Into the wild: a luxury eco-safari in southern Africa worth the journey
One for the bucket list – get close to nature by day and dine under the stars at night on a luxury eco-safari in southern Africa
Remote, responsible and offering an adventure of a lifetime, Wilderness’ camps at Toka Leya in Zambia and Linkwasha and Ruckomechi in Zimbabwe offer a rare kind of travel: up-close encounters with some of Africa’s most elusive wildlife. Along with the warmest hospitality and exceptional scenery, you’ll find encounters with nature at every turn. Set on riverbanks and within vast, unfenced national parks, each camp is unique, with its own expert guides. Built around the wildlife, the camps allow animals to move freely and the landscapes to remain untouched – it’s not unusual to spot giraffes, baboons, hippos or passing elephants from the deck of your safari tent. Days are shaped by the best opportunities to see wildlife, and your guide will wake you as the sun rises to spot animals at their most active before they shelter from the heat. Between your morning and evening safari, you can enjoy the camps’ hospitality: from cooling dips in a pool overlooking the great Zambezi to visits to local villages or fishing trips. There's rarely a moment that doesn’t feel like a unique and memorable experience. Stay At Toka Leya, swinging chairs and bathtubs outside invite you into the outdoor space, while treetop pathways link the camp to the restaurant area so as not to disturb the parade of wildlife. Set on the edge of the Great Zambezi River, it’s just a short drive from Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. River cruises are a must here and you’ll sail past meandering hippos, crocs and elephants having their evening bath. Three of the suites here offer family units with an extra bedroom. In Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park, Linkwasha offers a more contemporary take on safari living. Pale woods, canvas and glass create a modern, safari-chic aesthetic, with suites positioned around a busy waterhole where giraffes, elephants and antelope gather throughout the day. There is a sunken viewing hide here for incredibly close-up photographs of the wildlife. Further south, Ruckomechi, set within Mana Pools National Park, feels timeless and explorer-chic. Lantern-lit decks glow after dark and elephants frequently wander through camp. You can also book a night on their outdoor bed platform – perfectly safe, yet completely open to the night sky – where you fall asleep beneath the Milky Way and wake to hyenas laughing at dawn. Eat Food is an integral part of the Wilderness experience, the emphasis is on traditional menus that celebrate the bold, earthy flavours and locally sourced ingredients. Think flame-grilled bream from the Zambezi, slow-cooked game stews, vibrant salads and homemade cakes and sandwiches before every afternoon game drive. Mornings begin gently with fresh fruit, wood-fired breads and eggs cooked to order before heading out on your first activity of the day. You’ll return to a lavish brunch with the menu changing daily, but the generous options mean that everyone is well looked after. Evening menus are three-course and served under the stars, there’s also an opportunity to sit with your guide on the last night for a relaxed opportunity to hear more about their adventures. Dinner ends with gin and tonics around the campfire and drinks from the bar. Experience The guiding across all three camps is exceptional – their knowledge of the surrounding area and wildlife is unrivalled. Days follow a natural rhythm: early-morning drives when animals are most active, lazy afternoons for swimming, spa treatments or simply watching the bush breathe, followed by a final outing as the air cools. Planet Sustainability underpins everything Wilderness does. Camps are solar-powered, toiletries are eco-friendly and ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible. Just as importantly, Wilderness works closely with surrounding communities, supporting conservation initiatives that protect both wildlife and livelihoods – ensuring these extraordinary places endure for generations to come. How to do it Toka Leya is accessed via Livingstone Airport in Zambia, while Linkwasha and Ruckomechi are closest to Victoria Falls or Harare. From £613 per person, per night including transfers, meals, drinks, and game drives or river excursions. wildernessdestinations.com
14 ways to use up leftover Easter chocolate with kids
Children gifted more chocolate than you bargained for? Help them make a dent in their stash with our left-over Easter chocolate recipes, perfect for sharing (with you)
