Munchies and Munchkins

Food and travel

You are here: Home / Archives for munchiesandmunchkins

Places To Visit

· by · 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?

4 Quick Methods Of Overcoming That Morning Ennui

· by · 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.

Filed Under: Life ·

How to Nurture Your Mental Well-Being During Pregnancy

· by · 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.

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

· by · 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!

9 Popular Food Festivals Worldwide In 2023

· by · 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.

What To Eat For Acid Reflux/ GERD

· by · 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!

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

· by · 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.

6 Ways to Improve Your Coffee at Home

· by · 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!

Air Fryer Chicken Wings

· by · 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.

Air Fryer Loaded Potatoes

· by · 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.

%d bloggers like this: