Munchies and Munchkins

Food and travel

  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • About me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure
  • Contact
  • Partners
You are here: Home / Blog

11 Years Of Blogging

March 24, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Today marks 11 years since I first wrote a post on Munchies and Munchkins. 11 years. When I first wrote a post I imagined I’d write for maybe 6 months then get bored and that would be that. My blog started following a period of time in my maternity leave with Izzy when I would share food photos and recipes on Twitter, this was before I had Instagram and well I guess you could say I was ahead of my time ( for possibly the first time in my life). I built up a small but engaged audience on Twitter, most of whom still follow and engage with the blog. I’d often get people asking why I didn’t write a food blog so I decided to give it a whirl, one of my followers even helped come up with the blog name – thanks Sian.

My first posts were random and well blurry but I can’t delete them as it’s all part of the journey. I didn’t imagine when I started that it would become such a big part of my life or that it would lead me onto collaborations and press trips and create friendships that I still have to this day. In times of sadness and darkness my blog has been my respite and therapy, there have also been times I haven’t looked at it for months at a time apart from when I want to make one of my own recipes..yes I use my own blog as a recipe folder for myself.

I remember so clearly the first fun opportunity I had from blogging. I had replied to a tweet from Camp Bestival on Twitter saying wow this looks amazing ( because it did) and that I may try to attend the following year when I was back in work because maternity pay doesn’t really allow for luxuries. They replied saying yes you should blah blah blah. Later that night I had a direct message from a man called Bruce saying how would you and your family like to attend and you can write about it on your blog in exchange for tickets. I didn’t want to give any false expectations, I had been blogging only about 6 weeks and I had less than 500 views so I told him this and he was like it’s okay let’s do this. That was the start of 4 years of being a Camp Bestival ambassador. In the following 12 months of that first opportunity it seemed I was getting contacted every other day offering me free food or toys for Izzy, I excitedly would say yes and write a long thorough article for maybe £5 worth of free food…I wasn’t stupid by the way I just didn’t realise that my site was of value to these businesses and really I should have been charging or building a relationship with them not just saying yay free pasta. We live, we learn.

I don’t accept 90% of what I get offered these days, sometimes because there is no fit for it on my site, sometimes because there is no value to me doing it and more and more these last three years I’ve realised my time and energy are valuable. But I do actually do more in terms of sharing things I’ve not been asked to share, promoting businesses I love while still occasionally doing reviews and product round ups. Don’t get me wrong if I get offered a product I love or normally the girls even if it’s a few pounds worth of value sometimes it’s worth it because it’s natural to promote. My blog doesn’t fit in any particular category, I may post a recipe today, a rant about the news tomorrow and a long ramble about life the next day. I write about food, family, travel, lifestyle, physical health, mental health and the world we live in. This doesn’t always fit with the PR scope for a brand and it has probably hindered my blog from being more successful- I mean I know that if I’d focused solely on food and recipes my blog would be a lot busier and I’d get more paid work. But you know what, it’s just not me. This is who I am, I’m not a neat tidy thing you can pigeon hole, my life is messy and I ramble in real life not just on here. I can’t pretend to be something I’m not and yet I am proud of this blog, this thing I’ve created that supported me and others like me. I mean how many bloggers write about air fryer recipes but also tackle birth trauma, depression, strep B, long covid with a chocolate salted caramel cake to finish it off?

The last 2.5 years I’ve struggled with writing, I still do. This post would have taken me 15 minutes to breezily write before I got ill. Now I will write it over the space of weeks with many re reads and edits and still it may not make perfect sense. My brain is not what it was but the only way to get it back to that is by exercising it so these posts are the equivalent of me doing yoga for my brain.

I want to thank each and every one of you that has read the blog and even more so those that have reached out and interacted with me on social media as a result of my blog, I’ve made some incredible friendships and you really have supported me through some of the roughest periods of my life.

I asked a few of the bloggers and PRs that I’ve worked with to say a few words about the blog and ah they made me shed a few tears I tell you. Take a look:

Jonathan from The Plate Licked Clean, Ask Barney and Find My Dine:

“ I have always enjoyed Becky’s writing : hers was one of the blogs I’d always read before starting mine, soaking up reviews, recipes and more for years. Lately though, I’ve admired the way her focus has shifted onto sharing her struggles with her changing health. Never in a self- pitying way, but in a way I know others wrestling in similar conditions will find useful and relatable. Practical and engaging, and even managing to find humour in her situation, she writes with empathy and clarity. Here’s to the next 11 years.”

Kacie from The Rare Welshbit:

“Back in 2018, Becky and I were paired up and sent to Belfast together on a press trip, as complete strangers. Luckily, we really hit it off and spent several memorable days exploring Belfast’s food and drink scene together. “We’ve been lucky to enjoy lots of exciting experiences together since, from wining and dining across south-west Wales with Food and Drink Wales; to drinking in Becky’s local pub until the early hours, and waking up to one of her banging bacon butties in the morning. “Thank you for all the happy memories together, Becky! I’m looking forward to seeing what the next 11 years holds for you and your blog.”

Me and Kacie on a press trip.

Sophie from SophieLeBrozec.com:

“I first ‘met’ Becky of Munchies and Munchkins on Twitter back in the early days of our blogs, and I instantly felt a connection. I loved the love and passion that oozed out of every beautiful word she wrote – whether in a tweet or a blog post – and she quickly became an online friend.

We got to meet in person for the first time at Britmums Live in June 2013 and it was as if we’d known each other forever. Becky was as incredible and amazing in real life as she was online, and it was fab to hang out together at this wonderful blogging event.

The blogging world is no longer what it was in 2012 when we first dipped our toes in the water, but Munchies and Munchkins is one of the only blogs that still holds my interest.

