munchiesandmunchkins, Author at Munchies and Munchkins

2018 Food Trends

January 26, 2018 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

It’s that time of year when we start thinking about all the exciting new food trends we are expecting over the next twelve months. I have scoured the web and online forums/social media to compile this list of 2018 food trends.

Poke Bowls:

This Hawaiian dish picked up a lot of press last year and you can now buy it in lots of places in London, you could also try out this recipe to make your own.

Not “poke” but “POH-keh” ― it is simple cubed raw fish and vegetables, seasoned any way you want it.

Eating Less Meat:

With more and more people going vegan and a growing group who are just choosing to eat higher welfare meat, there will be less meat consumed in 2018. I try to do one meat free day a week but I am not rigid about. I do always buy free range and check the source of my meat where possible. More people are experimenting with vegetables and realising a dish doesn’t have to contain meat to be delicious. I’ll never give up bacon though.

Being Sober:

With a huge uptake in specialist soft drinks for grown ups being sold and the new alcohol free spirits, there will definitely be more people consuming less alcohol. I don’t drink much at home but I do enjoy soft drinks like Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade. I should point out here that I am definitely not one to go sober. I enjoy a night out and a few drinks with dinner quite often but it is rare that I go OUT OUT these days. But when I do cocktails are my fave.

Fermenting:

Expect more of us to be pickling and fermenting this year. This method of food preparation is picking up steam every month. Check out books from food writers such as Charlotte Pike for tips and recipes.

Foraging:

Foraging is becoming more popular each year. I tend to only really go on the hunt for blackberries and wild garlic but this year I’d like to try looking for more wild herbs and berries. Always be sure to check with an experienced forager or use a book to ensure what you are eating is safe!

Eating Local:

More of us are supporting local stores for our produce and trying to use independent cafes and restaurants over chains. I will openly admit to using both. I love to support local businesses but I also have an occasional weakness for Costa and McDonald’s and that’s ok. Sometimes we have to admit that we need the large businesses in our towns for employment as well as to feed our latte addictions.

15 Cosy Films To Chase Away The January Blues

January 17, 2018 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I don’t know about you but today feels like a real January day. Everyone is either sniffling with colds or grumbling about diets or being skint after Christmas.

It is just about the right time for some cheer, some cosyness..warmth and FILMS! Earlier this week I asked my Twitter followers to tell me their favourite films for feel good vibes or just to cosy up to. And I got some really good recommendations.. most I have seen and loved but also some new ones thrown into the mix.

What films do you consider cosy films? Feel good films? For a blog post.

— munchiesandmunchkins (@WritingForFun) January 9, 2018

So here is a list, a list to turn to and slowly check off during these gloomy days. ENJOY!!

1. Home Alone ( and Home Alone 2 )

A lot of you recommended Home Alone. I can see why. It is one of those films you always watch during Winter. Full of nonsense and an escape from real life.

2. The Harry Potter films

These were the first films that popped into my head, I am not sure but they always seem like cosy films. The kind you watch with a mug of hot chocolate and a roaring fire in the background. Lots of you on Twitter and Facebook agreed including Cate In The Kitchen.

you’ll get this a hundred times over but all the Harry Potter films

— Cate in the Kitchen (@catekitchen) January 9, 2018

3. Back To The Future

This was mentioned quite a few times in conversations online and offline with my friends and family about films they like to watch over and over.

Back to the Future

— Jason Bradbury (@JasonBradbury) January 10, 2018

4. The Holiday

Another popular one, The Holiday is one of those films which you can’t help but feel a little happier after watching. Shout out to fans CathTwo, Chrissylast, Abi Lye and Jenny from She Gets Around for the reminder.

5. Robin Williams films

Hook, Patch Adams and a few other Robin Williams popped up a few times as favourite feel good films. Thanks to AndyStu212 and AmyleighCragg for making me wanting to rewatch all of his films.

6. Dirty Dancing

This was mentioned by Cathtwo but also happens to be one of my all time favourites.I could watch this film over and over and over..and I have.

7.Father Of The Bride ( 1&2)

I haven’t seen this films in years and year but I am planning to watch it again this week after a recommendation from Chrissylast who says it’s worth it for Fronnnnncccc alone. And I agree.

