I'll incorporate fresh cheeses, like mozzarella or feta paired with fresh veggies and charcuterie. Having a theme is a great way to determine which garnishes and color to incorporate. I made a "Charcuterwreath" for the holidays (above) and used a ton of fresh rosemary, incorporating green and red tones arranged in a circle to mimic a wreath!'

5. Vegan cheeses

Vegans don't have to miss out on the cheese board either. You can now get a whole host of vegan cheeses made from cashew, coconut and soya. This can be a great option for people who can't tolerate dairy, too. 

The vegan cheese you get in the supermarket is often just cheddar style, so look online or in specialist stores for a wider range. You can find not only lots flavored with chilli, herbs and fruit, but also everything from creamy spreadable cheeses, to softer washed-rind styles. Brands to look out for are Bute Island, Left Coast Culture and Tyne Chease in the UK (they are all sold on TheVeganKind supermarket cheese section), and Daiya and Follow Your Heart in the US. 

6. Eating in order

When it comes to devouring that cheese board, you do you. However, to best preserve the taste of each cheese, it makes sense to eat from mild to strong in terms of flavor. Eating a strong blue cheese before a delicate Brie will impair the taste, so start with the soft rinded cheeses and work your way up to the saltiest, tangiest options. Not sure which cheese is strongest? Smell is a good giveaway, so let your nose guide your through your platter.

Bread and biscuits for cheese

While we love a lump of cheese by itself, crackers and breads are a must. Again, you can choose breads that match the region of the cheese you are serving – pain de campagne for French cheese, ciabatta with Italian cheeses and rye or pumpernickel with Northern European cheese – but if in doubt a warm baguette or fresh sourdough is best.

Biscuits for cheese come in almost as many varieties as the cheeses themselves. Buy a selection in lots of textures to make every mouthful different. Simple flavors won't overpower the cheese you are serving so go for salted and wheat crackers, though a herby or seeded one can be a nice change.

Savory accompaniments to your cheeseboard

A few extras on your cheese board add interest for presentation, but also act as palate cleaners between cheeses. Once again, a regional cheese board can be themed in its accompaniments. See some options below.

1. Veg and crudités

These are not just there to get in your five a day. Vegetables can pair nicely with different cheeses and help mellow the flavor of a particularly strong cheese. They also bring a contrast in texture. 

• Celery: cut into short batons and arrange in a small mug or jar to serve
• Carrots: carrot sticks also add some crunch and can share the celery jar for serving
• Peppers: sweet pepperdews stuffed with feta or cream cheese are not just a side but another cheese for the board
• Tomatoes: technically a fruit but their acidity cuts through hard cheeses well
• Olives: a salty little bowl of olives will complement rather than compete with the cheese
• Cornichons: these bring a lovely sour tang to your cheese plate and go well with the other accompaniments

2. Charcuterie

Antipasti and cured meats have a well earned place on the cheese board. And, if you only want to buy three types of cheese, they add bulk and some extra flavor profiles to enjoy. Some places will even do packs of Italian prosciutto, bresaola and parma ham paired with a few cheeses for ease.

When it comes to arranging them on your cheese board, they might look lovely piled alongside the Cheddar, but be mindful of vegetarian guests who might not want to eat cheese that has touched the meat.

3. Nuts, chips and dips

Don't go overboard, but some simple potato chips, a cool dip and salted nuts are also at home on a cheese board. Again, this will help make a smaller selection of cheeses go further and complement the salty flavors of them.

Sweet accompaniments to your cheeseboard

Not everyone likes mixing sweet and savory but a few fruity elements can go really well with cheese. Tart chutneys and fruit balance the fat and salt of a strong cheese for a more rounded flavor. 