Lucie Herring from Gilded Herring PR:

Have worked with Bec on numerous campaigns for our clients and she is always an absolute pleasure. Her posts are as fun and engaging as she is, and ruthlessly honest. Look forward to watching the blog continue in all its glory!

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Life ·

Turning 40

March 24, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I turn 40 in less than two months. 40. That age that when I was a child seemed like old age yet now feels like I blinked after turning 25 and here I am. I’m not worried about turning 40, it doesn’t feel like a huge change yet it is. 40 is very different to being IN your 30’s. It feels like a different statement is made when you say I’m 40 as to when you say you are late 30’s especially as a woman.

Women of my generation are lucky in that in most cases women are now getting celebrated at all ages. We see stories every day of women who started careers at 40 or 50, female actors winning awards and sometimes even not choosing to start families until they are my age. 40 is not over the hill by any means but it just feels different.

I think for me the biggest issue I have with it is that I don’t feel healthy or well and the older I get the more that seems like it may be something I can’t change. I am doing everything I can to better myself and get well but a lot of it is out of my control. I imagined having big parties and weeks of celebrations for my 40th but I can’t think of many things right now which wouldn’t cost me too much physically to do. I know my family, my friends and my partner will want to make it a big deal for me and I appreciate that in so many ways yet the thought of it alone is tiring.

In lockdown I had a few things I knew I wanted to achieve before my 40th, then I caught covid in October 2020 and quite honestly nothing has been the same since. I wasn’t hospitalised, thankfully I didn’t die ( obviously) but my life has been significantly impacted by a virus which honestly when I caught it I thought oh great I can get this out of the way now and thank goodness I am at the best fitness I’ve been in for a long time so I can beat it. Um no covid doesn’t work like that and long covid sufferers are more than likely to be women of my age who were previously fit. I’ve had to adapt my life and there are some goals which I’ve had to put on the back burner maybe forever.

I am determined that this next year will see an improvement in some way in my health. I am determined to make my life better for my girls and my partner and my family. It will not be easy but I will do it. Not sure how exactly but I will. For now I am going to look to my 40th and find a way to share that time and celebrate it with the ones I love.

I bet you missed my rambles? More to come I’m sure…

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Life, long covid, Uncategorized · Tagged: 40th, birthday, health, long Covid

And She’s Back In The Game…

August 18, 2021 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Well it’s been a while hey?

Since having covid, followed by long covid my mind has been such a fuzzy mess that putting coherent thoughts down on the blog has been pretty impossible. But..finally I feel like I am at a point where life is slowly returning to normal. I still have rough days, some more so than others but I am getting there I think. It has been ten months since I got my positive test result and I am nowhere near full health or fitness but I will get there. I know in many ways I got off lightly, many people who have long covid can barely get out of bed, then there are the thousands of people that were lost to covid and its frightening to know that it can happen to people of my age who have previously been fit and healthy.

Life in general is slowly getting back to normal for all of us. I doubt that any of us will really get over what happened to the world this last 18 months but it has taught me and I am guessing so many of you such valuable lessons. It has taught me to want to make the most of my life, because it is just the one we get. It has made me more empathetic, yet also stronger. I am no longer the soft and often naive person I once was. I am firmer with people, I say no more often and I will not allow people to walk all over me. I have learned a lot about what I want in my life and more importantly who I want in my life, it showed me who are real friends and who were simply lurkers in my life.

I am determined more than ever to do more of what I want and what makes me happy at the same time as creating the best possible home and life for my children. And I believe I can do it. Life won’t be easy, it rarely is but if you make your days as happy and positive as you can then it changes your mindset and you find the harder days are a little easier to handle. I started forcing positive vibes into my day back at the earlier part of this year, I know that sounds pretty cheesy but I did. At first it was far from natural, we all know how easy it is to mope and let yourself wallow but the more I did it the easier and more natural it became and I realised I was starting to catch myself on those low days and I had found ways to manage it now.

Here are a few things I do to start my day positively:

Blast some feel good music, me and the girls love a kitchen disco in the mornings and we often play music on the walk to school and have a bit of a sing. Don’t underestimate the power of music and how it can transform your mood.

Eat a little better, now I don’t mean go on a diet and I definitely don’t mean cutting out favourite foods. Just think more about what you are eating, maybe on the weekend you know you will be going out for a sumptuous BBQ feast or all the snacks at the cinema so perhaps for a couple of days during the week you eat a little less red meat or sugar. What we put in our bodies affects how we feel. None of it for me is about losing weight, purely about helping my mind.

Get fresh air every day. Before I became unwell I was walking between 15-20k steps a day as well as attending a gym. I was the fittest I’d been in years and then suddenly I was struggling to breather and for about 4 months the furthest I walked was to the end of my street. By late Spring I was managing the school run and actually started to enjoy it again and I will never take being able to go for a long walk for granted again. I am still not back to being as fit as I’d like but I don’t put pressure on myself and as long as I’ve done something that day, even if it’s a ten minute walk then I feel better for it. I don’t need a perfectly toned body but I know how important exercise is for me personally and is a big factor in me having good mental health.

Avoid too much time with mood hoovers. I imagine not everyone knows what I mean by this but in your life you will definitely have mood hoovers or drains. People who only ever see the bad side of life and sometimes even seem to enjoy wallowing or being negative. You cannot avoid them altogether, perhaps they are members of your family or lifelong friends who need your support. But if your mental health is fragile and let’s be honest after the last two years it is for a lot of us then you do sometimes need to put yourself first and that is not selfish. Read that again. Putting yourself first is not selfish. Sometimes it is absolutely necessary. Remember the stronger and happier you are then the more likely you’ll be able to positively impact those around you. Be the change. I know it is very cheesy and almost Tony Robbins esque but it is true.

