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5 MINUTE IDEAL HEALTH WINS

Rachel Stevenson
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5 MINUTE IDEAL HEALTH WINS

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If you’re reading this article then you’re already winning! Dr Sally Norton, NHS weight loss consultant and founder of VavistaLife reveals 5 minute health wins that take – yep 5 minutes

There are never enough hours in the day or days in the week to get everything done. The bare essentials may make it through but looking after us often ends up at the bottom of the list. It’s crazy – because looking after ourselves saves time in the long term, as we are able to function more efficiently and less likely to succumb to illness when we are healthy. But when life is out of control, try to find just 5 minutes for yourself. Here’s how…

Get moving

Whilst the NHS recommends around 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week plus time on strength exercises, it seems most of us just don’t make the time for it. The good news is that more and more studies are showing that shorter bursts of high intensity or sprint exercises can have great health benefits too….so having too little time is no excuse. Any exercise is better than none. Set your watch for this simple 5 minute workout….. Sprint as fast as you possibly can (on the spot if necessary) for 20 seconds, jog for 20, walk for 20. Repeat 5 times.

Breathe 

We sometimes forget that our brain needs downtime too. Stop for 5 minutes and focus on your breathing for a quick way to unwind and de-stress. Set a timer and sit in a quiet place – even your parked car before you hit the office or supermarket! Now focus on taking deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.

5 MINUTE HEALTH WINS

Phone a friend

It’s well known that social networks and healthy relationships help stave off the mental health issues that affect 1 in 4 of us at some time in our lives. By taking 5 minutes out of your busy day to chat to a friend or work colleague you are strengthening those bonds and cementing those lines of communication that may prove invaluable in keeping your mind as healthy as your body.

Plan ahead

‘Failing to prepare is preparing to fail’ as the saying goes. When we are surrounded by unhealthy choices at every turn it’s no surprise our willpower lets us down when we are stressed, tired and hungry. Try to spend just 5 minutes each day planning your healthier meals and grabbing some nutritious snacks for when the hunger pangs hit you unawares.

5 MINUTE HEALTH WINS

Think positive

Sometimes we feel as though the world is waging war on us, that deadlines are dragging us down and that life is leaving us listless. But it’s not just a cliché – studies show that looking on the bright side of life can really make things better and even lead to increased success at home and work. What’s more, it’s possible to develop a sunnier outlook even if you are normally a glass half-empty type. Rather than feeling down in the dumps, spend 5 minutes listing all that you can feel grateful for, however small. You will find your mood lifts – and if you make it a regular habit, who knows what benefits will follow.

However busy you are, there will be 5 minutes somewhere in the day for a quick boost to wellbeing, health, weight or fitness. You just have to remember to look for it! Perhaps wake up 5 minutes earlier or set an alarm at a certain time of the day. Add it on to an existing regular routine like after a shower or on arriving home from work. Anything that reminds you that you need some time too.

7 IDEAL WAYS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY ON YOUR LUNCH

Rachel Stevenson
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7 IDEAL WAYS TO SAVE TIME AND MONEY ON YOUR LUNCH

Becky Alexander & Michelle Lake, authors of Packed, a hip and easy guide to lunch on-the-go, share their top tips on how to save time and money on your lunch

If you work in a city centre, there are now loads of places to buy a lunch. The thing is, the mark-up can be massive for what you get (3.60 for a veggie sandwich?). Lots of us get into the habit of buying the same thing most days too, which means we aren’t getting the variety or veggies we probably need. If you are spending 10 minutes each day queuing to buy your lunch, then why not spend that time getting organised buying a few online basics to make your lunch instead? Then you can get out for a walk or have more time to relax instead. Brits are spending on average 2.5K a year on lunch, which is the price of a very nice holiday. Here are some tips to help you make your own, and save some time and money:

Do an online shop at your desk

Once a week or fortnight, buy things like bags of cooked Beluga lentils, olives, feta cheese, tuna in olive oil, nuts and roast peppers so you can always make a delicious packed lunch.

Buy an amazing loaf of bread

Buy the most delicious, seed-packed rye or sourdough loaf from a posh bakery or market stall. Cut it into wedges and freeze. Take a chunk to work every day to go with your soup or salad – much nicer and loads more nutrients than a bit of white baguette.