This can be a great chance to get your homemade (or gifted) chutneys on the table, but if you don't have any to hand consider the following:

• Grapes: the ultimate cheese accompaniment. We like eating them with the cheese but apparently you are meant to eat them between cheeses to cleanse the palate for the next one.
• Apple: beautifully acidic. Cut right before serving so they don't go brown and ruin the look of your cheeseboard.
• Berries: choose tart red currants or even dried cranberries (or cranberry sauce).
• Figs: these look beautiful in halves or quarters on the board and work really well with blue cheese.

Wine pairings

Last but not least, what is a good cheese board without some liquid refreshment? Real cheese snobs would say not to overwhelm a lovely cheese with a strong red as the tannin can affect the flavor, but we think there are plenty of wine pairings that make cheese even better.

And yes you guessed it – this is another place to regionalize your cheese board. French cheese and French wine is a trope for good reason. Just follow the tips below to pick a wine that won't overpower your cheeses.

1. Fresh cheese, fresh wine

If you are pairing cheese and wine, it is quite simple to do. Just choose fresher, lighter wines to go with milder, creamier cheeses. Soft bloomy cheeses pair very nicely with light whites and even sparkling wines. Think crisp Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc, or even a semi-sweet Reisling.

2. Red wine

Red wines which are lower in tannins are best for cheese. Rioja, Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are all much lighter than some of the heavy reds. Some people are also sensitive to tannins so serving low-tannin wine is a good idea for any gathering.

3. Sweet wines and Port

In the UK a big bottle of Port and a jar of Stilton is a common Christmas present. The flavour of the sweet heady port and the almost bitter Stilton just works so well. But if you are new to the world of dessert wines then tasting them with cheese is a good place to start. The sweetest wine is a match made in heaven for the saltiest cheese – especially blue cheeses.

4. Cider and perry

Not a wine drinker? Cider and perry (pear cider) also go with cheese really well – in the English West Country cider and Cheddar is pretty much a way of life. Again, choose a less sweet and fresher cider to go with milder cheeses, and the sweeter stuff for your richer cheese.

Cheese by Numbers: the easiest way to build your cheese board

Keep your cheese board super simple with Marissa Mullen's Cheese by Numbers method. It is six easy steps to make cheese boards as stunning as hers.

1. Cheese: Depending on the amount of guests, I'd go with three to five different varieties of cheese. Try different milk types, textures and flavors. 

2. Meat: Add some charcuterie to the plate, such as salami or prosciutto. If your guests don't eat pork, you can add beef or poultry based items like bresaola or turkey. 

3. Produce: Pair your cheeses with fresh fruits, veggies, dried fruits and items in a brine like olives or cornichons. Consider what flavors will pair well together. For example, I love pairing goat cheese with fresh berries and gruyere with dried apricots. 

4. Crunch: Add in texture and vehicles for your cheese with crackers, bread and mixed nuts. 

5. Dip: Fill in your bowls with a dip to pair with your cheeses. I like using fig jam, honey, or a grainy mustard for something more savory. 

6. Garnish: Add fresh herbs to the plate for a pop of color to tie everything together. Edible flowers are a fun addition as well if you have access to them! 

That wintery weather has arrived and you know what means! Hearty meals that keep you feeling warm, longer. While wrapping ourselves in sweaters, blankets and raising the heat momentarily increase comforts, did you know that certain foods can raise your body temperature to help you feel warmer? 

In fact, meals featuring ingredients like liver, chili,  spinach, dried fruit, eggs, or bananas can help regulate or raise your body's temperature and improve circulation by increasing one's red blood cell count. 

MasterChef champion Thomas Frake partnered with Wren Kitchens to share a recipe that's great for brunch, lunch, and even dinner— and offers that prolonged warmth. 

Frake's Bonfire baked beans recipe is full of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours that turn a staple dish into something delectable and heartwarming.  Amp up the recipe yourself by making homemade beans from scratch. 

The addition of smoked paprika and ancho chili flakes to the recipe adds a fiery and smoky kick, in contrast with the brown sugar and black treacle that creates a sweet and sticky flavour. We're already salivating at this complex flavour profile. 