Find something that truly makes you happy and do it often. For me this is cooking and creating. Maybe for you it will be a certain game, going to a special place or even your work.

Find five positives in every day. You may think this is an impossible thing to do especially when you are going through a rough patch but don’t think these five positives have to be monumental things. Here are a couple of examples of positives I have found in the last few months:

Really good coffee

A walk by the river

The bubble of laughter from my girls when I do something daft

Being able to walk and see my parents

My favourite songs

Mastering a new recipe

Reading a quote that resonates

Fresh bedding

The fairy lights in my garden

The comforting feeling of a tight hug from someone who loves you

A beautiful butterfly landing on my lavender

None of these things are huge things, to some they will seem almost mundane. But keep counting those little things and just breathe it in. List them in a book, on your bad days look back at them and see how many of them were in that day without you even noticing. Life is brief and we ignore so much of it. Soak it up. Love, live and laugh a lot.

I have a few new recipes planned for this month so keep your eyes peeled and I really hope you are all doing well. feel free to comment with any recipes you’d like me to post or any ideas you have for me. Take care.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Life ·

Places To Visit

September 19, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

I am feeling more than a little touch of wanderlust at the moment. Life is increasingly stressful and busy and I just want to grab my passport, get myself to the nearest airport and zoom away. I didn’t really enjoy flying until recently, but on my latest flights I have felt more and more at peace with the whole experience, in fact I am really starting to enjoy it. You see you can’t do anything up there in the skies. There is no phone to answer, emails to reply to, no laundry to put away, and you can’t start prepping dinner. It is pretty relaxing if you let yourself enjoy it and those first few minutes in the sky as you creep higher and higher give you some  astounding views.  Arghh when can I go next???

Image credit: Andrew Neel

I want to share some of the countries I would like to or that I am already planning to visit in 2017. Some may not happen but others definitely will and I am pretty excited about that.

1.Ireland

Considering Ireland is fairly close to home; I live in Wales, it may be surprising to some that I have never visited. Well this year I get my wish as I won a competition with Ballymaloe Relish to spend a weekend at the Food & Wine Literary Festival at Ballymaloe House.  There are lots of places in Ireland I would like to visit and after reading the book Coast written by Rachel Allen I would love to spend a few days travelling around the shores.

Image credit: Ian Schneider

2. France

I’ve spent some time in France both in the sunny south and in Paris but I want to see more and I definitely NEED more time in the capital, I want to explore the food scene and maybe even pop up the Eiffel Tower. I want good wine and food I can’t pronounce in a cosy restaurant, I want macarons from Laduree and crepes from street corners.

Image credit: Pedro Kummel

3. Portugal

It’s been quite a few years since I last visited Portugal but it is one of my favourite countries to spend time in. The weather is warm yet not as insanely hot as places like the Canaries so you can stroll and enjoy the sunshine more. The food is really good and budget friendly..and um we already know how much I love the Portuguese custard tarts.

4. Denmark

I visited Denmark for the first time earlier last year, fell in love with it and managed to squeeze in a second visit in December. So far I have only made it to Copenhagen which is such a cool city that I would love to spend more time in. I would like to explore more of the country, some less known areas perhaps and maybe make a trip to Aarhus which has this year won the European City Of Culture award.

Image credit: Julien Widmer

5. Wales

Yes, you may find it strange that I want to visit my own country. But how much of your own country have you seen? I want to spend more time in North Wales which I haven’t done since my teens and I also want to go to Snowdonia National Park at some point.

Image credit: Paul Morris

7. United Arab Emirates

Famous for its incredible stunning islands and theme parks, the reason I want to go is for the restaurants. You can find many top class restaurants with an incredible view too on the Square Meal UAE website I especially love the perfectly instagrammable Beirut Sur Mer.

There are lots of other places I want to see..New Orleans, Vegas, New York..Barbados and Hobbiton in New Zealand for sure.. but maybe I will be pushing it to squeeze in many more.

Where do you want to go this year?

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Travel ·

4 Quick Methods Of Overcoming That Morning Ennui

September 14, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Pexels – CC0 License

If it usually takes you thirty minutes or more to wake up properly (and that’s on a good day), then don’t worry, you’re in good company. That said, it’s true that waking up can often be a hard task, especially as we get older. You can have everything going for you, enjoy your life, be grateful for the people in it, and still feel a sense of unease and discomfort waking up in the morning.

You likely know what we’re talking about. Sometimes that tiresome feeling of dejection or frustration that comes in the morning before you really have a chance to assert yourself can inspire us to crawl back in bed and say “no” to whatever is happening that day. Even if you have a fun day planned, this can be the irrational reaction we all have.

So, are there ways around this? After all, greeting the day in a sour mood is never a happy way to welcome the pleasure of being alive for another day, which is, after all, a total privilege to enjoy. In this post, we’ll discuss a few quick methods of overcoming this morning ennui. Implement these methods into your routine, and you’ll be raring to go.

Get Fresh Air Into Your Lungs

We can often feel a little lethargic in the morning because the comfort and warmth of our beds are inviting places. Heading out into a strange, cold and unpredictable world is subconsciously a step down from where you begin the day. So, making a downgrade from where you wake up to where you have to be, in that nature, doesn’t feel so great.

A good way to subvert this is by heading outside, perhaps on your porch, perhaps in your courtyard, or even when letting the dog out, and commit to breathing exercises. Getting fresh air deep into your lungs can help you avoid feeling stuffy and lethargic, and instead breathe deeply and confidently. Breath in, hold it for a little while, then exhale fully. Try to breath “into your stomach” instead of into your chest, because that will help you make use of your full lung capacity. Of course, if you’re a smoker, try to limit or quit this habit.

