Latest news with #NottinghamshireLive
Wales Online
16 hours ago
- General
- Wales Online
Chef says we've been cooking frozen chips wrong - and it's all about how we use the oven
Chef says we've been cooking frozen chips wrong - and it's all about how we use the oven Frozen chips are a staple in British homes, but many people are making a simple mistake that means they never cook to restaurant quality, according to one expert Chips will be so much tastier and crunchier if you do one task before putting them in the oven (Image: Getty Images ) Frozen chips are always on standby in the freezer for a swift side dish or nibble. They're also much speedier to whip up than homemade chips. However, one common problem with frozen chips is their tendency to turn soggy in the oven, which is far from ideal when you're craving a crispy finish. There's one error that can lead to limp chips without you even realising. Chef David Nayfield from Che Fico claims that frozen chips can taste as good as restaurant quality every time you cook them, provided you do it correctly. This means avoiding overcrowding your oven trays or air fryer baskets, which he describes as the 'biggest mistake' you can make when cooking chips at home. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . To achieve the perfect crunch, your chips need enough room to crisp up. Placing too many too close together will cause them to steam rather than bake, reports Nottinghamshire Live. David also emphasised the importance of pre-heating your appliance before cooking. Putting them straight into a cold oven or air fryer is likely to result in soggy or unevenly cooked chips. Article continues below A useful guideline is to heat your appliance to around 200C before cooking the chips, to achieve that perfect golden texture. And when it comes to the debate between using an air fryer or a traditional oven to cook your chips, chefs have a clear favourite. New York City's famed chef, George Duran, has said that using an air fryer for your chips is akin to 'giving them a fast-track to crispy heaven'. This method is not only often faster than oven cooking, but it also removes the risk of injuries from handling hot cooking oil, making it a much safer alternative. Article continues below
Edinburgh Live
18 hours ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Chef says you've been cooking frozen chips all wrong
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Frozen chips are the unsung heroes of British kitchens, always on standby in the freezer for a swift and delicious side dish or a straightforward savoury nibble. They're also much quicker to whip up than homemade chips. However, one common snag with frozen chips is their propensity to turn soggy in the oven, which is far from ideal when you're craving a crispy, golden finish. There's one blunder that can lead to limp chips without you even realising. Chef David Nayfield from Che Fico suggests that frozen chips can taste as good as restaurant quality every time you cook them, provided you do it correctly. READ MORE - Jeremy Clarkson's blunt response to punter who criticised price of pie at his pub READ MORE - Lotto winner Jane Park makes cheeky jibe as Robbie Williams song choice divides crowd This means avoiding overcrowding your oven trays or air fryer baskets, which he describes as the 'biggest mistake' you can make when cooking fries at home, reports the Express. To achieve the perfect crunch, your chips need enough room to crisp up. Placing too many too close together will cause them to steam rather than bake, reports Nottinghamshire Live. David also emphasised the importance of pre-heating your appliance before cooking. Putting them straight into a cold oven or air fryer is likely to result in soggy or unevenly cooked chips. A handy guideline is to heat your appliance to around 200C before cooking the chips, to achieve that perfect golden texture. And when it comes to the debate between using an air fryer or a traditional oven to cook your chips, chefs have a clear favourite. New York City's famed chef, George Duran, has asserted that using an air fryer for your chips is akin to 'giving them a fast-track to crispy heaven'. This method is not only often faster than oven cooking, letting you enjoy those scrumptious crispy fries sooner, but it also removes the risk of injuries from dealing with hot cooking oil, making it a much safer alternative.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Gardeners should sprinkle sugar on lawns as it's a 'game-changer' for yellowing grass
Gardeners hoping to achieve the perfect lawn may want to consider this simple, cost-effective trick. The quest for the ideal lush, vibrant green lawn without any clumps, moss or bare patches is a common goal for gardeners throughout the nation, particularly with the lovely spring sunshine we've been relishing of late. But preparing your turf for the hot summer days ahead can be quite the undertaking – it typically entails tedious manual weeding or shelling out for high-priced fertilisers. This is the reason gardening enthusiasts are now endorsing a simple, budget-friendly method - sprinkling sugar over your grass in spring and summer. This thrifty and straightforward tip has the power to transform a lacklustre or yellowing lawn into a vibrant haven just in time for those summer barbecues. Gardening enthusiasts attest that scattering sugar on the grass helps degrade thatch effectively — this compacted layer of dead grass blocks your lawn, thwarting the growth of healthy green blades, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Not only does sugar elevate soil nutrient content, but it also wards off weeds. According to recent article in the Mirror, an ordinary packet of white sugar could be the solution your worn-out lawn is craving. Lindsey Hyland, the brains behind Urban Organic Yield, said: "Weeds tend to thrive in environments with access to sunlight and moisture, and by using sugar on your lawn, you can make it less hospitable for these weeds. "Sugar will help break down thatch, the layer of dead grass, and other organic material that can accumulate on your lawn over time." An excess of thatch can hinder the growth of new grass, but sprinkling sugar on the soil may boost your lawn's health. Bill Glaser, the founder of Outstanding Foods, supports this method but advises gardeners to use it sparingly – recommending a monthly application rather than more frequent ones. He explained: "[Sugar] allows the grass to overtake invasive plant species. Only use a sugar solution about once a month; some sources suggest replacing harsh fertilisers with rice water for more consistent application." Tom Monson from Monson Lawn and Landscaping also weighed in, acknowledging sugar's ability to enhance root development in grass while warning of potential fungal issues, especially in shaded areas. He elaborated: "Sugar causes the grass's roots to intake more nitrogen from the soil, which can boost your lawn's greenness. "Sugar also promotes fungal growth, so you'll want to inspect your lawn and ensure you do not have excess fungal growth." For those keen to try this gardening tip, it's recommended to distribute roughly 450g of plain white granulated sugar per 10 square metres of lawn.