Looking for more brunch ideas? We have tons of recipe ideas for you to consider for your next leisurely weekend meal, from sweet to savory suggestions. 

Ingredients:

• 400g (240g drained) tinned cannellini beans
• 200g passata
• 1 shallot
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 rashers of smoked streaky bacon
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp ancho chilli flakes
• 1 tbsp soft brown sugar
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp black treacle
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil

Bonfire smoky baked beans recipe

Method:

Serves: Two

Time: 45 mins

1. Preheat the oven to 160०C.

2. Over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp of rapeseed oil in an oven-safe frying pan. Finely slice the smoked streaky bacon rashers and gently fry until just beginning to crisp.

3. Finely slice the shallot and add to the bacon. Stir to coat in the rendered bacon fat and let the shallot sweat for five minutes, or until translucent. Do not let them brown.

4. Finely chop or mince a clove of garlic and add to the bacon and onions. Sweat for another two minutes.

5. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, ancho chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the bacon, onions, and garlic in the spices. Cook for another minute or so to cook out the spices.

6. Add the drained cannellini beans, passata, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, and black treacle to the pan and stir to incorporate all of the ingredients. Let the beans simmer for 5 minutes and then transfer to the hot oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the beans are tender.

7. Frake suggests serving on toasted sourdough with perfectly fried eggs for a warming and hearty brunch.

• A special thank you to Wren Kitchens and Thomas Frake, the MasterChef 2020 Champion, for this recipe. 

The best Earl Grey tea makes a refreshing breakfast beverage thanks to its vibrant flavors. Earl Grey is a blend of black tea, usually Eastern varieties like Assam, Ceylon, or Darjeeling, that's infused with bergamot rinds, oils, or flavor that offers an orangey citrus twist. Because of this, Earl Grey is best enjoyed without milk, but lemon and sweetener can be added. As well as standard Earl Grey, other varieties add additional flavors, such as lavender or vanilla. With a focus on the best traditional options, we're also including a few flavored choices for a superb selection of the best Earl Grey tea available now. 

Something's brewing... 

There's a lot to love with all the teas in this selection, but the FGO Earl Grey black tea bags is our overall staff pick because they are organic and eco-friendly. FGO's blend of Keemun and Assam teas with pure bergamot oil is a popular combo.  

If you want the full Earl Grey tea-drinking experience, it can be argued that you need to consider a "proper" loose-leaf tea. The Davidson's Earl Grey bulk tea will taste delicious brewed for three to five minutes in a china teapot. 

A refreshing and tasty choice that can be enjoyed all day is Twinings of London Lady Grey black tea bags. This tea enhances the bergamot flavor with orange and lemon, offering a light and bright cup whatever the time. 

The holidays are officially upon us and while that usually means a fun-filled frenzy of dinner parties, office events, cocktail hours, and Secret Santa gift exchanges, this year things are going to look a little differently for all of us—but that doesn’t mean we have to forego the festive little delights that come along with the holiday season.

Thanks to social media, this year we’ve been blessed with endless creative and cozy takes on classic holiday treats. From savory charcuterie chalets to hot chocolate bombs and even turkey-themed cheese boards, if there’s one great thing 2020 has given us it’s aesthetically-pleasing holiday snack ideas. And now we’ve found a new creative treat to obsess over—the hot chocolate board.

What exactly is a hot chocolate board? Think of it as the sweet and cozy alternative to a cheese and charcuterie board—complete with everything you’d need to host a DIY hot chocolate night at home. They’ve caught on both on and off social media with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager calling them “ everything you’d ever want for your hot cocoa,” Wednesday morning during TODAY with Hoda and Jenna.

Like many social media-based food trends, hot chocolate boards are extremely cute and aesthetically-pleasing—in fact, you’d almost think they were professionally arranged based on the perfectly lovely use of color, texture, and array of ingredients.