Fresh air helps you greet the day, but it also opens your mindset and welcomes the world in. This can be as energizing as any cup of coffee. Speaking of that…

Pour A Beautiful Cup Of Morning Coffee

Coffee can seem like a crutch or an indulgence, but if you have a fantastic provider and source the beans well, this doesn’t have to be a cheap and nasty pick-me-up, but a comforting, deeply nourishing way to start your day.

Play a little morning jazz on your speakers, use your sage coffee machine to create a small brew while your omelette is cooking, and be peaceful in the still of the morning. It will help you feel more active and engaged. It can also be nice to read a chapter of a book you’re reading if you have time, or to simply enjoy the peace and quiet before a hectic day begins.

Prepare The Night Before

Of course, sometimes the morning isn’t defined by your upcoming day at all. Sometimes, it’s defined by the night before. If you have your work backpack properly organized, you have your packed lunch sorted for the day ahead, your workwear or casual outfits are waiting for you, and you have a basic itinerary you can follow and not have to just make up as you go along will save you an enormous amount of mental energy over time.

This can benefit you of any age, and waking up to a smoothly progressing day is so much better than anything else.

Try The “James Bond” Shower

The “James Bond” shower is known as a normal shower that you turn to the colder setting before you leave. This gives you a shock of awareness that might not have happened if you felt lethargic from a steamy and hot shower, and it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, because you get used to the chill quite quickly.

Sure, that might not sound so appealing to some, and you’re not wrong or silly for thinking that at all. However, the benefits are worth the initial displeasure of colder temperatures, because it helps you feel immediately alert, focused, attentive, and even interested in your day. In other words, it has all the benefits of your morning coffee without overdoing your caffeine. Moreover – it feels good to avoid all of that lethargy or sleepiness you would have had to battle with otherwise. Much like ripping off a plaster can get things over and done with, the James Bond shower can help you burst into your day like a motivated secret agent.

With this advice, you’re sure to overcome that morning ennui in the best possible sense.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Life ·

How to Nurture Your Mental Well-Being During Pregnancy

September 10, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Hormones, changes in the body, swollen limbs, nausea, morning sickness, weight gain, insomnia, fatigue, the list can go on and on about what a woman experiences when she’s pregnant. The body is going through so many changes, and there are mental changes, too; your nurturing instincts are high, you’re constantly on your guard, and there’s fear, anger, aggression, depression, happiness, just so many emotions.

In general, pregnancy is amazing, and it’s amazing how one person can handle all of these physical and mental changes during the nine months it’s happening. But with these changes, you need to show some love to yourself. It takes a while to recover from pregnancy and even giving birth, and regardless of which stage you’re on, you’re going to have to focus on your mental well-being. So, here’s what you need to do.

You Need to Put You First

While yes, looking into pregnancy booklets is super important because you need to understand what’s up with your body, what also matters is focusing on yourself and how you feel. Self-care becomes even more crucial during pregnancy. Make time for activities that nurture your mental health, such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking quiet moments for yourself. Just do what makes you happy; do things that you can physically do that you know will put a smile on your face. It’s so important to keep all of these things in mind. 

Where’s Your Support System?

Do you have a support system during this difficult time? Everyone needs to have a support system, and it’s so important that you have one as well. You need to lean in on your network, get some advice, and get some help. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with others who understand what you’re going through can be immensely comforting. There are people out there who love and care for you deeply, and you absolutely need to lean on them.

Emotional Challenges Happen

They happen, they absolutely happen, and you absolutely shouldn’t allow these to just bottle up inside you. The last thing you want is pre and post-natal depression. So this is absolutely serious; talk to your healthcare provider, and talk to your therapist as well.

Keep Yourself Educated

A lot of anxiety is going to happen: the health of the baby, the future of the baby, financing the baby, all of this is going to be thought about, right? You can’t control everything, and you can’t focus on everything that the future brings- you just can’t. Knowledge can alleviate stress; that’s a fact, and you’re going to have to keep yourself educated throughout all of this. Changes in the body will happen; read into them to better understand why it’s all happening. 

Seek Professional Help

It was briefly mentioned earlier, but there might be a chance that you may need to seek professional help, not just from a GP but from a mental health professional. There are some that specialise in pregnancies, so this alone could help out a lot. Never hesitate to see a mental health professional; your body and mind are going through literal changes, so talking and getting medication may be the solution for your overall well-being.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Pregnancy ·

How To Make Delicious Iced Coffee At Home (2 Ways!)

September 7, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Iced coffee is one of those treats you can’t resist, particularly when it gets really hot out. It gives you a nice sense of refreshment with the added benefit of caffeine! 

All the major coffee chains sell iced coffee in different varieties, but there’s a catch. These drinks tend to be super expensive and some coffee shops only sell them during the summer. And if we’re being honest, coffee shop iced coffee sometimes tastes pretty awful. They make it super bitter and watery, so we’re going to learn how to do it ourselves! 

Below, you’ll see not one but two ways to make delicious iced coffee at home. The first method is more traditional and classic while the second takes a bit longer but arguably leads to a better flavour. It’s up to you which one you try – I recommend giving both a go before deciding which one you prefer.

Source (CC0 Licence)

Method 1: Traditional Iced Coffee

The first method is the quickest of the two and can be done within around 5-10 minutes (depending on how fast you work). 

Effectively, all you need to do is make coffee and then pour it over ice. You can choose to add milk if you like, or have it black. It’s incredibly simple, yet there are some key rules to follow and a few mistakes some people make. 

So, let’s go through the steps in more detail: 

Step 1: Brew the coffee

Already, this is where you can make your first mistake. Instant coffee is highly convenient when you need a jolt of caffeine without worrying about cleaning machines or waiting for things to brew. However, as mentioned in my previous guide to improving your coffee at home, you want to stick with whole beans or ground coffee for the best flavour. This will ensure your iced coffee still tastes like coffee and the taste doesn’t get watered down too much by all of the ice. 