Baby steps

If the thought of making your lunch before work seems like a massive hassle, why not try once or twice a week to start with?

Buy fridge stars

Radishes, rocket, cauliflower and red peppers will last for a week, maybe two, in your fridge, so you won’t worry about them looking soggy by Friday.

How much?

The mark-up on shop salads and sandwiches is huge. Many are low on protein (half an egg anyone?) and high on cheap, chewy lettuce. For the price you pay, think how much salmon, cray fish, avocados etc you could buy instead for that.

Batch cook at the weekend

Once a week or fortnight, make a veg- and pulse-packed soup or veg chilli. Freeze and you have something to pull out and take to work when you have zero time in the morning.

Sunday lunch savings

If you are cooking a roast lunch, add a few more veggies to the tray such as carrots, red onions, cauliflower and sweet potatoes. These can be your lunch on Monday, maybe with some feta cheese on top. Save any leftover roast chicken too to have on Tuesday in a hearty sandwich, with some roast peppers and rocket.

Coffee habits

If you buy a coffee most days, you are spending about 500 a year. That’s a weekend away. Why not take turmeric or matcha teabags to work instead, which can give you a few extra nutrients too.

For more lunch hacks from Becky and Michelle visit: www.nourishbooks.com

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR QUICK & EASY CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR QUICK & EASY CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

 

Chocolate brownies

A fantastic quick and easy recipe for  irresistible, tasty and rich chocolate brownies

Serves 20

  • 400g caster sugar
  • 225g butter, melted
  • 60g cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 eggs
  • 225g plain flour
  • ½ tspn baking powder
  • ½ tspn salt
  • 60g walnut halves
  1. Mix all ingredients in the order above.
  2. Bake at 180 C / Gas mark 4 for 20 – 25 minutes in a rectangular 23x33cm greased baking tin.
  3. Cool, and slice into equal square portions.

Recipe by Russell Hobbs

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR HOT CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR HOT CHOCOLATE SOUFFLE

Hot chocolate soufflé: with a decadent, melting middle this one is all about seduction and sharing a spoon.

Ingredients

  • 75g butter
  • 450ml milk
  • 50g plain flour
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • 1½ tbsp cocoa powder
  • 50g caster sugar
  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C
  2. Melt the butter in a pan, stir in the flour and cocoa, and blend over a low heat. Add the milk and mix well using  a hand whisk until thickened slightly. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool, then add the egg yolks and beat in.
  3. Put the egg whites in the bowl, mix on speed 6 for a few seconds, then add the sugar and continue to whisk until soft peaks form. Fold in the sauce.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased 1.2 litre dish. Stand the dish in a roasting tin filled half full with boiling water, put into the oven, and bake for 40- 45 minutes, until well risen.

 

Recipe by Russell Hobbs

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN, GARLIC POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS

Rachel Stevenson
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MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN, GARLIC POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS

Be healthy and happy with this Mediterranean chicken, garlic potatoes and green bean recipe.

For the chicken:

  • 2 Skinless chicken breasts
  • Small handful of dried black olives
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tomato
  • 2 springs of fresh tarragon
  • 2 sprigs of fresh parsley
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 egg – lightly beaten
  • Breadcrumbs

For the potatoes

  • 2 large potatoes
  • 50g butter
  • Garlic crushed
  • 1/4 pint of cream
  • ¼ milk
  •  3 cloves of garlic
  • Pepper
  • Chopped parsley
  1. Place the peeled onion, black olives and the herbs into your food processor and blitz for 15 – 20 seconds.
  2. Cut your tomato into quarters and remove the centres then add to the mix and blitz for a further 10 – 15 seconds. Add a pinch of salt and some cracked black pepper.
  3. Peel the potatoes and then slice them in your food processor.
  4. Add the crushed garlic and the slightly softened butter.
  5. Take an oval medium sized baking dish and smear the sides and base of the dish with garlic butter.  Layer the potatoes in the dish, seasoning as you go with parsley and salt & pepper to create four layers.
  6. Add the cream and milk mix to almost cover the top layer.
  7. Take the chicken breast and cut them along the long side – butterflying them out.  Place a good spoonful of the mixture along the central section of the butterfly.  Then fold over to recreate the chicken breast shape again.
  8. Use your food processor again to create some breadcrumbs. Put some flour into a bowl and add salt and pepper. Then, whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
  9. Put the potatoes dish into a pre-heated fan oven 150 C (non-fan oven 170 C). Bake for around 40 minutes. The top will have a good brown colour and the mix should be just a little runny.
  10. Meanwhile, dip the chicken in the seasoned flour, dip in the egg wash and then roll in the breadcrumbs.
  11. Place the chicken on to a baking tray and place in for 30 – 35 minutes.  At 15 – 20 minutes turn once to ensure a lovely golden colour all over.