Thankfully, however, they’re actually quite simple to replicate at home… All you need is some hot chocolate powder, marshmallows, and any other sides and additions you already have in your kitchen.

While traditional charcuterie boards are most frequently garnished with jams, honey, and nuts or dried fruit that compliment the meats and cheeses, hot chocolate boards are pretty much fair game: sprinkle in caramel, peppermint bark, candy canes, or even leftover Halloween chocolate to fill out the board in time for a cozy night at home.

We love a good charcuterie board—especially when it’s paired with great company around the holidays—but the hot chocolate variety may just be the cozy alternative we all need as we hunker down at home for the holidays. While cheese and other savory accoutrements are great, nothing beats sipping on a homemade cup of cocoa while binge watching your favorite holiday movies from the couch in your PJs. 

Whether your dad is an aspiring ‘masterchef’ in the kitchen or your aunt loves a bit of a family bake-off, we all have a food critic in our lives. So, if you are not sure what to get a loved one and they love food, a foodie gift is the way to go. The best gifts for foodies not only have to taste delicious though, but be of top quality and a stylish addition to their kitchen countertop – they are connoisseurs after all.

From chocoholics and cheese lovers to budding chefs, we have rounded up our top Christmas gifts to whet their appetites. We are talking kitchen gadgets to make their favourite meals at home, edible gifts to introduce them to something new and so much more. Read on to see our top foodie gifts, or for more Christmas shopping inspiration, check out the best Christmas gift ideas.

Best gifts for foodies

There’s always the one foodie in your life who knows a thing or two about cheese. So this continental cheese chilled hamper from M&S will certainly make their Christmas. Ranging from Smokey Bavarian Cheese to Creamy Camembert, this hamper offers some of Europe’s finest cheese. The treats don’t stop there! This hamper also includes chutneys, olive flatbread, biscuits, duck and truffle parfait and a bottle of La Vita Sangiovese red wine amongst many. It also comes in a reusable cooler bag that includes a reusable draw sting cotton bag to carry your extras. Food lovers will appreciate this gift of cheese!

If you know someone who loves spicy food then this gift box with give them the seasonings they need to make authentic curries, jerk dishes and chillies. Each kit includes a mix of dried herbs, fresh herbs and ingredients like fresh garlic, ginger and lemongrass. You can choose from a four or six kit gift box and which recipes to include. 

There are curry house favourites like rogan josh and tikka massala, but some things your favourite foodie may not have tried like Sri Lankan curry and Persian khoresh. The kits keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks or can be frozen until you need them so this is a fab gift to give someone a few taste adventures. 

If you don't want to buy a gift box, you can also order the individual Tastesmith kits on Amazon.

Treat the gin lover in your life to their own festive gin infusion kit. Basically all they need to do is fill the cute mason jar with vodka and tip in the ingredients, leave for 24 hours and voilà, homemade Christmas gin (kind of). The set includes freeze dried oranges to add a lovely citrus zing and what could be better than a treat and activity in one?

For foodies who just want to put their feet up and tuck into festive treats, The Festive Pantry Hamper from Abel & Cole is a great choice. The organic hamper is packed with all sorts of seasonal delights every foodie will love. Ranging from gluten-free mince pies and goji & cranberry muesli to orange biscuits with cocoa beans and Colombian coffee, your loved one will be spoilt for choice. The ideal Christmas gift for food lovers that has something in there for everyone.

If your favourite foodie has been mixing by hand for too long now, treat them to an upgrade. The KitchenAid Mini Stand Mixer is 25 per cent lighter and has a 20 per cent smaller footprint than the regular KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer, so it'll take up less counter space and is easy to move (marvellous in a small kitchen). Plus it’s still compatible with all KitchenAid attachments. Total winner. 

For Black Friday KitchenAid deals, don't miss our dedicated page.