You can choose one of two brewing methods: 

  • An espresso machine – Something like the Sage Barista Express is great here as it’s a bean-to-cup coffee maker. This means you pour the beans into the top, press a button and it grinds them down while brewing the coffee at the same time. If you want to save money, opt for an espresso machine that doesn’t take whole beans and then use freshly ground coffee instead. 
  • A ‘press’ machine – I’ve put this in inverted commas because I’m referring to two types of machines that work in similar ways but are slightly different. There’s a classic French Press or the more innovative Aeropress. Both use a plunger method to press down and force your coffee through filter paper, but the Aeropress is supposedly better at extracting flavour and is quicker. If you already have a French Press, then that’s fine – it’ll still brew tasty coffee. 

When brewing your coffee, decide if you want a milky iced coffee or a black one. If you want a milky one, brew a single or double espresso shot. For a black iced coffee, you should brew a longer drink. This is easy to do wither either pressing machine as you fill them with more water. If you’re using an espresso machine, most will come with a function that lets you manually choose when the brewing stops. Use this to brew a full cup of black coffee. 

Step 2: Put your coffee in the fridge/freezer 

This step is sort of optional as you don’t need to go through with it every time. But, if you have some spare moments to hand and aren’t in a rush, it helps keep your coffee colder for longer. 

Ideally, you put the cup of coffee in the freezer while you clean up. If you can’t fit yours in the freezer, then put it in the back of your fridge. From here, go and clean up whatever machine you used to make the coffee and it should help your drink cool down slightly.

It’s not an “essential” step because you can skip ahead and pour the coffee straight from the machine over the ice. You will just need a bit more ice and it’ll likely start melting a bit faster. 

Step 3: Fill a glass with ice

Get a glass of your choice and fill it with plenty of ice cubes. You don’t want to use crushed ice here as it melts so quickly and ruins the taste of your coffee. Cubes will last much longer and help maintain a good level of coldness for you to enjoy. 

How much ice should you use?

To be honest, it depends on the size of your glass and how much coffee you’re pouring in. The obvious answer is to add enough to keep your drink ice cold. Start with a handful of ice cubes and you can always add more after. 

As mentioned above, if you skipped the cooling step, add more ice to compensate! 

Step 4: Pour your coffee over the ice

Finally, pour your coffee over the ice and top with milk if required. 

Grab a straw and start sipping away at a lovely homemade iced coffee. At this stage, you can also add some flavouring syrups if you like, just be sure to mix them thoroughly. 

And that’s all there is to it! This method is extremely easy and doesn’t require a huge amount of effort. If you want to spend a bit more time to get a more well-rounded flavour to your iced coffee, then try the second method instead.

Source (CC0 Licence)

Method 2: Cold Brew Coffee

You’ve probably seen cold brew coffee at your local Starbucks or Costa, but how is this different to regular iced coffee? 

The secret is in the name. Cold brew coffee refers to a method where you brew the coffee in cold water. Funnily enough, a lot of people make this mistake when trying to make traditional iced coffee. You think that an iced coffee requires cold water, so you brew it in a French Press with cold water. The result is terrible because coffee and cold water do not instantly infuse well with one another. 

Cold brew coffee differs because the method takes much longer. This gives the coffee more time to infuse in the cold water and creates a more concentrated brew. 

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to do: 

Step 1: Get some ground coffee

This method only works with ground coffee, so you can either grind some beans yourself or buy a bag from the shop. Be sure to use coarsely ground coffee here. If it is too finely ground, there’s a risk that it won’t be filtered out during a later step. 

Step 2: Pour cold water over ground coffee

The next step is pretty simple, but there’s a ratio to be aware of. 

Find a jug or jar and add ground coffee and cold water to it. Most experts agree that you should be working at a 1:8 ratio of coffee to water. For example, if you’re using 50g of coffee, you need 400ml of water. This ratio helps you get the best-tasting coffee and offers the most well-rounded and balanced flavour. 

When you’ve weighed everything out, pour the water over the coffee and cover the container with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, there are some great reusable stretchy lids that come in loads of different sizes that work perfectly here. 

Step 3: Let your coffee brew in the fridge

This is the easiest step as you sit back and let your coffee brew. The only catch is that you should let it brew overnight from anywhere between 12-24 hours. In all honesty, 12 hours should be more than enough time for the coffee to brew and infuse into the water. You can leave it for longer to get a stronger coffee taste out of your drink. 

As such, you have to plan in advance for this method. If you want iced coffee for Monday morning, start doing these first three steps on Sunday. 

Step 4: Pour the cold brew through a filter

After leaving your coffee in the fridge for at least 12 hours, take it out and pour it through a filter. You can use coffee filters over another container if you like – or put it through a French Press. If you have a French Press, this is definitely the recommended method as it helps to filter out the grounds while pushing the coffee drink through. 

Step 5: Serve over ice and enjoy

Finally, serve your cold brew coffee over ice and enjoy it however you like. If it’s too strong, dilute it with some extra water or add a splash of milk. 

The cool thing here is that, once you’ve made a cold brew, it should last for a few days. So, you can keep pouring it out of the jug until it’s gone! 

And there you have it; two methods of brewing delicious iced coffee at home. Which one do you like the best? Cold brews can taste a bit better, but they require more prep time beforehand. If you’re in a rush, the classic iced coffee method never fails. Again, try both to begin with and then stick to whichever one you prefer!

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Drinks ·

9 Popular Food Festivals Worldwide In 2023

September 7, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Food is a global communicator, uniting folks from all walks of life in a delightful mosaic of tastes, customs, and culinary artistry. Across the globe, food festivals provide a distinctive chance to discover varied cuisines, connect with nearby societies, and relish the heart of diverse cultures. This article will guide you through a culinary expedition, exploring six of the world’s most beloved food festivals.

