Guides invent 72 new ‘empowering' badges that reflect their lives
No more are girls awarded badges for hosting and cleaning; now they can earn badges for interior design, environmental conservation and thrifting, which are among 72 new activities unveiled as part of the organisation's drive to remain relevant to the lives of girls growing up in the 2020s and help them to feel 'empowered'.
The new additions are all 'interest badges', which aim to develop hobbies rather than attain specific skills, and may be completed individually at home.
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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
I found the ultimate 10/10 gas BBQ – it's perfect for unpredictable weather and has space for 14 burgers
WHILST many of us love cooking over fire on a charcoal barbecue, a gas barbecue is a stress-free solution to outdoor grilling. With pretty unpredictable weather in the UK, the ability to turn a knob and be ready to cook al fresco in minutes is definitely a good option. 6 A gas barbecue also allows you to control the heat and some have useful side burners for warming sauces or searing a steak. Some models can be expensive - but there are some budget friendly gas options available. Lynsey Hope shares her verdict on the best gas barbecues under £150. Uniflame 2 Burner Gas BBQ 6 For less than £70, this is a very wallet-friendly gas barbecue. It didn't take long to assemble - less than 30 minutes - and it looks stylish with a black control panel and stylish chrome control knobs. The cooking area is easily big enough for 14 burgers and there was plenty of room to cook enough food for about seven people on this. It seemed robust and hard-wearing and lit easily. It cooked burgers evenly without charring them and it comes with a warming rack. For the price, I was really impressed with this. It was easy to wipe clean and it's a relatively compact design so easy to store, too. Performance: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Overall score: 10/10 B&Q Black 2 Burner Gas BBQ £100, 6 Difficult to put together, taking over an hour. The instructions were quite tricky to follow. Once up, it did a pretty decent job. It lit easily and seemed to cook food pretty evenly. It's not huge, but can cook enough food for around six people. It is compact so a great option for smaller gardens and it is resistant to rust if you need to keep it outside. For the price, it's a generous cooking area. No bells and whistles, but a basic model at a fair price that did a decent job. Everything that came off this grill tasted pretty good. Performance: 4/5 Value: 4/5 Overall score: 8/10 George Foreman Portable 1 Burner Gas BBQ £149, 6 A single burner gas barbecue that is ideal for camping or trips to the beach. It's easy to assemble though you will need a screwdriver for the lid and you have to screw in the thermometer. The fiddliest bit is putting together the regulator yourself. It's a bit of a faff as you have to lubricate the hose with water onto the regulator and the barbecue and then you use small hose clamps to tighten everything. The instructions were simple and clear, though it took me a while to get it done. Once set up, it's a dream to use. It gets to temperature in just five minutes and the temperature control is smooth. There were a couple of cool spots in the corners but otherwise it provided pretty even coverage, allowing you to cook food evenly no matter where it was on the grill. It's easy to move around and lift on to a table top for use. The cooking was pretty average but it produced good char lines and though everything was delicious some of the others cooked faster than this. Performance: 4/5 Value: 3/5 Overall score: 7/10 Argos Home 2 Burner with Side Burner Gas BBQ £72, 6 This took ages to put together, around 90 minutes, and the diagrams were unclear. Once up, it looked pretty flimsy and I felt the structure was wobbly. It's not very sturdy and though it's a wallet-friendly price, I don't think it will last long. The manufacturers say it's big enough to feed six to eight people but I thought the grill size was quite limited. I struggled to cook enough food on here for a family of five. There were hot and cold spots too. Only one section of the grill really got hot enough to sear on. The side burner was a great feature and I found it really handy for whipping up side dishes. But there is no higher warming grill, either. There is a storage shelf for keeping ingredients close at hand. The compact size does make it easier to store and the wheels mean you can move it around the garden with ease. Performance: 2/5 Value: 3/5 Overall score: 5/10 Outback Omega 250 2-Burner Gas BBQ £129.99, 6 A superb gas barbecue with easy-to-use controls and good cooking ability. It still took a while to put together but it seemed robust and has two wheels, making it easy to move to the perfect spot in your garden. It has a handy foldable side table and I loved the side burner, which was really handy for side dishes or cooking onions. It has a push-button ignition, a grease collection cup and a metal storage shelf at the space. It was light and easy to clean, perfect for both amateur and seasoned outdoor chefs. What I liked most was its ability to lightly cook sirloin steaks to a medium-rare consistency - nothing was overcooked.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