If you’re stuck for ideas, you can’t really go wrong with the gift of quality chocolate. Treat them with the Prestat Christmas Cocktail Selection from John Lewis. This selection of festive chocolate truffles offer popular liquor flavours to indulge in. Tasty flavours include dark cherry brandy, peach schnapps, milk orange liqueur and white espresso martini. Not made for sharing, this is the perfect gift for cocktail lovers or those with a sweet tooth.

A cheesemaking kit that contains everything you need to make 40 batches of vegetarian, tasty cheese? Sounds gouda to us (sorry). It comes with vegetarian rennet, citric acid and high-quality sea salt, plus all the tools a good cheesemaker needs including a thermometer and muslin to strain your curds. All you need is full fat milk and a free afternoon!

We all know a coffee aficionado, so why not show them that you actually are listening when they start telling you about the water filtration or how the espresso is pulling by treating them to fresh coffee delivered to their door. The people at Pact can send out a bag of their delicious, ethically sourced, small batch coffee as often as every seven days. You can pick a subscription for them, or send a gift voucher and let them tailor their own plan.

Or if you are looking for a great stocking filler for the coffee lover in your life, Pact's Christmas blend, with notes of shortbread, mince pies and brandy sounds like heaven. 

Because, you can’t go wrong a with signature Le Creuset casserole dish, especially when said casserole dish comes in an array of delightful colours. This is the great present for gifting a very special person who loves to cook and they are built to last a lifetime, so a great investment.

Find all the latest Le Creuset deals on our dedicated page.

Give the gift of instant ice cream with a Cuisinart ice cream maker. Easy to use and easy to clean, this nifty gadget makes two litres of ice cream in just 25 minutes. It can also make fresh fruit sorbet and frozen yoghurt and means you always have a easy pudding option in no time.

For those who love throwing a great dinner party, let them serve in style with this Inbringande Serving Stand in Black from IKEA. This three tier stand is perfect for carrying around canapes and delicious pastries. What’s more, its sleek and contemporary design makes for an attractive feature on the dinner table. This makes the perfect gift for entertaining. You can’t really go wrong!

Nothing beats the taste (and smell!) of freshly baked bread. And for those bakers who fancy making their own bread everyday but don’t want the time-consuming kneading, this digital bread maker from Lakeland is the perfect gift. Not only does it do all the hard work for you, but fresh bread won’t have any nasty additives found in shop-bought loaves. It’s super easy to use with 12 programmes and it even has a gluten-free setting. Making it a much healthy alternative. We also love it because it makes cakes and pizza dough, which is a must-have for true foodies.

More edible Christmas gifts

Our gifts for foodies don't end here. We also have a roundup of the best Christmas hampers that is perfect for giving someone an absolute feast this festive season. Or, you could see our best gin deals – there are so many bargains that are great for gifting (and self gifting).

If you want to know how to cook smoked haddock, then you are in the right place as we have four fabulous and failsafe ways for you to cook this beautiful fish, whether you're putting it in kedgeree like Jamie Oliver – very good choice – having it on toast with poached eggs, or in another marvelous meal. 

Not only is smoked haddock such an easy, delicious fish to cook, but it's also pretty darn healthy so it's a gorgeous and filling option all throughout the year, but especially in the depths of winter! Kids love it just as much as adults, it's inexpensive and as it is so flavorsome from the smoking process, it actually requires little to no seasoning at all, as it's already got the perfect balance texture and flavor. Persuaded much?

From poaching, to baking and cooking it just like Jamie Oliver, keep scrolling for our favorite four ways to cook smoked haddock quickly and easily.

Do you have to cook smoked haddock?

This can be a little confusing, especially with smoked salmon, which can be eaten as it is. Smoked haddock is cold smoked but yes, it does require cooking. But it's not complicated, and doesn't require you to buy any new appliances such as the best air fryer. 

1. How to poach smoked haddock

Poaching smoked haddock in milk is one of the best ways to cook this fish to help retain its moisture. Simply heat up about 200ml of milk in a deep frying pan, season with black pepper, add the haddock, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Make sure the milk doesn't boil, just slowly simmers. 