Top 9 Food Festivals Worldwide to enjoy the best food

1. Pizzafest

Come join countless others on a beautiful September evening in Naples as the village prepares to craft and savor over 100,000 pizzas of all sorts, including 50-plus traditional varieties like Napoletana, Margherita, and Marinara. It’s no surprise that this event ranks among the top food festivals globally for pizza enthusiasts! 

Location: Naples, Italy 

Date: June 2023

2. Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival

The Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival is a yearly culinary celebration held in the lively Danish capital, Copenhagen. This event is cherished by both food lovers and experts, and it proudly displays Denmark and Scandinavia’s rich culinary traditions while embracing worldwide food trends. With creative chef partnerships, tempting street food markets, enlightening food discussions, and eco-friendly dining opportunities, the festival offers a varied and engaging exploration of the food universe. It underscores the city’s status as a top culinary hub.

Furthermore, if you like Lottoland Bigger Bingo or the traditional version of Bingo, a similar event takes place during the Copenhagen Cooking & Food Festival. Interested individuals must get their tickets in advance.

Location: Copenhagen, Denmark 

Date: August (exact dates to be announced).

Having attended this myself in 2017 I can confirm it’s not one to be missed!

3. Bacon Festival

Who would have thought that our planet has a festival entirely devoted to the love of bacon! People from all corners of the world passionately celebrate this crispy delight. You really shouldn’t miss out on one of the finest food festivals globally. Bacon enthusiasts can indulge in a variety of dishes, such as bacon salad, bacon gelato, bacon tater tots, and bacon ramen.

Location: Sacramento, California 

Date: To Be Announced

4. Salon Du Chocolat

Do you enjoy both chocolates and fashion? If so, make sure to visit Ecuador to savor some exquisite chocolates and experience the Salon du Chocolat festival in Quito. At the festival, you can delight in the finest chocolates and witness a unique fashion show featuring dresses made from… Can you guess what?

Location: Quito, Ecuador 

Date: To be announced soon.

5. Dumpling Festival

Do you crave steamy, juicy dumplings that make your mouth water? If so, this festival is a must-visit for you. Experience the deliciousness of zongzi dumplings, made from glutinous rice and various fillings, wrapped in bamboo, lotus, or banana leaves, all on the fifth day of the fifth Chinese lunar month. Dive into a world of dumplings and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Chinese people.

Location: Hong Kong 

Date: June 3, 2023

6. National Cherry Festival

Fly to Traverse City, Michigan’s Cherry Capital Airport, book your stay at the Cherry Tree Inn, join the Cherry Bomb Lacrosse Tournament, support the Toxic Cherries rollerblade team, watch the Cherry Parade, and witness the crowning of the Cherry Queen. With an abundance of cherry-themed fun, there’s every reason to attend this global food festival.

Location: Traverse City, Michigan

Date: March 20th to April 17th

7. Herring Festival

The Herring Festival stands out as a distinctive cultural food celebration worldwide. Every April, herring schools migrate into Denmark’s Ringkobing Fjord to spawn in its calm waters. This marks a joyful occasion for both fishermen and the countless visitors who flock to the town to savor herring in various delectable forms – pickled, filleted, fried, in cakes, and baked. Such a unique herring feast is a rarity globally, so be sure not to let this opportunity slip by! 

Location: Hvide Sande, Denmark 

Date: To be announced

8. Vegetarian Festival

Food festivals aren’t just for meat lovers. This nine-day Thai celebration is proof! Experience the excitement with vibrant parades, music, and delectable vegan dishes. For these nine days, the whole town embraces vegan cuisine, featuring dishes crafted from vegetables, fruits, soybeans, and protein products. That’s why it’s renowned as one of the world’s top fruit festivals. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll be smitten by this global food extravaganza. Without a doubt, it’s one of the world’s most famous food festivals and the highlight of Thailand.

Location: Phuket, Thailand 

Dates: September 24, 2023 – October 3, 2023

9. Oktoberfest

Join the world’s grandest beer celebration in Germany, Oktoberfest, alongside millions of beer enthusiasts each year. You’ll have plenty to indulge in with a wide array of brews to sip, savor, and even drench yourself in, along with delectable treats like bratwurst, pretzels, and roasted meats. This festival not only offers an incredible variety and quantity of beer but also serves up delicious dishes. Without a doubt, it ranks among the world’s most renowned food festivals. 

Location: Germany 

Date: September 17, 2023 – October 3, 2023

Conclusion

Food festivals around the globe give us a special peek into diverse culinary customs and cultural festivities, adding richness and excitement to our world. Whether it’s flinging tomatoes in Spain, relishing mooncakes in China, or delighting in local tastes at the Taste of Chicago, these events let us connect with people, enjoy various cuisines, and revel in the pleasure of food. Whether you’re a food lover or keen to discover new cultures, don’t forget to include these six famous food festivals on your list and set off on a worldwide culinary journey.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Food Festivals ·

What To Eat For Acid Reflux/ GERD

August 21, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Recently on top of all of my long covid symptoms I’ve had some pretty excruciating pain and symptoms of Acid Reflux. It is likely I’ve damaged my Oesophagus so as well as trying medication from my GP I am on a really restricted diet and wow for someone who enjoys cooking ( and eating ) as much as I do it is extremely hard. For those who don’t know, to treat severe acid reflux you need to avoid or massively limit the following foods:

Red Meat

Dairy

Most fats

Carbonated drinks

Alcohol

Citrus fruits

Most spices

All pepper and peppers

Chillies

White carbs

Fast or processed foods

Garlic

Onions

Mint

Chocolate

Tomatoes

Caffeine

And many more

Fun..ha well the last one is an exaggeration but it is limiting.