I'm a pest expert – five areas in your home you're not cleaning properly, bugs love them
WHETHER we like to admit it or not, sometimes we get all sorts of critters invading our homes. Especially during the summer months, when our recent flip-flop weather creates the perfect conditions for all kinds of insects. So to help us out, a pest expert has revealed the five spots that bugs love to hide in our homes so we can catch them early. Adam Juson is the co-founder of the commercial pest control company Merlin Environmental. And he says that we often don't know we have a bug infestation because the creepy crawlies love staying out of sight. Which means by the time we do discover it, it is often well underway and harder to get rid of. But Adam says that by knowing the most common secret hideouts in a home, we can get ahead of the pack and stop it in its tracks. He shared his top advice for putting some necessary steps into action before it's too late. And he says that if we don't clean these areas properly, then it can quickly become a nightmare. "But don't wait until you notice any signs. "Instead, seal up access points, keep areas dry and clean and consider professional inspection. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails Underneath kitchen appliances Spots that are harder to reach are a haven for those annoying critters when they find their way into our homes. So Adam says it's important that we clean those spots often to make sure they don't set up shop. He explains: "Fridges, dishwashers, ovens and washing machines offer pests like cockroaches, ants, silverfish and flies the perfect hiding place because they can easily find crumbs, grease, warmth and privacy. "This is why it's recommended you pull out appliances every month and vacuum and clean the area. "It's also important to seal any gaps to prevent pests from getting in." Inside bathroom cabinets and laundry areas Bugs love damp and warm conditions, which means they usually head to bathroom cabinets and laundry areas. The pest pros if you want to keep them away, make sure all gaps are sealed and you don't have any leaks. He said: "These areas are typically damp and warm - perfect conditions for pests. Small under-sink leaks and wet towels are also an ideal micro-climate. To prevent any issues, keep areas dry. "Fix leaks and use dehumidifiers or moisture-trapping silica packs. Again, clean surfaces regularly and seal cracks in grout and caulking." 5 Behind baseboards, wall voids and electrical outlets Sneaky little critter can creep into your house from areas behind baseboards, wall voids and electrical outlets - so Adam says it's important that these are all filled. He states: "Insects and rodents often create runways along skirting boards and inside wall cavities. "Bed bugs and cockroaches then build nests in these undisturbed spaces. "Listen out for scratching, look for droppings as well as skin shedding around sockets. "Again, seal any holes and cracks with silicone or expanding foam, especially around wiring and pipes." PERFECT BUY HOME BARGAINS is selling a handy gadget to keep you're home insect free, and it's £16 cheaper than a similar product sold on Amazon. nd although the sun is undoubtedly putting a smile on many faces, hot weather also comes with its own set of problems. Whilst many insects are harmless to humans, they are a complete nuisance when they invade our homes. If you're desperate to throw your windows and doors open to keep cool, but don't want your home to be overrun by creepy crawlies, Home Bargains has the perfect buy for you. The Jardin Magnetic Insect Door Screen easily attaches to your window or door frame, with the mesh screen letting air in, and bugs out. It is priced at just £3.99, and features a chic lace detail, so you can keep a bug free home, without compromising on style. "Breeze through summer with the Jardin Magnetic Insect Door Screen! "This stylish screen features a handy magnetic closure and lace detail, making it a breeze to install—no The Home Bargains buy is perfect for those keen to pinch pennies, and is £16 cheaper than a similar product on Amazon Furniture and soft furnishings There is nothing more jarring than noticing a little bug or an egg stuck away into the cushions or furniture - but they love hiding in these areas. Adam has revealed exactly what we need to do to keep our soft furnishings safe and pest-free. He says: "Bed bugs are masters at hiding in seams, inside cushions and behind buttons. "Curtains can also be a surprising hotspot, particularly near the top where they attach to fixtures. "If you do spot any signs of bugs, professional whole-room heat treatment complemented by canine detection is the best solution." Lofts and attics Rodents and pests love being undisturbed and left alone, so many will scramble to quieter areas like the loft or the attic. Adam says this is why routinely checking these areas is key to preventing any infestations. He explains: "Quiet and private, these are favoured by rodents, ants, spiders and beetles. "Poor insulation and unchecked roof gaps offer the perfect conditions for nests. "This is why it's important to inspect lofts every year, check your insulation and seal any gaps." 5
