Latest news with #Tesco
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Easy cooking hack guarantees crispiest homemade oven chips ever
A recipe developer and "bona fide french fry fanatic" has shared her favourite simple cooking trick for ensuring the most "wonderfully crispy" homemade oven chips If the idea of making your own chips is daunting, then this stress-free cooking method was made for you. One food writer has shared a tried and tested way to ensure the crispiest homemade oven chips every single time. Ann Taylor Pittman, and independent food writer and recipe developer, has shared her expertise for all things chips with The Kitchn. Self-described as a 'bona fide french fry fanatic', it is safe to say Pittman is passionate about potatoes, though she admits oven fries can be tricky to master. 'They're trickier to get right than potatoes that are dunked into hot oil,' says Pittman. 'Oven fries can easily end up soggy, or they can burn or dry out in the arid heat of the oven. If you're not careful, they can also stick to the pan, leaving all their crispy goodness behind.' This comes after a writer claimed 'I tried butter from Tesco, Aldi, Lidl and big brands - and the winner is not Lurpak'. After extensive web research, she says she found seven different methods to try, including one standout which features an unlikely ingredient. Pittman says she found success with her homemade oven fries after boiling them in salted acidulated water first. Using the instructions from Eating Well, she says this one-hour recipe produced 'wonderfully crispy' fries and gave it a 10/10 rating. How to try it yourself For this method, you start by preheating a sheet in an oven set to 220C or 425F. While this is going, add a small portion of cider vinegar and salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil. Once you've cut your potatoes to your desired size, add them to the water and let them cook for a few minutes. Pat the potatoes dry and toss them with a combination of oil and seasonings before spreading them out evenly onto the now-hot sheet pan (which Pittman says she coats with cooking spray). The potatoes should bake for about 40 minutes total, but be sure to flip them after 20 minutes. This is a sure-fire recipe for crispy chips, says Pittman. In her review, she writes: 'The exterior crunch was irresistible, while the fries' fluffy, baked potato–like interior was deliriously good, too. The potatoes cooked evenly, with no scored bits, no softer or lesser-cooked fries.' She said they were even a hit with four-legged family members. 'I gave one fry to my dog, and it sounded like he was eating a Cheeto (this is a sound with which I'm admittedly very familiar).' According to her, the extra step of boiling the potatoes is worth the extra effort because the salt helps extract excess moisture from the potatoes. Additionally, the vinegar strengthens the chips' exterior and helps them hold their shape. She also says the direct contact of the potatoes on a pre-heated and unlined pan enhances their crispiness—and none of them stick thanks to the cooking spray coating. While this method took a bit longer than some of the others she tested, Pittman says the 'results are superior'.
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Cruelty claims knock £150m off pork producer Cranswick after second Mail probe at its farms
More than £150million was wiped off Cranswick's value after a second Mail on Sunday investigation into animal cruelty at its farms. Shares in the pork producer tumbled as much as 5 per cent yesterday after an exposé revealed workers at Somerby Top Farm in Lincolnshire routinely hitting pigs and overseeing botched killings of piglets. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda and Morrisons cut ties with the site following the harrowing footage recorded by the Animal Justice Project. However, the supermarkets are still sourcing meat from other farms owned by Cranswick, one of Britain's biggest pork producers. It is the second time this year that The Mail on Sunday has exposed shocking animal abuse at one of the FTSE 250 firm's suppliers. The share price slump in early trading wiped £155million off the value of Cranswick. The shares clawed back some of the losses to close down 0.8 per cent. Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'This is both a reputational risk for Cranswick and a supply worry. 'Recurring controversies can signal to investors that there is a deeper problem with policy implementation.' In May, the newspaper obtained footage that appeared to show farm workers in Lincolnshire grabbing piglets by their hind legs and smashing them to the ground. The harrowing videos filmed by the Animal Justice Project at Northmoor Farm, also in Lincolnshire, showed sows being kicked and beaten as well as botched killings. The report claimed that piglets are killed if they are the runts of the litter and not growing fast enough to be profitable. Following the horrific revelations, Cranswick suspended workers at the farm and carried out an 'urgent and thorough investigation'. But new footage from Somerby Top Farm showed workers hitting pigs with boards, paddles and their fists, deliberately targeting areas such as their snout and eyes. One piglet was left dying for 33 hours as other piglets cannibalised an open wound. A Cranswick spokesman said: 'We find the treatment of the pigs in the footage distressing to watch and we apologise unreservedly for this lapse in our standards. 'It does not in any way reflect the operating practices at our farms today.'