You also can’t eat for the last 3 hours before bed so bye bye late night snacks and you are advised to stay upright or move around after every meal as well as avoiding tight clothes while eating and immediately afterwards.

All of these foods can relax the oesophageal sphincter which in turn means acid can rise up into your oesophagus and throat.

I first noticed I had an issue when I felt like I had a constant lump in my throat, as well as often feeling like my food was getting stuck and being very aware of liquids travelling down my throat. Then I felt nausea frequently as well as burning pain in my chest and then the sour taste of acid in my mouth. I called the doctor mainly to check what heartburn meds they recommended alongside my beta blockers and when I described my symptoms my GP was quite concerned and started me on an immediate course of Omeprazole with the understanding that if my symptoms hadn’t improved in 4 weeks I would have to have further investigations.

In that 4 week period as well as the medication i drastically changed my diet and lifestyle. I cut out all fats other than olive oil, avocados and walnuts. I switched from dairy to almond milk and reduced my caffeine intake to 1 small cup of coffee first thing and cut out all tea, juice and soft drinks. I completely avoided red meat and white carbs and all citrus fruits as well as everything above. I mainly ate the following:

For breakfast:

Porridge with almond milk, banana and walnuts or avocado, egg whites and wholemeal bread

For lunch:

Soup of some kind ( typically carrot and coriander) or a baked potato with fat free cottage cheese and salad.

For dinner/tea:

Chicken or salmon with brown rice or pasta, cous cous or cauliflower rice and an abundance of veggies. For flavour I used fresh herbs and himalayan salt.

Snacks:

Bananas, apples, probiotic yoghurts, rice cakes or crackers with almond butter, walnuts or baked pretzels.

Drinks:

1 coffee a day, lots of water ( sometimes I treated myself with Fiji water or similar) or warm water with honey and ginger.

I also had to use a lot of OTC antacids because as I discovered these things do not fix themselves overnight and omeprazole each morning.

What did I find:

Well I started using a nutrition app to make sure I was still getting all I needed and discovered most days I was eating around 1200 calories, those late night snacks make a difference hey and I lost around 13lbs in the first few weeks. My nails grew quicker and my skin was clearer but my symptoms remained the same. My goal wasn’t to lose weight but most of these kinds of health conditions improve with less belly fat so it was a bonus I guess.

Where I am now..

So I am now 6 weeks into my very restricted diet and I’ve lost around 16lbs. My doctor asked me to stop taking my Omeprazole two weeks ago to have a test which unfortunately cannot be done while taking PPI medication as it masks things. The omeprazole clearly has been doing something as since stopping I am in a ridiculous amount of pain. Peptic is my new best friend. I have had the test done today so am hoping to start back my medication soon. I have had one or two days where I’ve had to for various reasons eat something outside of my diet and I’ve paid for it but that’s life.

I’ll provide an update soon!

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Uncategorized ·

We don’t talk about (Long) Covid no no…

August 21, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

There are a lot of people who would prefer not to hear the word COVID again which I understand. It is the only thing to have happened in my lifetime at least which impacted every person regardless of wealth or location. We all felt the loneliness COVID brought into our lives, we all suffered in different ways. Many lost people they loved and others lost businesses, then you had the incredible impact on the mental health of those who went through a pandemic alone. It destroyed lives in so many ways that people don’t want to hear about it anymore but where does that leave those left with long COVID?

You even still have people who believe COVID wasn’t real and yet if that is the case why am I and millions of others now left with disabling symptoms which have forever changed our day to day lives?

As much as I along with everyone else would like to forget that period of time I cannot.

My life has changed immensely over the three years since I first contracted COVID in October 2020. I was the fittest I’d been in a very long time when I tested positive and I remember thinking well this is the best time for me to get this virus, I’ll fight it and then I’ll be immune to it for a while and get on with life. I was almost glad to get it out of the way because surely I’d be fine. That wasn’t the case and it’s now clear that the people affected with LC still, were for the majority very fit before infection, it also seems to affect women from 30-50 more than any other age group. We still don’t know why. I just know I went from going to the gym 3-5 times a week and walking up to 25k steps per day to being breathless walking to the end of the street. To learning to live with constant pain, fatigue and unbelievable brain fog. Then the scarier symptoms appeared like fast heart rate, palpitations and shortness of breath. I’ve had COVID three times and with each reinfection I’ve had more and more issues. It has’t gone away, it was a big deal and more needs to be done to support those still suffering. We need more research, more treatments available ( and not just for those who can afford private healthcare) and for there to be options other than this is now your life.

As I’ve said before if you know someone with Long Covid please support them as much as you can, please don’t belittle their condition. It does not mean just being tired or a little breathless, it is a disabling illness and for some it gets worse not better. I have written quite a bit about this subject so if you want to learn more please click here and if you want to get in touch please do, ask questions, get support and educate yourself. Coming up soon I’ll be sharing more about what I do daily to help manage my pain and symptoms.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: long covid · Tagged: long Covid

6 Ways to Improve Your Coffee at Home

August 17, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · 1 Comment

Pexels – CCO Licence

Do your morning brews taste more like dishwater than the delightful elixirs you sip at your favourite café? Don’t give up on the DIUY approach and end up spending a fortune on takeaway coffee – simply check out these quick tips that will enable you to improve your home brews in an instant!

1. Whole Beans – Ground Control to Major Flavour

Instant coffee can do in a pinch, but for the real deal, it’s all about the beans, baby. Freshly ground beans release all those aromatic oils and flavours that give your coffee its signature taste. So, invest in a good grinder and grind just before brewing. It’s a game-changer! If whole beans aren’t your thing and you’d prefer something faster, then a good instant from reputable coffee distributors is a good choice too, just be sure to try as many out as possible to find your perfect blend.

