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Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Late Queen's dessert has ingredient that may lower blood pressure
The dish was made for the late Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother (Image: WPA Pool, Getty Images) Tom Parker Bowles has revealed the quirky story behind one Royal Family dessert. The 50-year-old reflected on the incident involving the late Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother, which caused quite a stir at Clarence House. The situation came about when their cherished chef, Alma McKee, served a delicious meat course for lunch but accidentally forgot about dessert. Frantically scrambling for something to whip up, her eyes landed on some bananas. Detailing the account in his book, 'Cooking & The Crown', Tom wrote: "The meat course had gone up, when she suddenly realised there was no pudding. I can remember there was a certain amount of panic about what to do next. Save, that is, for a few bananas." Tom Parker Bowles explained how the quirky dessert made for Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother came about (Image: (Image: Getty)) Dubbed 'Bananes au Caramel', this straightforward but tasty creation by Alma requires just the following ingredients: Bananas Caster sugar Butter Golden syrup Double cream For those eager to experiment with some royal cooking, Tom outlines the process. To kick things off, cut up the bananas and toss them in a bit of caster sugar—around two tablespoons worth. These sugary slices should then be gently fried in some butter over medium heat until they take on a caramelised colour. Following this step, it's essential to let the banana pieces sit for around 60 seconds before mixing them with around 100ml of double cream. For serving perfection, spoon them into sundae glasses and allow them to chill in the fridge. And if you're feeling extra indulgent, you might even make some caramel drizzle for the finishing touch. "Break the hardened syrup into small shards, sprinkle over the banana and serve immediately," Tom wrote. While 'Bananes au Caramel' is undoubtedly a very sugary dessert, bananas in general are often lauded by health experts for their various perks. This is primarily attributed to their hefty potassium levels - a mineral tied to possible reductions in blood pressure. Tom Parker Bowles is Queen Camilla's son (Image: Getty Images) Right now, estimates suggest that approximately 4.2 million adults in England have undiagnosed high blood pressure. Left unmanaged, it can lead to serious health complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney dysfunction, and vascular dementia. "Bananas are a great source of potassium, with a medium banana providing 10% of the DV," experts at Healthline claim. "A 2017 study in mice also suggests that potassium may lower the risk of heart disease by 27%. Additionally, bananas contain 8% of the DV for magnesium, another important mineral for heart health." Tom's book, 'Cooking and The Crown,' boasts more than 100 culinary delights spanning from Queen Victoria's era to King Charles III's reign, according to the Express. Although it includes some extravagant dishes like 'Pommes Elizabeth' and 'Pudding au Pain et aux Cerises', there are plenty of simpler dishes to try at home. More information can be found here.
Daily Mirror
08-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Camilla's go-to lunch dish is 'powerhouse' of health benefits
A classic lunchtime meal enjoyed by Queen Camilla has been shared by her son, Tom Parker Bowles Tom Parker Bowles has shared a treasured Royal Family recipe that his mother often tucks into at lunch. Dubbed 'Queen Camilla's Chicken Broth,' this adaptable dish has two seasonal twists: a hearty winter version and a lighter summer one brimming with superfoods. In his book, Cooking & The Crown, Tom lauded the recipe's versatility and urged readers to make it their own. "This is Queen Camilla's lunchtime staple," he wrote. "In winter, carrots, thinly sliced cabbage and potatoes provide the ballast, while in spring and summer, broad beans, peas, spinach and runner beans take their place. But feel free to throw in whatever you like, from chopped artichoke hearts, to asparagus, swede, watercress and green beans." For those keen to sample some regal cuisine, Tom listed the ingredients needed for four servings: Chicken thighs Lemon (for the juice) Dash of salt, Tabasco and pepper Parmesan Chicken stock If you are making the summer meal, add: Runner beans Broad beans Spinach Peas Or, for the winter meal, add: Potato Carrot Savoy cabbage Celery stick The method is simple. Start by bringing 1.5 litres of stock to the boil, then reduce the heat by a third. Next, add the chicken, which should be roasted and shredded beforehand, followed by an assortment of greens. When the dish is almost ready, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Tabasco can be added to taste. Helen Bell, a nutrition expert at Help & Advice, points out that Queen Camilla's recipe is not only flexible, but also high in fibre, which is excellent for gut health. Moreover, she emphasised that spinach, used in the summer variation, is a 'powerhouse' of nutrients, often praised for its potential role in blood pressure control. Speaking with the Express, she said: "The ingredient list for [the] chicken broth is quite robust and varied, which can contribute to a well-rounded flavour profile and nutritional content. "Spinach is indeed known for its potential benefits in managing high blood pressure. It is rich in nitrates, which can help dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. I have often recommended incorporating spinach into diets for individuals looking to manage their blood pressure naturally. "Aside from this, spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium. Its antioxidant properties make it beneficial for overall health and well-being." Several studies also highlight a potential link between spinach intake and reduced cancer risk. This includes a 2007 project, which 'found some evidence that risk of aggressive prostate cancer decreased with increasing spinach consumption'. However, Helen underscored the need for more research, stating: "There is ongoing research into the anti-cancer properties of spinach. "In my view, incorporating spinach as part of a balanced diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables can contribute to overall health and may play a role in reducing the risk of certain cancers. However, it's important to recognise that more research is necessary to understand the extent of these benefits fully." She then continued: "I would consider this chicken broth a healthy dish due to its diverse range of ingredients that provide various nutrients. The combination of protein from chicken, vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the parmesan creates a nutritionally balanced meal. "However, I always recommend moderating the amount of salt and being mindful of portion sizes to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In my experience, dishes like this can be both nourishing and satisfying if consumed as part of a varied and balanced diet."