Recipe by Russell Hobbs

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CHICKEN KIEV, VINE TOMATOES AND BOULANGERE POTATOES

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR CHICKEN KIEV, VINE TOMATOES AND BOULANGERE POTATOES

CHICKEN KIEV

Freshly made Chicken Kiev, an old favourite that everyone loves and is perfect for both friends and family

Chicken kiev, vine tomatoes and boulangère potatoes (serves 2)

For the kievs

  • 2 Skinned chicken breasts
  • 2 cloves of fresh garlic
  • 50g salted butter (softened)
  • 2 sprigs of fresh parsley
  • 1 Egg – lightly whisked
  • Breadcrumbs
  • A little flour
  • Pepper to taste

 CHICKEN KIEV

For the potatoes

  • 2 large potatoes
  • 1 white onion Sliced
  • ½ pint good chicken stock
  • Pepper
  • Chopped parsley
  1. Peel the potatoes and then slice them.Then peel and quarter an onion and then put that through the slicer.
  2. Layer the potato and onions in a baking dish. Add the stock with the chopped parsley so that it just covers the potatoes.
  3. Next, make the kievs. Peel the garlic and place it in your blender along with the parsley and a good sprinkle of black pepper and blitz for 10 – 20 seconds. Add the softened butter and mix for a further 15 seconds.
  4. Take the chicken breast and slice it along the long edge into a butterfly shape, but don’t cut it completely in half. Then place a piece of cling film over the chicken and batten it out (use a rolling pin) to flatten it out slightly.
  5. Place a good spoonful of the garlic, parsley and butter mix in the middle of each breast then roll the chicken breast over the mix so no holes are left. You will now have a tight roll of chicken.
  6. Place the Boulanger potatoes in a pre-heated fan oven 150 C (nonfan oven 170 C). They will take 30 – 40 minutes to bake.
  7. Use your blender again to create some breadcrumbs. Put some flour into a bowl and add salt and pepper. Then, whisk the egg in a separate bowl.
  8. Dip the chicken into the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash and then roll it in the breadcrumbs – coating completely. Repeat for the second breast.
  9. If you have time, leave the cling film on the chicken and leave in the fridge for an hour to rest. This will help the filling to stay in the chicken whilst it bakes.
  10. Place the chicken onto a baking tray along with the vine tomatoes and place in the oven for a total of 30 – 35 minutes.  At 15 – 20 minutes, turn the kievs once to ensure a lovely golden colour all over.

Recipe by Russell Hobbs

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO BEAUTY SLEEP

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO BEAUTY SLEEP

 

Do you ever look in the mirror after a late night and see a puffy red eyed person with dark circles and lacklustre skin staring back at you? Yep we’ve all been. But although it’s easy to bounce back from the occasional late night, getting back to looking your normal self if you don’t get enough sleep all the time isn’t so easy. With this in mind we discover why beauty sleep really matters…

Your sleep matters in a big way. It matters for your health and it matters for your lifestyle. But does it also matter for the way we look? In other words, is there such a thing as beauty sleep, and if so, how does it work?

Well to answer these questions the lovely Laura Barnes from the Sleep Matters Club powered by Dreams looked into the relationship between sleep and our physical appearance and made a few interesting connections.

Skin, hair and nails treatment as you sleep

During sleep, especially during deep and peaceful sleep, our body goes into ‘repair’ mode. It does this by producing growth hormones, which help to rebuild damaged cells, including those of the skin, hair and nails. So the more sleep we get, the longer our bodies can continue with this repairing, restoring and rebalancing process. Which all means that beauty sleep isn’t a myth, it’s a fact.

If you don’t get enough sleep – it shows

When we don’t sleep enough, the body struggles to produce these growth hormones and the end results are visible signs of sleep deprivation, like dark rings under the eyes, waxen skin and dull hair . Lack of sleep can also create a stress hormone, which causes skin ageing and other physical signs of exhaustion.

And the real beauty is, it’s free

Along with being one of the best beauty tips for your body, beauty sleep also has the key advantage of being absolutely free. Why spend a fortune on expensive skin creams, hair treatments and anti-ageing products, when getting a good night’s sleep on a regular basis could quite possibly give you visibly better results? Many models and celebrities know the value of beauty sleep, so join the rich and famous by making the most of it.

Be sure of your beauty sleep

To enjoy your beauty sleep, make sure you have everything you need to get plenty of it. That, of course, includes a comfortable bed and a comfortable mattress right at the top of the list. So if you’re sleeping on anything less than comfortable, do something about it by popping into your local Dreams showroom and seeing what’s on offer.

Better sleep means a better you, but in this instance it could means a better looking you too.

RESTAURANT REVIEW: BRASSERIE BLANC, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR GOOD FRENCH FOOD

Rachel Stevenson
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RESTAURANT REVIEW: BRASSERIE BLANC, THE IDEAL PLACE FOR GOOD FRENCH FOOD
Brasserie Blanc – Southbank

If you fancy some exceptionally well-cooked French food, then Brasserie Blanc is a restaurant you’ll want to visit

Raymond Blanc. As if his restaurants need any more good press. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons has just retained its two michelin star status in the 2016 guide and after scouring the internet, we could find nothing but rave reviews about him and his empire. Raymond is undisputedly one of the UK’s most respected chefs.

Amongst other endeavours, our favourite Frenchman owns a chain of restaurants offering French cuisine under the name of Brasserie Blanc. 

Restaurants by celebrity chefs like this either live up to your expectations or they don’t. There’s no inbetween about it. And Brasserie Blanc in Southbank lived up to all expectations and to be completely honest, even exceeded some.

Idea

To be a French restaurant at it’s very best.  Brasserie Blanc aims to feel as authentic and as warm and welcoming as Maman Blanc’s home, with a comfortable space where guests can gather & savour all the various moments of the day.

Location

Situated between Waterloo Bridge and the Royal Festival Hall, this Brasserie Blanc is in the perfect spot for commuters, tourists and those who are in the area to soak up all the cultural delights that Southbank has to offer.

Style and Ambiance

Even though this place is ultimately a restaurant chain, somehow we don’t see it as a restaurant chain. It’s not in the same league as places like Cafe Rouge or Cote, and we mean that in a good way. To start, the service is perfect. Our waiter was one of the best waiters we’ve ever had. He was friendly, without crossing that line where he pretended to be our new best pal and was really knowledgeable about the menu.

The food is authentic and warming. They only use freshly prepared seasonal ingredients, unlike some chains who simply warm up ready made food – if you’ve ever worked in a chain restaurant, you know what we’re talking about. And even though it’s an upscale brasserie, it still has a relaxed vibe. The restaurant is sylish and well lit. It’s one of the best dining experiences we’ve had, and we’re not even using hyperbole.

The Food

The menu harks back to Raymond’s childhood and is all about classic French cusine. It’s packed full of dishes you will have heard of and probably already eaten, but they are done well. Here’s our food rundown.

STEAK TARTARE ‘MAISON’

An excellent steak tartare. It’s made with plenty of capers and the balance of flavours is spot on. 

BŒUF BOURGUIGNON

This dark, rich, deeply flavorful concoction of beef is a good thing. They say that the secret to making an excellent Beef bourguignon is to use all wine and no stock and we really want to know how they make it here. The dish is served with a smooth mash. It’s the type of mash that will wow you – we also want to know what kind of potatoes they use.

DUCK LEG CONFIT WITH BLACK CHERRY SAUCE

Here at IDEAL we love the way slow-braised French dishes fall off the bone. That’s why we love duck confit – tender meat with crispy skin to us is perfection.  This classic dish is an exquisite combination of duck and cherry sauce. Order it.

ESCARGOTS

Order it if you’re into snails. They aren’t served in the shells, which we kind of missed. This dish was meaty, garlicky and delicious.

PISTACHIO SOUFFLE

This dessert is simply wonderful. In terms of dessert souffles, it’s not quite as good as the one at The Sportsman, but it’s up there.