8. Big Fish

Lostlands cinema recommend Big Fish and well they know what they are talking about AND I have never seen it so I have another film lined up for my movie week.

9. My Best Friend’s Wedding

Another film I adore, recommended by Lisa from Lovely Appetite. It is the kind of film which makes you smile and cry and smile all over again.

10. Sweet Home Alabama

A slightly cheesy yet entirely watchable film starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon, it is a really easy and fun watch and recommended by Debbie from An Organised Mess.

11. The Lord Of The Rings films

Recommended by MattP and a lot of other people online. The LOTR films invite cosiness and whip you away into another world as all the very best films do.

12. About A Boy

Another film I haven’t seen in an age but need to rewatch. A feel good film.

13. Serendipity

I have watched this quite a few times over the years, it is a story of a love that seems like it will never happen and as the name suggests it is about serendipitous moments.

14. Pretty Woman

A classic film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, I can’t imagine there are many of us that haven’t watched it at least once. A story of unexpected love and the changes it can bring.

15. Me Before You

This may seem an unusual recommendation, it is a rather heart breaking film after all. But the main gist of the book and film is that you must live your life as fully as you can, he pushes her to change, to open her mind and to realise she can be more. It leaves you with a sense of urgency that your life must be lived and therefore it may make you cry but it will also make you feel good. It’s a strange one, a really medley of emotions but do give it a go.

Go get yourself as cosy as this dog below and start working your way through my list, let me know what you enjoy!

Christmas Gift Guide 2017

November 29, 2017 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Oh it’s that time again. Christmas planning and shopping. I try to get all of mine done out of the way over a few days to get it out of the way as I find it a little stressful.

Fear not I have a selection of gifts for the men, women and children in your life. Some of these items have been gifted for the purpose of this guide and others are just products I love:

Lumie, I recommend Lumie every year because I love their products. I use the daytime lamp every day and the alarm clocks are just fabulous. This year I am recommending two different alarm clocks, one basic model and one of the deluxe versions so something for all budgets. The Luxe 750D has bluetooth connectivity so you can play your own music via the lamp and it also has a low blue light option for bedtime. The 250 is half the price of the Luxe model if you are on a budget but still does everything you need it to.

Breville have this stand and hand food mixer, I am all for multi function gadgets. This is again budget friendly and perfect for the foodie in your life.

Veggie Desserts & Cakes is a book written by my blogging friend Kate and I recommend it for it’s delicious recipes and beautiful photography.

I recommended The British Table by Colman Andrews last year but i am recommending it again as I think it’s a fantastic cookbook which I really enjoy browsing, even if I am yet to cook something from it. I am a firm believer that cookbooks can be enjoyed in the same way as novels. A good cookbook tells a story.

Proskins – I was sent these leggings earlier this year and I was sceptical. Leggings which helps to tone and define your legs? Even when you are sleeping… surely not? But yes I have seen a noticeable difference since I started using them. Add to that they are incredibly flattering and super comfy. Well worth the price in my opinion.

I love having bath products and even better when they are as incredibly indulgent as Olverum bath oil, I have used it numerous times over the years.

I also love Westlab salt scrub from Home Bargains and various other stories, I buy it at least once a month and it makes my skin glow and smell amazing.

You can never go too far wrong with candles when it comes to gifting. I am currently loving the look of this Yankee Candle and this crackling one from Woodwick. They are more expensive than I would normally spend on a candle but they actually crackle! I may even treat myself to one as an early Christmas gift.

Pen Heaven is actual heaven for stationery lovers. I have lusted after so many notebooks and pens that is kind of sad. My current faves are, this Leuchtturm journal and this gorgeous rose gold Lamy rollerball pen. I am still the girl who makes pen and paper lists whilst having all of the electronic gadgets known to man.. I doubt that will ever change.

These bluetooth headphones from Jabra are perfect for anyone who gets frustrated by wires strewn around the neck, once charged they last 17 hours and I have used them so much in the past 6 months.

Lakrids by Johan Bulow are one of my absolute favourite treats. It is not just liquorice but gourmet liquorice. The gift sets and tubs are stylish and would make a lovely gift for any liquorice fans. I was also sent the advent calendar from the brand as a gift and I am most excited to dive into it.