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Eight super simple Middle Eastern recipes from Sunday Brunch chef Sabrina Ghayour
WARM PAN-FRIED COURGETTES WITH GREEN YOGURT & PICKLED CHILLIES Simplicity is the mother of invention – and this is one of those dishes I make when I have courgettes to use because I nearly always have all the other ingredients to hand, and it's really quick and tasty. I'm known to add feta and even chopped preserved lemons, but it really doesn't need much else, as it's delicious enough all by itself. SERVES 4-6 olive oil, for frying 2 large or 3 small courgettes, cut diagonally into 1cm-thick slices sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper For the green yogurt 150g thick Greek yogurt 1 fat garlic clove ½ a small pack (about 15g) of flat-leaf parsley, some reserved to serve ½ a small pack (about 15g) of fresh coriander, some reserved to serve squeeze of lemon juice 1 tbsp olive oil To garnish 4-5 pickled red chillies, thinly sliced 2 pinches of nigella seeds 1 Put all the green yogurt ingredients in a small bullet blender or mini food processor with some salt and pepper and blitz well until smooth. 2 Heat a large frying pan over a high heat, drizzle in some olive oil and fry the courgette slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned, in 2-3 batches if necessary. Remove from the pan and arrange on a serving platter – don't worry about them cooling, as room temperature is ideal for serving. Season with salt and pepper. 3 Dot the green yogurt over the courgettes. Finely chop the reserved herbs, then sprinkle with the pickled chillies and nigella seeds, before serving. DUCK & POMEGRANATE SALAD WITH HONEY POMEGRANATE SAUCE This salad is a real favourite of mine. Duck legs are still relatively affordable, particularly if it's a special occasion, and the amount of meat you get from two legs is just perfect for this recipe. The 'quackling' (as Nigella once called it), or crispy duck skin, is an essential and rather sensational addition. 2 duck legs (about 460g) 3 fat spring onions 100g mixed salad leaves 100g pack of pomegranate seeds, juice from the pack reserved for the dressing handful of mint leaves, rolled up tightly and thinly sliced into ribbons sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper For the dressing 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses 2 tsp runny honey 2 tbsp olive oil juice from the pack of pomegranate seeds (see above) 1 Preheat the oven to 190C/ 170C fan/gas 5. Line a small baking tray with baking paper, and line a plate with a double layer of kitchen paper. 2 Position the duck legs on the lined tray, season the skin with salt and pepper, then roast for 1 hour. 3 Meanwhile, cut the white part of the spring onions into small batons, then slice very thinly into matchsticks. Put in cold water and set aside. Thinly slice the remaining green parts. 4 Once the duck legs are cooked, remove from the tray, leaving them on the baking paper, and set aside. 5 Increase the oven temperature to 240C/220C fan/gas 9. Line the baking tray with fresh baking paper. 6 Carefully remove the skin from the duck without breaking it (use a knife to help you release it from the underside), put it on the lined tray and roast for 10 minutes until extra-crispy. Remove the duck skin and transfer to the paper-lined plate to drain. 7 Mix the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, season with salt and pepper and set aside. Shred the duck meat using your fingers or a pair of forks. 8 To serve, arrange the mixed salad leaves on a large platter, scatter over some of the pomegranate seeds and the green and white parts of the spring onions. Arrange the duck meat on top and season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining pomegranate seeds and the mint. Use a spoon to drizzle over the dressing. CHAPLI KEBAB These spicy patties are beyond delicious, and the obvious reason why they are so popular with Afghanis and Pakistanis is because they are deeply satisfying when smashed into bread. Given that they are popular in both regions, I don't dare suggest where they originate from – my only job is to share good food with you – but these beauties are an essential addition to your home repertoire. 500g minced lamb (20% fat) 3 spring onions, thinly sliced from root to tip 1 small onion, very finely chopped 2 fat garlic cloves, minced 4cm piece of fresh root ginger, peeled and grated, or 1 heaped tsp ginger purée 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp ground cumin 1 small pack (about 30g) of fresh coriander, finely chopped, plus extra leaves to serve 1 large tomato, deseeded and finely chopped, liquid drained 1 tbsp cornflour 1 egg sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper To serve flatbreads, warmed thinly sliced red onion thick Greek yogurt 1 Put all the kebab ingredients in a mixing bowl along with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Using your hands, work the ingredients together really well for a few minutes until you have a smooth and evenly combined paste. 