Address: 9 Belvedere Rd, London, South Bank SE1 8YL
Phone: 020 7202 8470
Menu: brasserieblanc.com

IDEAL dined as a guest of the restaurant and received a complimentary meal

7 FREE BEAUTY TRICKS EVERY WOMAN CAN DO

Rachel Stevenson
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7 FREE BEAUTY TRICKS EVERY WOMAN CAN DO

 

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Blogger Briony Goodhall, founder of The Daily Face, shares her favourite beauty tricks that every woman can do for free!

Did you know that the average woman will spend a crazy amount of £100,000 on cosmetics over her lifetime, which equates to £40 a week and £2,000 a year. Yes, we all know how expensive it is to look after our skin, hair, nails and all the rest. However, you don’t always have to spend a small fortune to look good. Fact. Here are some free and quick beauty tips and tricks that can easily be adapted to any women’s lifestyle, making a difference to your beauty regime without the need for extra cash. 

The Iced Water Facial  

If you’re feeling a bit tired and you need to wake up – submerge your skin in ice cold water. It sounds crazy but this little trick will not only wake you up, it will also instantly tighten pores and make your skin feel smooth.

The Headstand Glow

Did you know that a headstand basically gives you a “face lift” by letting your skin hang in the opposite direction. No joke.

I recently started doing a new class at the gym which is a mixture of pilates and yoga, involving a lot of stretching and upside down-ness and also headstands. But through all the redness and dizziness, headstands really get the blood pumping and flushes fresh nutrients and oxygen to the face, creating a nice glow on the skin. If you’re not into exercises or headstands you can always stick your head off the end of your bed I suppose!

The Ice Cube Spot Reducer

You can use your ice cubes for more than just your cocktails! Ice cubes are a great natural spot remedy. When you feel a spot coming on, instead of trying top pop it, press a cold flannel/ ice cube on the area which will work to reduce the swelling and redness around the spot. This trick not only helps to shrink your spot, it also reduces its lifespan by reducing the size of the spot.

The Toothbrush Hair Saviour

Do you have those annoying flyaway bits when you’ve just done your hair? To rectify this simply take your toothbrush and gently smooth them down. This one isn’t completely free as you do need a toothbrush – but I’m assuming everyone has one of those?

The Natural Wave Trick

Don’t have time to dry your hair before bed? Then just brush your hair in the shower after conditioning and when you get out – tie it in a little bun on the top of your head. This means that when you get up in the morning, you’ll have a natural wave through your hair and you won’t have to worry about styling it. 

The Face Massage 

If your skin is looking dull, give it a quick massage morning & night. This will get the blood pumping and the muscles working to ensure your skin is naturally plumped and glowing. If you already have a facial oil/ serum, you can use that too but technically that doesn’t count as free!

The Credit Card Trick

Lastly, when you’re doing a smokey eye, take something with a straight edge like a credit card and use this as a guide. Place it at the corner of your eye and wing it out slightly so you can create that perfect party look. This method will also stop any fall out from dropping onto the skin!

For more beauty advice, tips and tricks from Briony, follow her on Twitter and like her on Facebook

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR PESTO AND SALMON DROP SCONES

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR PESTO AND SALMON DROP SCONES

PESTO SALMON SCONES

Pesto and Salmon Drop Scones: Perfect nibbly bites to serve to your guests – more of a canapé than a starter to accompany the conversation!

Pesto and Salmon Drop Scones (Makes 20)

For the scones:

  • 115g (4 oz) of self-raising flour
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp Pesto sauce
  • 100ml (4 fl oz) milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Olive oil

For the Topping

  • Crème fraîche or sour cream
  • 55g (2 oz) smoked salmon, make up into small rolls

For the Garnish:

  • Lemon wedges
  • Chopped fresh dill
  1. Place the flour in the food processor bowl. Add the egg, pesto sauce and half the milk and blend on a slow speed. Thin to a dropping consistency with the remaining milk. Season.
  2. Wipe a sauce pan or hotplate with a little oil on a piece of kitchen paper.  Drop tablespoons of the mixture onto the hotplate, when bubbles rise to the surface, turn over and cook the other side.
  3. Place the mini pancakes on a serving plate, top each with a spoon of sour cream and a roll of smoked salmon.  Scatter chopped dill on top.

PESTO

 Recipes by Russell Hobbs

IDEAL TIPS: UNDERSTANDING THE JARGON BEHIND BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL TIPS: UNDERSTANDING THE JARGON BEHIND BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME

The property market is growing at a fast rate, according to recent reports Bristol is the fastest growing rate in the country, so there’s never been a better time to get onto the housing ladder.

However, the terminology associated with buying and selling a home is sometimes a little confusing, especially for those who are looking for their first home. The difference between base rates and capped rates, and bridging finance and mortgage offer, is worth knowing.

The infographic below can give you more confidence when exploring the offers that are available to you. It will help when reading through relevant literature on the housing market for first time buyers in the south-west; when talking with solicitors, lenders and brokers; and when analysing the terms of your mortgage before finally signing on the dotted line!

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IDEAL WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR SATURDAY NIGHT

Rachel Stevenson
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IDEAL WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR SATURDAY NIGHT

It has been a long, cruel winter, and now spring is on it’s way. OK, fair’s fair, winter wasn’t all that bad besides a few blustering gales and a few sheets of rain. We probably got off mild. But it did leave us indoors, just as every winter seems to do, and we’re itching to get back to the goods times promised by the forthcoming spring and summer seasons. Oh, they can’t come soon enough! But wait right there, because you don’t need a season to tell you how to live. You can live right now! Make your next Saturday a good one, because…well, who needs a reason?

A Last Minute Adventure

It might have been a long week at work, you might just wait to crawl up and stay in bed all weekend, but where does that get you? Nowhere other than a couple of days older and none the wiser. Instead, promise to make this weekend fun. If you’re in the UK, you have a range of diverse destinations within a proximity that people from other countries would love to have. Why not make the most of it? Pack an overnight bag and see where the road takes you. There’s plenty to do in this country if you’re willing to go find it!

Make It Romantic

The long summer months are going to (hopefully) mean plenty of socialising, with friends in the beer garden, family at the BBQ, and so on. Make this saturday just about the love birds, you and your partner. Take a look at the Gourmet Guide best restaurants list and book yourself somewhere special for a bang-on meal. Find your nearest area of natural beauty and go for a hand in hand stroll. And then there’s always the old classic, Saturday night at the movies….

What’s On?

It’s only when we’re travelling to another city that we tend to take a look at what sort of events are happening in the city. When we’re at home, we don’t tend to realise that our city probably has some pretty good stuff happening too! Cultural stuff, like theatre and exhibitions and comedy shows and the rest. Liven up your Saturday and see what’s there – you might just see a new side to the place you call home.

One Final Winter Warmer

Sometimes, you can’t predict what the weather is going to be like or the mood you’re going to be in come Friday. Plus, winter only comes but once a year, so why not might the most of it and have one big winter blowout? This Saturday, you won’t be saying, ‘oh, I wish we could go out’, you’ll be saying, ‘we’re staying in and we’re going to smash it!’. What does that mean, exactly? Well, there’s an early evening in your favourite pub. There’s the finest takeaway you can find in your local area. It’s bad TV and a few extra tinnies of beer or glasses of wine in your delightful home. It’s all rubbish, effectively, but you know you love it and you can’t do this during summer!

 

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTA

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR STRAWBERRY PANNA COTTA

Panna cotta

Although your summer may be a distant memory, keep the season alive with this beautiful dessert which showcases the summer strawberry. Elegant and refreshing Strawberry Panna Cotta is the perfect pudding to impress guests. This recipe by David Moss, Co-owner and Chef at The Wensleydale Heifer, based in West Witton in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales will please even the most critical of guests! 

Serves 4

Preparation time: 4 hours (including setting time)

Cooking time: 90 minutes

Ingredients

Strawberry Jelly

150ml Boiron strawberry puree

½ lemon (juice of)

1 leaf basil

1 leaf gelatine (softened in cold water)

Panna Cotta

300ml double cream, 75ml whole milk

150g caster sugar

3 star anise

1 ½ gold leaves gelatine (softened in cold water)

Strawberry Glass

100g strawberry puree

25g Isomalt

Strawberry Sorbet

350g strawberries

75g caster sugar

1 ½ lemons (juice of)

Short Crumb Base

50g plain flour, 85g rice flour

25g caster sugar

50g butter

5g salt

Poppy Seed Pebbles

75g egg white

55g caster sugar

1 lime (juice of)

5g almonds, 10g poppy seeds

Strawberry Black Pepper Marinade

150g strawberry puree

150g raspberry puree

12 black peppercorns

50ml balsamic vinegar

1 lime (juice of)

3 whole strawberries

Garnish

Basil leaves

4 x 100ml moulds

Method

For The Strawberry Jelly

In a pan, bring the puree, lemon juice and basil to a boil. Add the gelatine, dissolve, then sieve. Pour 1/2cm depth of the sieved mixture into each panna cotta mould and set in the fridge.