Maykher are a Welsh brand who are fairly new to me. I love the whole story behind the brand and what they do. You can read more about it here but in summary they employ makers not machines all over the world to create the most beautiful hats, bags and accessories. I have the blue beanie and I love it so much but it is really making me want more of them. It is well made and everyone comments on it. They also commit to donating at least 10% of their end of year profits into the education of young girls and women in areas of the world where they need it the most. Definitely a purchase you can feel good about.

Mainline Menswear have a section of gifts for the man in your life, from designer clothes to trainers and accessories. I like these Vans and the Converse currently in stock. Unisex styles really and I love wearing the Converse myself.

Gillette have teamed up with the Justice League with these themed razor which would be great stocking fillers for any marvel fans.Gillette Fusion Proshield Justice League Gift Set are priced at £15 rrp and available in supermarkets across the UK.

Peachy Packages send out monthly packages with a variety of products each month from mostly small or independent producers. Really enjoyed my box which included stationery, chocolate, tea and lots more. Subscriptions start from £15.00.

Tangle Angel are a brand with a gorgeous range of hair styling products. The brushes are adorably designed and make brushing tangled hair a breeze. Great for both kids and grown ups too.

Some items were gifted for the purpose of this feature.

Oreo Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream – Oreo Flavours

November 10, 2017 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 5 Comments

I love Oreos. Eaten whole, munched in half, deconstructed with the filling scooped off and of course dipped in tea. What do you mean you have never dipped in tea??? Or coffee or hot chocolate. They are very dunkable I assure you.

I like the original ones and the new flavoured ones especially the peanut butter and the mint. In fact I love anything with a chocolatey mint flavour, my favourite ice cream flavour of all time is mint choc chip with cookies n cream coming up as a close second.

What do we know about Oreos?

I remember when I was younger thinking that these biscuits or cookies were so incredibly cool, you would see them on American tv shows and films and it was one of the American treats I always wanted to try. When they landed in the UK finally I was excited and they of course did not disappoint and now they are a regular in my biscuit barrel.

Oreos were created in 1908, trademarked in 1912 and first sold to a grocery store in New Jersey. They have had many limited edition flavour runs over the years, most of which I believe were only available in the US and include beauties such as caramel apple, red velvet and one I would have loved to try – the lemon twist!

When I was asked which of the flavours available in the UK I thought I was most like I was unsure – because the Oreo flavours have characteristics don’t you know?

Am I?

Choc’o Brownie flavour Oreo – smooth

 Mint flavour Oreo – cool

Peanut Butter flavour Oreo – nutty

Strawberry Cheesecake flavour Oreo – fruity

Nutty? Possibly. Smooth? Definitely not. Cool? Well I like to think so, which of course means I really am not but my 6 year old tells me I am cool ALL the time so I am going to believe in her and my love of the chocolate mint dreamy flavour and go with that.

There are a million different recipes for Oreo creations on Pinterest and all over some of the best food blogs but I immediately knew what I would make. Oreo Mint Choc Chip ice cream with big chunks of Mint Oreos in.

Now you can do this the easy way or the slightly more difficult way. If you enjoy making ice cream and have an ice cream maker at home follow my full recipe below BUT you could also buy a tub of good quality vanilla ice cream, add some peppermint extract (2 tsp per 1 ltd tub) and blend well before hand churning your broken Oreo bits in. It makes it look like you have made an effort with a dessert but really it takes all of five minutes.

Oreo Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream

You will need:
420ml Double cream
180ml Milk
5 Egg Yolks
100g Sugar
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp Peppermint extract
1/2 pack of Oreo Mint cookies
50g chocolate chips

Whisk your egg yolks with half the sugar and set aside. Mix your milk, cream, extract and half your sugar together until you bring it to the boil. Now leave to steep for 30 minutes before returning to the heat, once you get to a simmer add 1 cup of the cream mixture to your egg/sugar mix. Whisk together quickly, add another cup or two until your egg mixture is warm and pour the eggs into the pan. Leave on the heat until you get to 75c and then remove and cool quickly in an ice bath ( I use my kitchen sink filled with cool packs and water ). Once cooled follow your ice cream maker instructions and churn. Once churned pour into a freezable tub, add your chips and broken Oreo pieces..be sure to add the Oreo dust in, it is the best part after all. Freeze overnight.