Plying kids with an abundance of shiny Easter eggs is fun, but only if you're not the one who has to deal with the tantrums and bellyaches later. So if your kids have been sent a mountain of Easter eggs from grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends, then you might have a long holiday on your hands. When it comes to guarding chocolate, kids are smart. So if you want to deplete the store, you'll need to get creative with your tactics. Here are ten of the best Easter recipes for kids that use left-over chocolate. Check out more of our smart ways to use up your left-over choc with our leftover Easter egg recipes, Easter dessert recipes and Easter recipe ideas. Now find out how to throw an Easter egg hunt, how to host an Easter afternoon tea for kids and then try more fun Easter baking ideas for kids. Try more leftover easter egg recipes. Using up Easter chocolate with kids 1. Easter egg rocky road No baking required with this super-easy rocky road recipe. Invite little hands to help bash the biscuits and mix together with melted chocolate, marshmallows and chocolate mini eggs. Discover more rocky road recipes. 2. Easter nest cake This cake makes an incredible Easter showstopper, but also an excellent post-Easter cake – fingers crossed, your kids will give up their mini eggs for the cause. Discover more show-stopping cake recipes. 3. Smarties cookies Get the kids in the kitchen to make these chewy cookies packed with Smarties and pretty rainbow sprinkles. These will keep in an airtight container for up to five days or frozen for up to three months, making them a great make-ahead option for celebrations such as a birthday party. Check out our birthday party food recipes for more celebratory sweet treats. 4. Air fryer hot cross bun brownie Give brownies an Easter twist with pieces of hot cross bun and any leftover chocolate bits stirred into the batter. You could also add any mix-ins you like – marzipan, chopped nuts and crystallised stem ginger work well. For extra fudgy brownies, leave to cool overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving. For more easy bakes, see our collection of air fryer desserts. 5. Creme Egg® cookies Use a sweet shop favourite in these American-style double-chocolate cookies with a gooey centre. Before baking, the dough balls will keep frozen for up to three months, meaning you can reserve them for a later date when sweet cravings hit. We have plenty more chocolate orange recipes, like these chocolate orange cupcakes. 6. Chocolate chip banana bread This delicious banana bread uses up two things: over-ripened bananas and Easter chocolate. Plus because the recipe only calls for two simple steps, it's a great bake to make with kids. Discover more banana bread recipes. 7. Creme Egg® brownies Transform any leftover Creme Egg® into these chocolate brownies featuring with a swirly, sticky topping. They're best kept in the fridge for maximum fudgy texture. Discover more of our extra-gooey kids' brownie recipes. 8. Easiest air fryer Easter chocolate cookies Did you know you can make moreish chocolate chunk cookies in your air fryer? Put leftover Easter chocolate to excellent use in these sweet treats. Alternatively, use up leftover mini eggs in Easter egg cookies, or try our choc chunk, cashew & cranberry cookies. Discover more easy cookie recipes. 9. Mini chocolate cheesecakes If these mini cheesecakes don't persuade the kids to part with a few chocolate buttons, then you're in serious trouble. This recipe has been written for kids and makes a fun indoor project. After all, who doesn't love some enthusiastic biscuit-bashing on a rainy day? Discover more chocolate cheesecake recipes. 10. Easter hot chocolate This glossy, thick hot chocolate is a triple chocolate feast. Make it using not only cocoa powder, but also remaining Easter egg chocolate. Decorate with whipped cream, mini eggs and mini marshmallows. Ensure you’re in a good mood, because this decadent drink will leave your children bouncing off the walls. Discover more hot chocolate recipes. 11. Sweet shop chocolate slab It doesn't get much easier than this chocolate bark loaded with an assortment of Easter treats. We topped ours with caramel eggs for extra-gooey texture. Discover more easy chocolate bark recipes. 12. Cheesecake-filled Easter eggs This indulgent dessert is excellent for using up left-over mini chocolate eggs. Kids will love bashing the biscuits for the base, and you can teach them the importance of patience when baking, as there are a few essential chilling steps. Discover more no-bake cheesecake recipes. 13. Chocolate pizza Everyone loves a stuffed-crust pizza, and this sweet version puts Easter egg chocolate to good use. Top with mini marshmallows or other sweet treats from your kids' Easter chocolate stash. Discover more kids' chocolate recipes. 14. Easter rocky road cheesecake bars These moreish rocky road cheesecake bars are perfect for clearing your cupboards of nuts, dried fruits, or opened packets of pretzels and popcorn. Top with left-over mini eggs, if you're lucky enough to still have some. Discover more double cream recipes. Not even made a dent? Our chocolate baking recipes are full of brownies, fondants and cakes to deplete even the biggest Easter stash. Plus, keep the kids entertained for the whole holiday with these fun Easter projects for kids. Have you got any sneaky ways to use up left-over chocolate? We'd love to hear your ideas...