For The Panna Cotta (Prepare the day before)

Place the cream, milk, sugar and star anise in a heavy bottomed saucepan on a medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and set aside for one hour to infuse.

Sieve, then return to the pan and bring back to a boil. Stir in the gelatine and set aside. When the jelly is set and the panna cotta mix is lukewarm, pour onto the jelly and return to the fridge to set, preferably overnight.

For The Strawberry Glass (Prepare the day before)

Bring the puree to a boil, ass the Isomalt and boil for five minutes. Spread thinly onto a silicone mat (so you can see through it) and bake overnight in the oven at 55 C. When it’s ready it will be translucent and crisp. Break into shards and store in an airtight container.

For the Strawberry Sorbet (Prepare in advance and freeze)

Blend the strawberries with the sugar and lemon, then bring to a boil in a pan. Leave to cool then add to an ice cream machine and churn.

For The Pebbles

Whip the egg whites into soft peaks. Add the caster sugar until a firm meringue is achieved. Add the lime juice. Divide the egg white mixture into two, add the almonds and poppy seeds into one half and then fold in the other half. Place into a piping bag and pipe little drops (of 2 to 3cm circumference) onto a silicone mat.

Put in the oven at 110 C for 90 minutes until dried out. Store in an airtight container.

For The Short Crumb Base

Place all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until fine crumbs are achieved. Bake for eight minutes at 190 C until golden brown. Set aside to cool and place in an airtight container until needed.

For The Marinade

Boil the purees, peppercorns, vinegar and lime juice. Sieve, blend, cool. Dice the strawberries and drop them into the marinade. Leave for one hour.

To Serve

Run the moulds under the hot water tap for a few seconds to release the panna cottas. Assemble as in picture.

 

THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION: VILLA GALE CUMBUCO, BRAZIL

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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THE IDEAL HONEYMOON DESTINATION: VILLA GALE CUMBUCO, BRAZIL

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Your honeymoon. It’s one of the most indulgent and extravagant holidays you’ll ever take, so expectations are undoubtedly going to be sky high. If you’re looking for a honeymoon that won’t disappoint and where the only decision you have to make every morning is “pool or beach?” then Vila Galé Cumbuco is the perfect place to start your happily ever after.

IDEA

An all inclusive resort that offers a laundry list of enticing features: three restaurants and two bars, a glorious beach, water sports, exciting buggy rides over the dunes, a spa and so much more.

LOCATION

This modern, relaxed resort is located on the famous beach of Cumbuco, between the dunes of Costa dos Ventos. If you don’t know Cumbuco, think of a place with white sand dunes, blue lagoons, endless beaches with coconut palm trees. Got it? That’s Cumbuco.  It’s setting will stun you into an appreciative silence.

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ATMOSPHERE

The atmosphere here isn’t overly romantic, which accounts for the resort’s broad appeal. But that’s one of the reasons it’s great for honeymooners. You’re not surrounded by a zillion other couples on their honeymoon who think that they are the most loved up couple in the world. This is your honeymoon and you’re the most loved up couple in the world.

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However, romance is more than possible thanks to the the hotel’s idyllic setting. You can relax with your lover on the uncrowded white-sand beach, swim together in the pristine pool sipping on cocktails, read together in the charming garden, get a massage together at the gorgeous spa. The level of romance is what you make of it.

ACTIVITIES

Vila Galé Cumbuco is the kind of place where days slip into a dreamy sequence: lounge around by the pool, head to the beach for a swim in the warm sea, eat some delicious food. Repeat. However, if you want to push the boat out and do something different, the hotel offers various activities and excursions for when you’re not snoozing by the pool.