2. How to cook smoked haddock like Jamie Oliver

Similar to our first method, when Jamie Oliver cooks kedgeree, he puts the fish in a shallow pan with enough liquid to cover the fish in it, and his secret ingredient? Bay leaves! He then brings it to the boil, before covering it to simmer the haddock for five minutes until cooked through, and ready to eat or use in a recipe. This is one of the most inventive ways for working out how to cook smoked haddock.

3. How to bake smoked haddock

Baking smoked haddock is supremely easy: preheat the oven to 200°C/gas mark 6, wrap the haddock in foil or greaseproof paper with a small wedge of unsalted butter, bake for 15-20 minutes. For a more intriguing flavour, add some dill or parsley to the butter. 

4. How to fry smoked haddock

Although we prefer baking or poaching smoked haddock, it can also be pan fried. Warm up a bit of olive or rapeseed oil in a shallow frying pan, coat the haddock fillets in a couple of tablespoons of plain flour, and fry for four minutes on each side on medium heat. Be careful while flipping the fish to ensure it doesn't fall apart. 

Serve: for a super-healthy lunch, serve with your favorite eggs and asparagus. 

For more great recipes and food tips, visit our food hub page. 

Learning how to brine a turkey is a simple step to ensure that your Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas feast, is one to remember – for all the right reasons! It's been done for years, you probably saw Grandma doing it, and now, it's your turn!

Because contrary to popular belief (usually after sad turkey dinner experiences) turkey is delicious, succulent and NOT dry. But, cook it badly, and you'll beg to differ. So, to ensure that it really is succulent, takes a little elbow grease. It starts with brining the turkey, then knowing how how to cook turkey perfectly. That's the thing with turkey: it's a lean, healthy meat, so it s prone to drying out in the oven, and just needs a little love!

Back to brining, we've included the EASIEST turkey brine recipe out there below, which will help this beautiful bird – that makes all Holiday feasts so great – retain heaps of moisture and to enhance its natural flavor. There are a couple of different methods to choose from, but they essentially do the same thing. So keep scrolling, and happy brining!

Why brine a turkey? 

Just about as many people swear by brining their turkeys, as those that say it makes no difference. However, it's important to note that unless you have a fail safe succulent Thanksgiving turkey recipe at hand, that you've successfully mastered before – without brining – then brining your turkey will simply give you peace of mind for Thanksgiving or Christmas day, as it will ensure you get the juicy results you want. 

When you brine a turkey, the salt in the water both helps to drive water into the flesh and seasons it. Think about it as a very simple (and cheap) marinade of sorts, which won't interfere with the flavor of the meat. 

How to brine turkey

Brine is basically a solution of salt and water – it really is that simple. There are a couple of different ways to do it. Some brine it in the pan directly, then refrigerate it, while you can also prepare your turkey brine separately, then submerge your turkey and let it sit in the liquid overnight.

How long should you brine turkey?

We would say the minimum amount of time to brine your turkey is 8 hours, and maximum 24 hours. 

Turkey brine recipe – method 1

Ingredients:

• A gallon of water
• A large pinch of kosher salt
• A stock cube, or carrot and other vegetable or fruit scraps like squash for added flavor 
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

You'll need a large pan and a large sealable food bag like Ziploc.

Method:

1. Add all the ingredients to the pan and bring to the boil.

2. Reduce the heat and simmer for about half an hour.

3. Strain the brine and leave it to cool, before transferring it to the refrigerator. 

Note: Usually you'd make your turkey brine about two days ahead of time, but you can still brine your turkey a little last minute – i.e. the day before roasting it! 

4. To actually brine the turkey. Put your turkey in your sealable food bag, pour in the stock and top it up with cold water until completely submerged.

5. Zip it up, back in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours if you can. Then, remove the turkey from the brine, rinse a little and it's ready for roasting!