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Garden enthusiasts advised to ditch hydrangeas due to 'silent killer'
Gardeners have been issued a warning about a "silent killer" that is causing hydrangeas to die out - but it's not too late to save your beloved flowers with these alternatives For those keen to retain the colourful splendour of their gardens a little longer, there's an urgent need to consider alternatives to hydrangeas before time runs out. Garden experts are being warned about the hidden risk posed by your cherished hydrangeas— it may seem a bit over the top, but without prompt action to find replacements, your garden could lose its charm. Sadly, with global warming exacerbating, our domestic gardens are increasingly under threat, transforming into battlegrounds where only the fittest survive. The escalating climate crisis is putting our beloved flora under great strain, and horticultural experts advise us to be conscious of this as we nurture our preferred plants. In an era where temperatures continue to soar, water-loving species like hydrangeas struggle against the drier conditions they now face. Even in locales historically ideal for these plants, they're yielding to the pressures of extended dry spells and relentless heatwaves, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Reflecting these concerns, one nursery owner shared with the Farmiddable Observer: "I lost nearly 70% of my hydrangea collection during the 2022 heatwaves despite daily watering. The climate simply doesn't support them anymore." Symptoms that a hydrangea is dying involve foliage that appears burnt, leaves curling due to stress, and once vibrant colours morphing into a dull beige. Furthermore, if the stems droop instead of standing strong, it's a clear sign that your plant is in grave trouble. Professional gardeners are increasingly recommending their clients to consider more drought-tolerant alternatives that still offer a splash of colour but require less water. Suggestions such as lavender, ceanothus, and Russian sage are put forward, all of which bloom with an array of stunning flowers and have significantly lower maintenance needs. For added ease, it's suggested that gardeners plant drought-resistant bulbs in traditionally cooler and wetter areas to foster a resilient garden. These could encompass autumn-flowering perennials and strategic spring plantings, ideally introduced into your garden before the onset of heatwaves. As gardening practices adapt with a climate-conscious perspective, the trend of moving away from hydrangeas seems to be just the beginning. By modifying our planting choices, we're not only recognising the realities of our changing climate, but we can also contribute to reducing the amount of water used for plant care. The energy previously spent on maintaining hydrangeas can be redirected towards nurturing other plants that will thrive effortlessly under these conditions. If you are persisting with your hydrangeas this summer, then Alan Titchmarsh has shared several care tips in an Instagram video. In the caption, the gardening expert shared how Brits can make their plants "really shine". the Express. He added: "Blue ones need acidic soil to stay blue, I'm happy with pink."
Daily Mirror
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
White Stuff reduces jumpsuit that can be worn two ways from £75 to £30
The denim-look jumpsuit can be worn in two ways, making it the perfect piece to pack for a summer getaway or to have to hand for when the weather is warm at home A jumpsuit combines practicality with style, an ideal choice for those days when the weather can't make up its mind. Eager shoppers are snapping up the White Stuff Piper Broderie Jumpsuit, now slashed by a huge £45 in the sale. Originally costing £75, the denim-style all-in-one piece is now a steal at £30 as part of the White Stuff markdowns. This casual yet chic jumpsuit, perfect for dressing up or down, is crafted from 100% soft organic cotton, ensuring ease and comfort. Perfect for staying cool in summer or layering up with a cosy long-sleeved tee during colder times, it boasts a stylish button-up front and waist-cinching tie belt for a flattering silhouette. Now at the bargain price of £30 on the White Stuff website, the Piper jumpsuit can also be found at Next for £45. Available in sizes six to 24, this jumpsuit sadly doesn't come in petite or tall variants, which might disappoint some. A customer feedback reads: "I love a jumpsuit and own several, I got this in the sale, sadly had to return it as was too short on my both my legs and body, I am 5ft 8", reports Nottinghamshire Live. New Look offers a Petite Light Blue Denim Jumpsuit for those seeking alternatives, retailing at £44.99 with a vibe akin to the Piper. Meanwhile, Roman retails a Blue Denim Shirred Bodice Pocket Jumpsuit for £38, hailed as 'perfect for holidays' by buyers, whether one's off on a 'city break or beach trip'. The Piper jumpsuit has garnered rave reviews from shoppers, who have dubbed it a 'lovely jumpsuit' in a 'pretty colour'. The White Stuff jumpsuit's attention to detail is its standout feature, with pockets being a hit among customers. One shopper also highlighted the 'broderie anglais' detailing on the back of the jumpsuit as 'very pretty', setting it apart from other options. For a limited time, shoppers can snag the Piper Broderie Jumpsuit from the White Stuff website for just £30 in the sale.