2 Divide the kebab mixture into 8 equal portions and roll into balls, then flatten into thin patties (I do this between two sheets of baking paper). 3 Heat a large frying pan over a high heat and, once hot, fry the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through. 4 Serve with the flatbreads as well as the remaining coriander, sliced red onion and yogurt. SPICED SAFFRON CHICKEN KEBABS Persians love a chicken kebab, and over the years I have created many versions of the classic saffron lemon chicken recipe. This is one I'm really proud of because it has hints of Turkish cuisine with the inclusion of pul biber, and a little sprinkling of Greek influence by way of the oregano and garlic combo. No matter which ingredients are used, as always taste is everything – and these are bursting with flavour, ideal for the barbecue or the oven. SERVES 2-4 650g boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces olive oil flatbreads, to serve For the marinade 1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced into half-moons 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 good pinches of saffron threads, ground to a powder using a pestle and mortar, then steeped in 2-3 tbsp boiling water 1 tbsp dried wild oregano 2 tsp ground turmeric 1 heaped tsp pul biber (Turkish chilli flakes) 1 tbsp caster sugar finely grated zest and juice of 2 unwaxed limes 150g thick Greek yogurt sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 1 For the marinade, put the onion and garlic in a mixing bowl, season very generously with salt and pepper and stir. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and mix well. Add the chicken pieces and a generous drizzle of olive oil then mix well again. Cover the bowl with clingfilm and leave the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes, or overnight if you have time. 2 When the dish is ready to cook, preheat your oven to its highest setting. Line a baking tray with baking paper and place the chicken on it. (If you have metal or wooden skewers you can thread the chicken pieces onto them and place them on the lined tray.) Drizzle the chicken with a little olive oil, then cook for 18-20 minutes until nicely browned and cooked through. Serve with the flatbreads. CARROT CHIPS WITH ZA'ATAR YOGURT I love veggie chips – and carrot chips are among my favourite kind. This is a dish in itself, and the flavour combination makes it so incredibly moreish. Quite frankly, I could easily eat the lot in no time at all, so how many servings the recipe makes depends on how hungry you are in the moment. The yogurt also works well with shop-bought vegetable crisps, raw carrot sticks and other crudités. 1kg carrots, peeled olive oil, for drizzling sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper For the za'atar yogurt 250g thick Greek yogurt 1 heaped tbsp za'atar, plus extra to serve finely grated zest of 1 and juice of ½ an unwaxed lemon 1 tsp garlic granules 1 Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Line your largest baking tray with baking paper. 2 To prepare the carrots, trim the root end of each with a diagonal cut, then use a Y-shaped peeler to shave each carrot into long slices, or use a sharp knife to thinly slice them as best you can. Place the slices on a clean tea towel and dry off as much of the moisture as possible. 3 Spread the carrot slices out on the lined tray, drizzle with some olive oil (but not too much) and bake for 25-30 minutes until crispy – check after 22 minutes to ensure they are not burning, as every oven varies. Remove from the oven, season generously with salt and leave to cool. 4 Mix all the yogurt ingredients together in a bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread onto a platter or plate, finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a little za'atar, then top with the carrot chips and serve. PINEAPPLE, SPICED CARAMEL & THYME TARTE TATIN Tarte tatin has to be one of my favourite desserts of all time. Apples aren't the only fruit that deliver great results – pineapple is also fantastic and marries well with my love of spice. This is delicious served warm with whipped cream, custard or ice cream. SERVES 6 plain flour, for dusting 500g block of puff pastry 150g caster sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper leaves from 4 sprigs of thyme 500g fresh pineapple (avoid canned), thinly sliced 25g unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/ 180C fan/gas mark 6. 2 Select a large ovenproof frying pan for your tarte tatin. Dust a clean work surface with a little flour and roll the puff pastry out into a circle slightly larger than your pan. 3 Put the pan over a medium heat, scatter the sugar evenly over the base and sprinkle the cinnamon, pepper and thyme leaves evenly over the top. Once the pan heats up, swirl the sugar around in the pan (don't stir) until it has dissolved and turns a deep caramel colour. Arrange the pineapple slices nicely in the pan (this will be the top of your tart), then add the butter around the pineapple, turn the heat up a little and cook for a few minutes until the pineapple starts to caramelise on all sides, shaking the pan occasionally to prevent the pineapple from sticking. 4 Remove the pan from the heat and place your pastry circle on top, tucking the edges carefully all round the inside of the pan, being careful not to burn your fingers on the hot caramel. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is puffed up and deeply golden brown. 5 Wearing oven gloves, remove the pan from the oven, then place a serving plate larger than the pan over it. Carefully flip the pan and plate over together to turn the tart out on to the plate, and serve. TOMATO, CUMIN & ROASTED VEGETABLE PILAF Rice has always been a staple in my culture and my own diet. All the varieties, colours and different recipes – I just love them all. I also think rice can make a spectacular dish in its own right and not just as a side dish, and this vibrant and flavourful pilaf could certainly be the star of the show. But you can, of course, also serve it with roasted meats, fish, seafood or grilled halloumi and a myriad of stews and curries. It's also a great way to sneak lots of fresh vegetables into your cooking without the resistance often encountered when catering for a family. SERVES 6 1 large aubergine, quartered lengthways and cut into chunks 1cm thick 1 large or 2 small courgettes, quartered lengthways and cut into chunks 1cm thick 1 red pepper, cored, deseeded and cut into strips 1cm wide, then diced 1 yellow pepper, cored, deseeded and diced into 1cm cubes 1 tbsp dried wild oregano olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 6 fat garlic cloves, finely chopped 2 tsp cumin seeds 2 tsp ground turmeric 4 tbsp tomato purée 300g basmati rice 50g butter, cut into small cubes 450ml cold water Maldon sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. 2 Place the aubergine, courgette and peppers on the lined tray. Add the oregano and a generous amount of salt and pepper and drizzle very generously with olive oil, then using your hands, mix to coat evenly. Spread the vegetables out on the tray and roast for 30 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside. 3 Place a large saucepan over a medium-high heat (medium if using a gas hob) and drizzle in enough olive oil to coat the base of the pan. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Add the cumin seeds, turmeric and tomato purée and cook, stirring, for a couple of minutes. If the ingredients start to stick, add a little water. Next, add the rice, butter and a very generous amount of salt and pepper, then stir until the butter melts and coats the rice. Pour in the cold water and stir well, then cover the pan with a lid and cook over a gentle heat (low if using a gas hob) without stirring for 30 minutes. 4 Fluff the rice with a fork, carefully fold in the roasted vegetables and warm them through for a couple of minutes, then serve. PRAWNS WITH COCONUT TURMERIC SAUCE Prawns and seafood in general would be part of my dream feast. Nothing makes me happier than chargrilled seafood with lots of different sauces, from sweet to spicy. I've spent a lot of time in Thailand and Southeast Asia and always feel so inspired when I return home, and this is one of those recipes that I've been making for a few years now as a result. SERVES 3-4 50g desiccated coconut olive oil 3 garlic cloves, very finely chopped 1 tbsp ginger purée 3 fingers of fresh turmeric, scrubbed and finely grated 1 tbsp caster sugar squeeze of lime juice, plus lime wedges to serve 250ml coconut cream 8-12 raw king prawns, about 80g each, peeled with tails left on handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped Maldon sea salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper 1 Preheat the oven to 220°C, 200°C fan, gas mark 7. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 2 Spread the coconut out on the lined tray and toast in the oven for 7-8 minutes until golden. Remove from the oven and set aside. 3 Place a saucepan over a medium heat, drizzle in some olive oil and fry the garlic, ginger and turmeric together for a few minutes until the garlic begins to colour around the edges. Add the sugar, lime juice, coconut cream and a good amount of salt and pepper and mix well. Simmer gently for 8 minutes, then remove from the heat. 4 Heat a griddle pan or frying pan over a high heat. Rub the prawns all over with olive oil and season with a little salt and pepper, then add to the hot pan and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until firm, fully opaque and cooked through. 5 Quickly reheat the sauce and stir in half the toasted coconut. 6 Place the prawns on a serving plate, drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with the rest of the toasted coconut, then finish with the chopped coriander and serve with lime wedges. NOW BUY THE BOOK Our recipes are taken from Persiana Easy by Sabrina Ghayour, with photographs by Kris Kirkham (Mitchell Beazley, £28, published on 14 August). To pre-order a copy for £23.80, go to or call 020 3176 2937. Free UK delivery on orders over £25.