Celebrate your child's birthday in style! From savoury snacks to fantastic sweets, we've got plenty of ideas to make your children's party go with a bang
A room full of rowdy kids can feel a bit terrifying at the best of times, but if you're laying on a birthday feast for them too, things can get really stressful. Fear not. With some planning, you can put on a homemade feast to keep little ones happy for hours, with child-approved treats like healthy smoothie jellies to fanciful unicorn cupcakes to choose from. After all, they'll need the energy for all the dancing and musical chairs! For more recipes perfect for entertaining a large group of kids, why not try our kids' party drinks recipes, kids' vegetarian party recipes or kids' party cake recipes. Get even more inspiration with our easy birthday cakes for kids and birthday ideas for kids at home. Tips for throwing a kids' party 1. Choose a fun theme Selecting a theme, such as pirates, unicorns, superheroes or dinosaurs, is a brilliant way to guide your party planning. The theme can inspire your decorations, activities and even the food you serve. If your child is obsessed with a particular theme, let it inspire the whole party. For example, if your little one loves unicorns, you can incorporate unicorn-themed decorations, cakes and party favours – see our our unicorn party ideas for more inspiration. Choosing a theme not only excites the children but also gives you a framework, making decisions easier and creating a more memorable experience for everyone. Let your child be involved in picking the theme to make the day feel extra special and personal to them. 2. Keep it simple and budget-friendly There’s no need to go overboard with expensive decorations or extravagant food – a successful party can still be memorable and fun while keeping costs low. Focus on simple touches, use what you already have at home for decorations and opt for easy-to-make snacks. After all, children are there to have fun, not to judge the décor or the cost of the party! Keeping things simple will also make it easier for you to manage the day and enjoy it yourself, rather than feeling overwhelmed by too many details or unnecessary spending. See our kids’ birthday party food ideas on a budget for some easy, low-cost ideas. 3. Plan plenty of games and activities A room full of energetic children can quickly descend into chaos if there’s not enough to keep them occupied. Have a selection of kids’ party games ready, such as musical chairs or pass the parcel, and always prepare more activities than you think you’ll need. This keeps the children entertained and helps the party run smoothly. Classic games are often the most popular but you can also include creative activities like cupcake decorating or biscuit making, which double as entertainment and a tasty treat to take home. See our pick of kids party games for quick, easy and child-approved ideas. 4. Offer a mix of savoury snacks As popular as sausage rolls and sandwiches are, they don't have to steal all the limelight when it comes to your savoury spread. Serve a selection of savoury snacks, such as couscous salads, falafel, chicken satay and colourful vegetable crudités with tasty dips. These savoury morsels not only look appealing but also help to sneak some vegetables into the party fare. Providing a mixture of food also means there’s something for every child, catering to different tastes and dietary needs. Try our air-fryer chicken nuggets for a failsafe and energy-efficient option or check out our air-fryer snacks for more easy nibble inspiration. 5. Make sandwiches fun Sandwiches are a staple at kids’ parties, but you can make them more appealing by cutting them into fun shapes using biscuit cutters. Presenting sandwiches in a playful way encourages children to eat as well as adding to the festive feel of the table. Little partygoers will love star-shaped sandwiches while slightly older children might enjoy layered club sandwiches with a choice of fillings. If you want to keep things simple, the age-old remedy of removing the crusts never fails to help. If your kids don't like eggs, have an allergy or are vegan, try these five-star egg-less mayo sandwiches or find more ideas with our sandwich fillings for kids. 6. Balance sweet