How to brine a turkey – method 2

Note: you can use the same ingredients as above, or sub out the stock cube and/or sugar if you prefer.

Method:

1. Add a cup of table salt to a large pot of warm water (it needs to be large enough to hold your turkey). Don't overfill the pot, as the turkey will push the water level up.

2. Gently submerge the turkey in the brine. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours, depending on the size of your turkey. 

A word of caution – don't brine turkeys that have been pre-salted, as the result will be inedibly salty. 

How to cook a turkey that's been brined

In exactly the same way you would any other turkey – except you don't need to worry so much about overcooking it? A brined turkey is less likely to overdry, so a few minutes extra won't do it any harm. Simply cover with your favorite spice mix, add butter, and roast.

Find more recipes at our dedicated hub page.

There are a lot of choices out there when it comes to applesauce. Some are more tart, sweet, or paired with additional fruits to offer variety. Whether you like the brands that come in a cup or the ones that come in a pouch, you have choices to accompany your meals and snacks. We’ve gathered a collection of our favorite applesauce options, so check them out. 

Simple and sweet

Some versions of applesauce have no added sugars, and others include additional fruits to offer a variety of flavors. As a good starting place, we think Mott's unsweetened applesauce is the best option in our collection. Each cup only contains three ingredients: apples, water, and vitamin C preservative. It’s the closest option to apples in their natural state. Plus, the individual cups fit nicely in the pantry, fridge, or lunch bags.

If you’re always on the go, or you need an option for your little ones, the GoGo squeeZ applesauce is an excellent alternative. You don’t need any utensils to eat it thanks to the built-in straw, and the cap is resealable. It’s hard to find fault in how convenient they make it to eat applesauce on the way to work, school, or grandma’s house.

Preheating the oven is one of those things that we would all love to skip, purely to get our dinner, bakes, cakes and more ready even quicker! But that is just not how it works, and knowing how to preheat an oven properly is actually one of the most vital first steps of oven cooking or baking – anything! So if you've been slack with preheating your oven properly, the chances are you’ve not been enjoying the best results when cooking. 

From how to preheat a gas or electric oven, to how long it should take, keep scrolling for all you need to know. 

Want to know more about smart or the best integrated ovens? Complete with fast preheat features and much more, take a look at our guide.

Do I really need to preheat the oven? 

In short, yes. The reason being that if you don’t bring your oven to the right temperature, whatever you’re cooking will not be actually ‘cooking’ in that first and pretty vital 5–15 minutes. The results will be shoddy, especially for things like pastry, (don’t even get us started on soufflé) as it will be a little as if you were opening and closing the oven door, the whole time – not cool. 

Some things you can probably get away with, like casserole, where you may not need a high and consistent heat for a short amount of time. But as you’re likely to be cooking that in your slow cooker anyway, we simply recommend that you take the time you need to preheat your oven completely and to the desired temperature. 

How to preheat an oven

1. Start by removing any lingering items in there like baking trays.

2. Then, ensure the racks are secure and rearrange them to suit what you'll be cooking – this may not be necessary with a smart oven – so that when it comes to putting your items in, you won't be losing heat to an open oven door as you faff around. Lasagnas and anything you want with a crispy top will usually go on the top shelf, while cakes tend to go central and pizzas or anything you want to have a crispy base will do best on the bottom rack.

3. Next, set your desired temperature.

4. Wait until that temperature is reached and then put your items in to cook.

How long does it take to preheat an oven?

This, of course, depends on your oven and on the desired temperature. We mentioned that there are many impressive ovens around at the moment which are complete with fast preheat features and even self-cleaning functionalities, so it’s worth checking out what you can afford. Generally speaking however:

• Gas and electric ovens: 15–20 minutes
• Electric ovens with fast preheat features: can take as little as 7–10 minutes
• Smart ovens: this depends on the model but you can start it up before you get home. More than ideal.

Keep reading:

• How to clean an oven
• Finding the best microwave