Serve with an Oreo on top of your scoop and perhaps even a squirt of light whipped cream.

This post was commissioned by Oreo and I have been compensated for my time.

Berocca – Is It Really You But On A Really Good Day?

October 30, 2017 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 3 Comments

When I have slept well and the sun is shining I have sometimes what seems like endless energy. I can do the school run, work at my office job as well as knock out a blog post and work on recipe development with some energy stores left for one of my fitness classes at night.

When I don’t sleep well and the skies are grey and gloomy it is quite the opposite story. I feel listless and everything is a chore. I guess it’s the same for most of us. On these days it would be all too easy to curl up in bed for the day.

Autumn is my favourite season but for many reasons it’s also a challenge. The evenings get dark too quickly which means I rarely get a chance to fit in an evening walk, these walks are so important for my health and wellbeing that I really feel it when I don’t manage them. The clocks go back and the girls body clocks get confused resulting in so far one 5am wake up. And the clocks only went back yesterday.

Oh and it’s half term. As of today for us in Wales. Now I have to tell you I am not someone who moans about the girls being at home rather than school, I enjoy their company and the freedoms we have without having to worry about school uniforms and pick up and drop off times. But it is still hard work some days. Keeping a 3 year old and 6 year old occupied ( and happy) all day is draining. School offers them a lot of mental and physical challenges so they expect and need that from their days. I feel like some days I need a booster button, you know like at the end of races in car racing computer games where they have a booster button which carries them to the finish line? That.

And luckily there is, in a way. I am not a stranger to Berocca. I have been using it on and off for about three years and I’m a fan. I use the little pouches of melts you pour straight on your tongue while I am out and about and I use the effervescent tablets at home usually on a morning where I wake feeling hungover although I haven’t had a drink – don’t you hate those days? And it works, it really does. Usually within an hour I will feel the effects of it. One of the main uses I have for Berocca is when I can feel something lingering, like a cold or one of the many viruses which are picked up from the girls. I take it every day when I think something may be about to come on and I think it really helps me to fight it or at least give me the energy needed to fight it.

You know these B vitamins we are constantly hearing about, well Berocca is full of them:

Berocca is packed full of 8 B vitamins including vitamins B1 and B2 which work with your body to release your natural energy, add to that B5 which helps sharpen your mental performance and of course B12 which combats fatigue.

This last week I have used the effervescent tablets every day and I am feeling the benefits. I have more oomph in me to play games with the girls, I am procrastinating less and just getting stuff done. I feel brighter, that is the best way to describe it.

There are other little things you can incorporate into your days alongside Berocca to help boost both your physical and mental energy levels. Here are a few that work for me:

Use a daytime/SAD lamp. I use a SAD desk lamp and it can really help change how I feel. We need the extra light, our bodies crave it.

Get outside. Being in the fresh air can do wonders for how you feel and also for how much you get done that that day. You may think oh I don’t have the time for that today but it may be the best use of your time. If I take the girls to the park for an hour we all feel better for it. They get to run wild and burn some energy and I feel refreshed from being outside with more motivation to get tasks done when I get home. It also makes me feel better to know I have made their day fun so we all win. I love my evening walks alone too and love to be near the water.

Listen to your favourite songs, I wrote a post a few months ago about my Ultimate Happy Playlist and if I am having a low or tired day I pop this on for some guaranteed mood boosters.

Do crafts that you enjoy You could use an Electric Branding Iron to decorate food serving boards or to create personalised gifts for friends. Creativity helps to let your brain focus and if it is something you enjoy it can give you a real natural energy boost.

Have you tried Berocca? What did you think?

This post is in collaboration with Berocca and I have been compensated for my time.

Movies, Meals & Muddling Through Life – October

October 26, 2017 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 13 Comments

Well it has been a while since I last wrote one of these posts..too long. I was really enjoying writing them and having a sort of diary entry of what had been going on in my life that month. Sometimes though life kind of takes over and the last three months have been a whirlwind of work and press trips and family time.

And if I’m honest, lately I haven’t been finding life all that easy.