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Tesco shopper who was beaten in the street after she stood up to shoplifters reveals how her ordeal has ruined her life
A Tesco shopper who was beaten in the street after she stood up to shoplifters has revealed how her ordeal has ruined her life. Emilie Martin, 39, of east London, was shopping at the chain supermarket in the capital's Hackney area in 2015 when the horrifying attack happened. The event manager spotted a gang of teenagers stealing sandwiches which, with no security guard to be seen, she reported to the store manager. The worker told her the staff were powerless to stop them, confessing the group targeted the store nearly every day. But Ms Martin did not realise the youths had overheard the encounter - and when she left the store, they surrounded her and sprayed her with a drink. After threatening to call the police, she was punched in the face. Her attackers were never caught. Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Barber last week called for the public not to stand by when they see shoplifting - but call it out. Nearly ten years on from her experience, Ms Martin, after seeing his comments, has now spoken out again, to warn the public of the risks such confrontations can carry. But Ms Martin did not realise the youths had overheard the encounter - and when she left the store, they surrounded her and sprayed her with a drink. After threatening to call the police, she was punched in the face (pictured, her injuries) She told The Telegraph the shocking ambush has left her with an array of physical health problems, including permanent scarring and breathing issues. The brave bystander has had two operations on her eye and nose, which were left swollen, bruised and bloodied by the attack. Even a decade on, she is still awaiting a procedure for the chronic sinusitis the attack left her with, having spent a whopping 18 months on an NHS waiting list. This kind of sinus swelling is common and usually goes away on its own - but Ms Martin has fought it every day since her violent ordeal. She has also been diagnosed with PTSD, leaving her hyper-vigilant and highly anxious - and dubbing substantive mental health support on the NHS a 'mirage'. Ms Martin now has to avoid Tesco, Hackney Central and any news reports about similarly violent shoplifting gangs because they set her on edge too much. In fact, going to any supermarket now makes her extremely nervous - and she also crosses the road any time she sees a group of teenage boys Ms Martin said the Metropolitan Police has 'shown little concern' about what happened and Tesco claimed CCTV footage of what happened was accidentally lost. The courageous woman also told of the trauma that came from a gruelling four-year battle to win even a small amount of compensation. She submitted a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) in 2017 - but it was rejected, forcing her through two tribunal hearings. Only six years after she was attacked, in June 2021, was she finally awarded £3,480 by the government body, which is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). Ms Martin felt she had been failed by the police, justice system, CICA, the NHS and Tesco. 'On the night of the attack, I wasn't even offered an ice pack, let alone an apology', she said. The whole experience has left her feeling like she would not want to challenge any shoplifters again. The remarks on shoplifting by Mr Barber which saw her speak out again were: 'If you're not even going to challenge people, you're not going to try and stop them, then people will get away with it. 'That's not just about policing. That's a bigger problem with society, people who [don't do anything] – you're part of the problem.' Ms Martin explained in an open letter to the Thames Valley PCC that she understood his point and agreed the public has a role in stopping shoplifting. But she said there needs to be more comprehensive protection and help for those who stick their head above the parapet to do the right thing. She questioned if the police chief knew what he was really asking in urging the public to confront shoplifters - as her experience had made her fully aware of the risks. Mr Barber responded, dubbing her ordeal 'horrific', saying he understood why it had stuck with her ever since. He said it highlighted society must do everything in its power to reduce crime - and showed offences like shoplifting are not as victimless as many might think. The Thames Valley PCC said Ms Martin's experience was one of those sad examples, which must be avoided, of no one stepping in to help. The police boss emphasised it was the police's job to reduce crime and catch criminals in the act. But everyone must band together, he underlined, to ensure we do not live in a society where people simply look the other way when crime occurs. Ms Martin's brave response to his comments marks only the second time she has spoken publicly about her experience. She said she knew many have done as she did - spoken out against shoplifting, faced repercussions and been left without adequate support - and wanted them to know they are not alone. The courageous woman said she wants her experience to prompt improvements to CICA's dealings with victims. She also called for rules forcing large retailers like Tesco to hang on to relevant CCTV in violent cases like this, with penalty fines to punish breaches. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'This was investigated thoroughly at the time and regrettably, we were unable to identify a suspect. 'The Met Police is working to support shopkeepers and tackle theft in the capital, this year solving 163 per cent more shoplifting cases than in the same period last year. 'If you see criminal activity taking place, please call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.' A Government spokesperson said: 'We understand the devastating impact of shop theft on retailers. 'Since Ms Martin applied for compensation in 2017, we have improved how victims apply for compensation with a better online system and improved training for staff so the process is more straight-forward. 'Our landmark Crime and Policing Bill will also end the effective immunity for theft of goods under £200 and bring in a specific offence for assaulting retail workers, while the Tackling Retail Crime Together Strategy is gathering data to better target and respond to perpetrators.' It comes as shoplifting surges to a record high across the UK, spiralling out of control in stores throughout the nation. Rates rose by 20 per cent to hit another record, according to official figures released last month. Police recorded 530,643 offences in England and Wales in the year to March 2025 - the highest figure since records begun and up from 444,022 in the previous year. Shoplifting has become an increasing nightmare for High Street shops, with only a tiny minority of offenders ever charged. The epidemic is illustrated by sickening CCTV revealing thieves casually walking out of stores with armfuls of high-value goods. And the crisis is particularly acute in London, which has recorded a shocking 50 per cent boom in shoplifting, up from 53,202 in 2023 to 80,041 last year.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Five ways to cash in on secret savings from your mobile phone provider
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOUR mobile provider is hiding secret savings and summer is the perfect time to cash in. Check out the latest offers below for £1 drinks, takeaway vouchers and family days out for half the usual price . . . Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Five ways to cash in on secret savings from you mobile phone provider Credit: Getty PRIORITY: As part of their brilliant ongoing perks, use your O2 Virgin Media Priority app to get yourself a Greggs hot drink or savoury snack for £1, once per month. For summer, get 20 per cent off an airport lounge entrance or 40 per cent off airport parking with Holiday Extras. Or if you are a thrillseeker, 100 QR codes are being released daily to give you priority queuing at Alton Towers, Thorpe Park or Chessington World of Adventures. VODAFONE VERYME: Get a free 12-month Local Blend membership, which entitles you to 25 per cent off prices at independent coffee shops in your local area, while the free Eat Local annual membership means you can get 2-for-1 meals in lots of independent restaurants. With VeryMe Days Out, powered by the Kids Pass, you can grab up to 50 per cent off prices at hundreds of UK attractions, from aquariums and museums to theme parks and cinemas. THREE+ REWARDS: Download the Three+ app to get £1 hot or cold barista drinks at Caffè Nero weekly and, if you're dining in tonight, get £5 off a takeaway when you order via Just Eat and spend a minimum of £10. For fun days out, claim £3 Cineworld tickets Fri-Sun and get 25 per cent off English Heritage memberships and up to 45 per cent off museum entry across the country with Tiqets attractions. MY EE: Get the My EE rewards app to enjoy six months of free Apple Music, which usually costs £9.99 per month — and check your app for personal discounts at high-street stores and money off days out this summer. TESCO MOBILE: Tesco has no traditional rewards app but for every £1 you spend on your monthly contract, collect Clubcard points to spend on your next shop, at restaurants like Pizza Express or for places such as the Longleat Zoo. Plus, get ten per cent off selected Tesco brands in store including the F&F clothing range. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability. Deal of the day 7 Save £10 on these Adidas Originals Adilette Slides Credit: Supplied THESE Adidas Originals Adilette Slides are perfect for your next holiday. Usually £25, now £15, at SAVE: £10 Cheap treat 7 Save £1.25 on a pack of Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles lollies at Iceland Credit: Supplied PICK up a pack of Rowntree's Fruit Pastilles lollies at Iceland for half price. Previously £2.50 for a pack of four, now £1.25. SAVE: £1.25 What's new? HEAD to Pizza Express for Pizza O'Clock – 90 minutes of unlimited pizza for £17.50 per person, 2-5pm until August 29 (Saturday excluded).. Top swap 7 The VegTrug raised bed planter is £49.99 from Credit: Supplied 7 Or head to Ikea for the Primärskog plant stand, reduced to £15 Credit: Supplied FOR those with limited outdoor space, the VegTrug raised bed planter, £49.99 from is perfect. Or head to Ikea for the Primärskog plant stand, reduced to £15. SAVE: £34.99 Little helper PLANNING a big night out? Every Friday, head to Popworld bars nationwide before 11.30pm for Midnight Madness and get a voucher to claim a free drink between midnight and 1am. Shop & save 7 Save £2 on Lenor Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner Northern Solstice Credit: Supplied STOCK up on fabric softener at Home Bargains. Lenor Outdoorable Fabric Conditioner Northern Solstice (70 washes) was £5.99, now £3.99. SAVE: £2 Hot right now SEE to get up to 95 per cent off a range of designer watches, and get a further ten per cent off with code GV10. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 7 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Times
10 hours ago
- Business
- Times
Monzo to take on Tesco and Asda with mobile phone service
Monzo is exploring harnessing its brand to offer a mobile phone service to its 12 million-plus account holders. The online bank is in talks with mobile operators about using one of their networks to offer a Monzo-branded service. Such a tie-up would put the company in competition with a number of other so-called mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs), including Tesco, Asda, Sky and giffgaff. Monzo has already expanded its product range to include pensions, investments and insurance, but this would be one of its first forays outside financial services. 'Monzo is known for transforming products — and an entire industry — to deliver a great experience for customers,' a spokesperson said. 'So when we heard from our customers that mobile contracts can be a pain point, we set out to explore how we could do this the Monzo way.' The development is understood to be at an early stage with no launch date yet set. MVNOs have no physical masts or infrastructure, but buy wholesale access to the system from one of the three incumbents: the BT-owned EE, Virgin Media 02 or Vodafone Three. They then package up offerings, choosing their own service mix and pricing. • Is it game over for Britain's challenger banks? Tesco Mobile is reportedly the biggest MVNO, with as many as five million customers. Monzo plans to offer a more attractive service after listening to common complaints about mobile phone package suppliers by clients on its own community pages. Other digital finance suppliers are poised to enter the market, with Revolut and Klarna both aiming to offer mobile services. Octopus, the energy supplier, is also examining a mobile offering, according to the Financial Times, which first reported Monzo's interest. Monzo, founded in 2015, is one of the fastest-growing digital banks in Britain, with customer numbers growing by 2.4 million to more than 12 million in the year to March. Revenues were up by 48 per cent to £1.2 billion in the same period, with deposits pushing through the £16 billion mark. Underlying profits grew eightfold to £114 million. • Community Fibre eyes mobile market launch to rival big networks It has already launched tie-ups with other providers, forming an alliance with BlackRock to sell a range of exchange-traded funds — low-cost investment products. Other tie-ups include contents insurance using Chubb and travel insurance using Zurich. As a branchless bank, most of Monzo's customers use mobile phones to go into their accounts. The Financial Conduct Authority fined the bank £21 million last month for a string of weaknesses in safeguards to prevent money laundering over a period of almost four years up to June 2022 — failings now 'firmly in the past', Monzo said.