2. Water – Not Just Any Old Tap Swill

Ever heard the phrase, ‘your coffee is only as good as your water’? Well, you have now. If you aren’t exactly a big fan of tap water neither will your coffee be. Filtered water can make a world of difference to how clean, fresh and pure your coffee tastes so it is definitely worth investing in a filter if you do not already have one.

3. Right Temperature – Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold

Pouring boiling water over your coffee grounds? Naughty, naughty! The ideal temperature for your daily cup of Joe is actually around 90-95°C. Too hot and you’ll scald the beans; too cold, and you won’t extract enough flavour. If you’re serious about prepping the best cup of coffee (or just love gadgets), consider a kettle with adjustable temperature settings that will remove the guesswork and enable you to get it right every single time.

4. Brewing Time – Patience is a Virtue, Chaps

Whether you’re a French press fanatic or an Aeropress aficionado, getting the brew time right is crucial to a quality cup of Joe. Too long, and it’s bitterness galore; too short, and you’re left with a sad, underwhelming brew. You might need to experiment to find that sweet spot for your taste, but once you’ve got it down, you will be able to effortlessly replicate it forevermore.

5. Milk Matters – Froth, Don’t Fumble

If you’re into lattes or cappuccinos, you’ll know the froth is where the fun’s at. No need for a fancy machine – a simple milk frother will do the trick. And hey, if you’re feeling wild, why not try almond, oat, or soy milk for a change? You might find a different milk makes a huge difference to the taste of your coffee even if you’ve never thought of yourself as an almond milk person before.

6. Clean Kit – The Unsung Hero

A dirty coffee machine or French press can be the culprit behind a dodgy brew. Regular cleaning is not just for hygiene – it gets rid of old coffee oils and residue. Plus, your coffee will taste fresher, and you’ll feel a wee bit smug.

Here’s to a great cup of coffee!

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: Uncategorized ·

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

August 9, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

My boyfriend is obsessed with chicken wings so I had to give air fryer chicken wings a whirl. I’ve never been a huge fan, always preferring thighs to wings – mainly because..more meat! However since we met and have visited various restaurants and I’ve nabbed one or two of his always present chicken wing side orders I am beginning to be swayed.

I order GoBags or magic bags as I like to call them from GoPuff about once a week and quite often there will be a large pack of chicken wings in there so lots of opportunity for experimenting. I have been using my air fryer a lot lately so I wanted to see if they worked when cooked that way and I am pleased to say YES they do. If you want them to be crispy it may be worth popping them under a grill for a few minutes at the end but these are sticky and succulent and you need to try them!!

You will need:

Chicken wings

Seasoning: I used Old Bay seasoning which is great on all kinds of meat

BBQ sauce ( I used Truffle Hunter bbq sauce)

Rub the seasoning all over your wings. Add to your air fryer and pour over some bbq sauce. Cook for 10 mins, stop and shake well to get a good coverage of your sauce. Cook for 10 more minutes. Enjoy the perfect sticky indulgence.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: air fryer, Recipes · Tagged: air fryer chicken wings

Air Fryer Loaded Potatoes

August 9, 2023 · by munchiesandmunchkins · Leave a Comment

Like most of the UK I’ve been using my air fryer a lot more lately, it is far more cost effective than turning the oven on if you are only cooking one or two items and you don’t have to worry about preheating either. Plus it’s super speedy. The air fryer I use is fairly old now, I was gifted it about 6 or 7 years ago and is a Tefal Actifry XL. It’s still does the job although a small part of me does crave the new fancy dancy ones a bit. But until this one breaks all my air fryer recipes will be based on that model. The actifry has a paddle which does make it one of the best for making things like chips as it moves them about and gets that overall crispy texture, however for recipes such as today’s I remove the paddle so I don’t get a big pile of squished up mash.

I’ve made loaded potatoes in many variations for years. It used to be something you’d always see on pub menus although not so much these days, not sure why to be honest.

You can add any ingredient to this really, bits of leftover veg or meat, the ends of cheeses from a cheese board but I kept it simple for this air fryer test with grated cheese, chopped ham and spring onion. You don’t really need to measure amounts for this as it will depend on the size of your potatoes as to how much you will need to add of each ingredient. Also add seasoning such as sea salt, black pepper, maybe a dash of herbs and a big lump of butter.

Air Fryer Loaded Potatoes

You will need:

Baked potatoes ( I tend to cook a batch at a time and use the leftovers for loaded potatoes)

Grated cheese – mature cheddar is what I used but anything will work.

Chopped veg

Chopped meat

Butter

Seasoning

Start by cutting your cooked potatoes in half lengthways and scooping out the flesh. Put into a large bowl with some butter and seasoning and mash well, stir through your veg and meat and half your cheese.

Put the mixture back into the potato skins and top with the remaining cheese then pop in your air fryer.

For my actifry there is only one temp setting so I just set it for 15 mins and moved them around slightly after 10. Follow your air fryer instructions but it will probably take around 15 mins. They are ready when crispy on the outside and golden brown on top.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook

Filed Under: air fryer, Recipes · Tagged: air fryer, loaded potatoes

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 117
  • Next Page »
Food Advertising by logo

Connect with me

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

The Wonders Of Wales

A few weeks ago we were invited to A Garden To Plate cookery demonstration and lunch at The Newbridge On Usk. I'd never … Read More

The Wonders Of Wales

Recipe Development

Oreo Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream – Oreo Flavours

I love Oreos. Eaten whole, munched in half, deconstructed with the filling scooped off and of course dipped in tea. What … full post here

Read more like this...

Foodies100 Index of UK Food Blogs
Foodies100
Food Advertising by logo

Archives

Categories

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
Food Advertising by logo

Copyright © 2023 | Powered by Munchkins