We all get times like this, these dips in your mood and the times where the smallest thing can seem a little overwhelming. Sometimes this is caused by life changes and other times it just happens. And that is how things have been lately for me. I am ok, I am managing just fine but sometimes you have to take some small steps back to make big steps going forward. The difference in these days now than these kind of days two years ago is that I am kinder to myself. I see them for what they are, acknowledge that I need to take a break and more often than not at these times I crave time alone. Just to think and be without needing an excuse to do so. And that is ok.

Some nights a candle and some music in the bath is all I need. Other times a long walk or a coffee in a coffee shop by myself. Alone time is important.

Anyway I have been busy these past three months and it would be impossible to tell you everything that has been going on but here are some things of the things I’ve watched, read, loved and enjoyed:

Movies

I have watched a few movies, not a lot really and mostly old ones that I have seen before. In fact I haven’t watched a new film in a while or visited the cinema which is most unlike me. Any recommendations? The last film I watched and enjoyed was Wonder Woman, she is my new girl crush.. I need the outfit even if I have no occasion on which to wear it. I am hoping to watch the new Thor sometime soon and I know that some point I am going to be dragged to see My Little Pony.

TV

On TV, well Netflix I have recently watched Master Of None, American Vandal, Better Call Saul and also Designated Survivor which is my not so secret guilty pleasure. I have also watched Gunpowder the BBC drama created by and starring Kit Harrington, it was odd to watch him play a different role after loving him so much as Jon Snow but I thought it was a great 3 part drama and well worth a watch. Just a warning though, there are some fairly graphic torture scenes.

I must admit to re watching Gossip Girl too. I know..I know. It is just one of those easy things to watch whilst also doing something else like ironing etc.

Books

I have read a bit lately but as with movies I am mostly re reading rather than trying something new. Tell me what books you are enjoying, I need inspiration. I have been browsing cookbooks more than real books and one of my current faves is Veggie Desserts & Cakes from my blogger friend Kate Hackworthy.

Music

This last month or so I have really been enjoying Plain White T’s, Kodaline, Joshua Radin and Incubus. I have also rediscovered some old classics such as as REO Speedwagon , Billy Joel and Foreigner. John Legend is still always among my playlists but I am listening to a wider variety of music these days and as always music is a big part of my day. I’d like to plan some concerts in for next year as I miss that feeling of excitement waiting on the band to come on stage and the incredible high as you leave.

Food

I have enjoyed some incredible food over the Summer and early Autumn months. I have eaten food created by some of the best chefs in the world at Copenhagen Cooking Festival as well as enjoyed the best meal of my life ( so far ) at Sea by Kiin Kiin in Copenhagen.

I have created some recipes I am proud of and plenty of others which were just ok. I was sent a whopping chunk of Comte Cheese for a recipe post lately and I have been totally indulging in it…

Fitness & Exercise

My fitness levels are pretty good right now. I am still attending my classes and walking as much as I can. I am at a weight and shape that I am happy with and whilst I still have some way to go to feel as fit as I’d like I am getting there.

What Else?

So much. Too much to tell you it all. I have spent time in Ireland, Copenhagen, London and West Wales. I have eaten and drunk and walked and explored. Made new friends, learned new things and discovered lots about myself. I have pushed myself further with work but also moved my desk upstairs to allow me to switch off and focus on family life when I am downstairs. It has meant less work gets done but hopefully the work that is done is of a higher quality and I feel life is more balanced. I am also starting to realise that my day job ( I work half the month in an office in an customer service role ) is only as bad as I allow it to be, it pays the mortgage and allows me to write this blog without the pressure of needing it to pay the bills which is a good thing.

I am hoping to have lots of new recipes coming up soon, the ideas are there and hopefully procrastination won’t win too many of my hours. Damn you Buzzfeed.

Pumpkin And Comté Cheese Fondue

October 17, 2017 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 7 Comments

This week has been spent in the kitchen creating a whirl of Autumnal recipes, including this delicious Pumpkin and Comté Cheese Fondue. I tend to cook a lot more in these darker months, I guess the same as most people. It is a combination of wanting more home cooked comfort food whilst also having more time indoors.

Before I tell you about this recipe let’s begin by talking about cheese.. ah cheese cheese cheese. If I had to choose between chocolate and cheese it would be a hard choice but I would choose cheese. It took me a long time, maybe until my mid twenties to get out of the only eating mild to mature cheddar and well now I eat it ALL. In fact for the past few years I have even ordered a cheese board as a dessert on many occasions something I would have considered a bit crazy a while ago.