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If you’re after an adrenaline rush, rent a buggy and go sand dune bashing. Whizzing over the honey-coloured dunes is a heart-thumping experience and feels just like a roller-coaster ride. If you have a guide, ask him to stop off at the beautiful Águas Crislatinas lagoon where you can zip-line straight into the water. Also stop off at Parnamirim Lake where you can have a go at ski-bunda which is a bid like sledging, but on sand. You basically sit on a wooden board and slide down a sand dune into the refreshing waters of the lake.

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The hotel’s location, Cumbuco, is also famous for being one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world. Even if you don’t fancy have a go, bathing in the lagoons and watching the kite surfers do their thing is a cool experience. You can also go horseback riding on the beach. What could be more romantic than riding down a white-sandy beach and frolicking in the warm water? If you want to do something cultural, ask the hotel to organise a day trip to Fortaleza for touring the crafts fair, the market and the historical sites.

THE FOOD

One thing is for certain at Vila Galé Cumbuco, you will never go hungry. The hotel boasts three restaurants!

The hotel’s main restaurant, Versátil, offers a sumptuous buffet breakfast – think  big bowls of fruit, a tempting spread of pastries, cakes and cheeses. Hot breakfast dishes and local delicacies like tapioca crepes.

Cajuína & Amêndoa Amarga, a restaurant located by the pool, offers snacks throughout the day and a buffet service with a gargantuan choice in the afternoon.

In the evening it becomes an à la carte restaurant, offering Portuguese and regional cuisine.

If you fancy some Asian or Mediterranean cuisine, head to the fancy Inevitáve. It’s lovely and you can get dressed up.

THE BARS

Swimming around a gorgeous pool while soaking up the rays is thirsty holiday work, right? Well worry not, Kite Bar is literally in the pool, so you won’t have that awful inconvenience of getting out when you’re in dire need of another caipirinha.

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Located near the hotel’s lobby, Euphoria Bar is a great place to have a pre-dinner drink. Expect some sporadic entertainment here. In the northeast, traditional Brazilian country music called forró is everywhere and on some nights the hotel welcomes a folklore act playing and dancing to traditional forró music. Oh and did we mention that the hotel also has a ‘souls and blues’ disco if you want to get your groove on.

THE ROOMS

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Since this is your honeymoon, we reckon you should go all out and stay in one of the detached cottages set in tropical gardens. They are gorgeous and you feel like you have your own little house. Otherwise the rooms and suites are just fine. Featuring modern decor, they all come with include flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi  and minibars, as well as balconies or terraces.

THE SPA

Is there a better way of relaxing after a stressful wedding than spending some time at a spa. The answer is no. The resort has it’s own Satsanga spa, where you can enjoy its lovely sauna and jacuzzi, take a Turkish bath or indulge in a glourious massage. Bliss.

Why Go

For a gorgeous once-in-a-lifetime (yet affordable) honeymoon where you can do as much or as little as you want.

Stay: Find more information visit www.vilagale.com.

Fly: TAP Portugal flies from London Heathrow to Fortaleza seven times a week. For further information, visit www.flytap.com or call 0345 601 0932.

Tourist info: Find more info about Brazil on the Tourist Board website, Visitbrasil.com.

IDEAL stayed as a guest of the hotel.

 

 

 

THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SMOKED SALMON SOUP

Rachel Stevenson
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THE IDEAL RECIPE FOR SMOKED SALMON SOUP

SMOKED SALMON SOUP

For a deliciously warming meal try this smoked salmon soup recipe and serve with ciabatta bread.

Also, this recipe can be a great time saver! Just prepare at the weekend and freeze ready to defrost on a cold, busy week night.

  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 750g potatoes, diced
  • 500ml chicken stock
  • 500ml milk
  • 350g smoked salmon, cut into ribbons
  • a handful of parsley leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 lemon, halved
  1. Use a blender like the Russel Hobbs Desire Mini Chopper to chop the onion and potatoes.
  2. Fry the onion gently in butter, then add potatoes, stock and milk and simmer until the potatoes are very tender.
  3. Add the Smoked Salmon and dill and season well.
  4. Blend in the Desire Jug Blender.
  5. Heat everything through and add a squeeze of lemon.
  6. Serve with toasted ciabatta bread.

 

SMOKED SALMON SOUP

 

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