I couldn’t pick a favourite cheese, I enjoy them all from the soft and squishy to the hardest mature cheese. Cheese is definitely a comfort food for me. When Comté cheese got in touch and asked me to work on a recipe post with them I was fairly eager to say yes. I first tried Comté at a dinner some time back, was immediately hooked and was disappointed to not find it on sale locally. Since then stockists in my area have improved thankfully and it can also be ordered via Ocado and Waitrose..YAY. The cheese I am using in this recipe is a younger ( less mature ) cheese, it has a mild yet creamy taste and melts perfectly in my Pumpkin and Comté Cheese Fondue.

Want to learn a little about Comté?

For more than ten centuries, villagers of Jura Massif, Eastern France have lovingly crafted a unique and delicious cheese: Comté. This stunning region of mountains stretches between Jura and Doubs in the Franche-Comté region, and Ain in the Rhones-Alpes region, and is home to over 3,000 family farms dedicated to producing the highest quality of raw milk that is required to create Comté cheese. Today it is not only loved by millions of people in France, but all over world.

Some of my friends and fellow bloggers have been lucky enough to visit the area of France where the cheese is produced and enjoy sumptuous amounts of it. Read what Sarah from Maison Cupcake thought of the trip here and what Helen from Fuss Free Flavours thought here.

Moving onto my delicious Pumpkin and Comté Cheese Fondue. A lot of fondues use a mixture of cheese but mine was all Comté. A whopping 400g of it actually.. along with creme fraiche, herbs and some shallots and garlic with a generous slug of white wine. Baking it in the pumpkin is so simple and has many perks including no stirring, no watching the hob and most importantly no sticky fondue pan to wash up afterwards. Pumpkins are pretty much the symbol of Autumn as well as Halloween but they are worth so much more than carving and forgetting whilst they rot away. The seeds can be rubbed with spice and baked. The flesh makes incredible soups and well now this recipe. Seriously this is a MUST try.

Pumpkin Comté Cheese Fondue

You will need:

1 large pumpkin

400g grated Comté cheese

2 tbsp cornflour or plain flour

150g creme fraiche

40ml white wine

1 tbsp finely diced fresh rosemary

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 banana shallot, diced

pinch of sea salt

pinch of black pepper

To serve

Mixture of breads

Vegetables

Bacon (optional )

Preheat your oven to 180c.

Prepare your pumpkin, first carve out your lid, remove and scoop out the seeds and membrane. Reserve your seeds ( you can make some tasty healthy snacks later ). Pop the lid back on and put your pumpkin on a baking tray in the centre of the oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes.

Remove your pumpkin very carefully from the oven. Set the lid aside ( you can use the flesh from the lid in a soup ). Turn up the heat to 220c. Now add your ingredients to the Pumpkin starting with your Comté Cheese and then everything else in whichever order you prefer. Return to the oven and bake for a further 40 minutes. Whilst your fondue is bubbling away you can prepare your accompaniments. You could really use anything you like to dip in the molten cheese, small potatoes work well as does crusty bread. I used a combination of squares of focaccia to pop in on skewers and toasted artisan bread which I then spread with the fondue and served with bacon.

I’ll leave you with one final tip, if you find you have made more fondue than required or even if there is only the smallest amount remaining get a spoon and scoop any remaining fondue and pumpkin flesh, pop in a pan with vegetable stock and bring to a simmer before pureeing with a hand blender. Gorgeous cheesy pumpkin soup – the very best of leftover lunches.

Here are some more recipes that feature Comté, why not give them all a whirl?

Comte Baked Eggs from Kavey Eats

Comte Cheese and Potato Rosti from Foodie Quine

Comte Cheese And Haggis Toastie

And more pumpkin ideas here

*This post has been commissioned by Comté Cheese and I was compensated for my time.

Pumpkin And Squash Recipe Round Up

October 10, 2017 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 5 Comments

Autumn is here and Halloween is fast approaching. The shops and markets are full of varieties of squash so I thought a Pumpkin and squash recipe round up was needed. There are so many ways, both sweet and savoury to use this versatile ingredient which is full of goodness.

Read on for some recommendations from myself and fellow UK food bloggers:

Pumpkin Pasties from Foodie Quine