treats with healthier options It’s tempting to serve lots of sugary snacks but balancing sweet treats with healthier choices is a wise move. Just make sure to keep the sweet treats safely out of sight until the savoury course has been eaten otherwise you may find yourself with a lot of uneaten sandwiches and some very busy kids! Low-sugar options like smoothie jellies, frozen fruit sticks and fruit rice paper rolls are all colourful and fun, helping to lighten the sugar load (kids will also love dunking the paper rolls into the mixed berry coulis dip). Serving slices of birthday cake with a side of fruit is another way to offer balance. You can also make little jam tarts, birthday biscuits or funny face cookies, which double as a fun activity if the children decorate them themselves. Children love things with their name on and these edible name place biscuits are sure to have the wow-factor – use them to mark out seating or wrap them in some pretty cellophane and pop them in a party bag. 7. Cupcakes as a party activity Cupcakes are always a hit – and serve as both a treat and a fun party activity. Bringing along a plain batch and letting kids ice and decorate their own is a brilliant party activity to keep them happy and busy for a little while. It's also a fun way to involve everyone, and the finished creations can be eaten at the party or taken home in a party bag. Plates of mini cupcakes are easy to distribute around the table and don't require any cutting. These birthday cupcakes are sure to get the party started, or your unicorn-loving children will adore a batch of unicorn cupcakes. Our chocolate fudge cupcakes always go down a storm with chocoholics. Make sure to provide options for different dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan cupcakes, so every child can join in the fun. Get inspired with our fun and easy kids' cupcake recipes, perfect for baking together. Looking for something simpler? Try our no-bake treats – sweet, fuss-free options that skip the oven for quick, energy-saving bakes. 8. Create a show-stopping birthday cake A birthday cake is often the centrepiece of the party, but with shop-bought varieties or ordered cakes quickly racking up the pounds, it definitely pays to make your own. It's great fun having such a creative project to work on and you can't beat the taste of a homemade cake. Plus, involving your child in choosing the cake design can make it even more special. Who doesn't love a themed birthday cake? Choose a design that fits your theme, such as a party animal, chocolate owl or number birthday cake. Decorating with edible glitter, sprinkles, sweets or lollipops adds extra excitement, just don’t forget the candles! 9. Serve refreshing drinks Playing 'pass the parcel' and running round in circles is thirsty work, so keep kids hydrated with some refreshing homemade drinks. Slicing fruit into a cup with a little bit of juice and fizzy water is a fun way of serving up a soft punch, and great for getting a bit of fruit into kids. And it just wouldn't be a children's party without lashings of lemonade. Our strawberry lemonade is a summery twist on the classic version with fresh strawberries or try our watermelon lemonade served in hollowed-out watermelons for extra fun. Getting kids to sit down with a cooling, healthy ice lolly can be a good way of bringing the party to a gentle close and settling some of the excitement. Alternatively, set up a vanilla milkshake bar for a fun activity where kids can choose their own toppings. Discover even more kids' party drink recipes. 10. Embrace the chaos and enjoy yourself A room full of excitable children may well be chaos but the party will be over before you know it, so try to relax and enjoy it. A few bumps and spills are bound to happen, so have some wipes and helpers on hand and embrace the mayhem while it lasts. The important thing is that your child and their friends have a wonderful time. Your enjoyment and positive attitude will set the tone for the whole day, making it a joyful occasion for everyone involved. Finally, if you've booked a venue but are still catering yourself, then check out our blog on transporting food safely. Are you a children's party veteran? Share your tips on what works... and what doesn't, below...
Looking for Christmas hamper ideas? Read on to discover recipe inspiration and tips on what to put in a hamper, plus how to present and assemble it.
A luxury hamper under the Christmas tree really does give you that magical feeling – and if it's homemade, you can feel truly smug. It makes a thoughtful, personal gift, and you can save cash by eschewing expensive shop-bought versions. And, the beauty of doing it yourself is that you can make it as simple or luxurious as you like. Here are our top tips for hamper success, including recipe choices and presentation advice. Get more inspiration from our pick of the best Christmas gifts for foodies and edible Christmas gift recipes. We've also got plenty more extended gift guides too, including the best Christmas hampers, letterbox gifts and best baking gifts. What to buy to make a hamper Use crêpe or tissue paper (£3.49 Amazon) to wrap your present and avoid single-use plastic. Wrap in a variety of ribbons (£4.99, Amazon) to create a colourful look. Wicker baskets (£12.99 for two, Amazon) can be found in garden centres, online and in department stores, but it's worth scouring your local charity shops for second-hand bargains, too. You can also use a pretty plate to present your gifts or a nice tray, both of which also work as an extra present. Reuse nice cardboard boxes you have around the house as an easy shortcut. Christmas hamper recipes Gifts for cheese lovers 1. Manchego & chorizo melting biscuits If you're making a hamper for a cheese lover, treat them to homemade accompaniments like these manchego & chorizo melting biscuits. These cheesy morsels are easy to make, plus the recipe makes 30, so you could keep some aside for yourself... See more of our savoury bakes. 2. Sea salt water biscuits Complete your cheese-lover's hamper with these homemade sea salt water biscuits, which are sensational spread with creamy cheese. If you fancy adding your own flavours, try sprinkling over a teaspoon of fennel seeds with the salt, or adding two tablespoonfuls of sesame seeds to the mix, or simply whizzing in a clove of garlic when you make the dough. Check out more savoury biscuit recipes. 3. Fig & walnut slice Looking for something novel to go into your cheese hamper? This sophisticated fig & walnut slice makes the perfect accompaniment, plus it's an easy, no-cook winner. See our dried fig recipes for more ways with fig. 4. Spiced beetroot & orange chutney A cheese hamper is simply not complete without chutney. This vividly coloured beetroot and orange chutney is delicately spiced with cinnamon, cloves and coriander seeds. Try our spiced fig & plum chutney for an equally festive treat and get even more inspiration with our best chutney recipes. 5. Baked camembert kit The ideal gift for a cheese-lover: a box of camembert to warm in the oven and serve with boozy marinated sultanas. Add a bottle of wine and they're sure to love it. See our homemade gift kit recipes for more festive ideas. 6. Marinated goat's cheese Submerging cheese in oil is a good way to preserve it. To make this marinated goat's cheese, break the goat’s cheese into pieces and roll into balls, place in the jar then pack the lemon zest, thyme and chilli around the cheese. Scatter over the fennel seeds and pour over the oil, then chill and leave to marinate for two days. Store in the fridge, and eat within two weeks. If you're big into goat's cheese, see our full collection. Gifts for chocolate lovers 7. Choc hazelnut truffles Keep chocolate lovers sated with a hamper of sweet treats and you'll definitely be popular. And who can say no to chocolate hazelnut truffles? Wrap these decorative chocolates in cellophane and pop in your hamper. Discover more of our Christmas truffle recipes. 8. Banoffee chocolate cup Turn your hand to these banoffee chocolate cups for an indulgent addition to your hamper. Made with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana chips, they're all the taste of banoffee pie in one small bite. See more Christmas chocolate ideas. 9. Salted fruit ’n’ nut bark Chocolate barks are easy to make and decorate – just choose your flavours, then pour the melted chocolate into a slab, decorate and leave to set. This super-simple slab of swirled dark and white chocolate is studded with chopped mixed nuts and dried fruit – break into chunky shards and pop in your hamper. Try out more chocolate bark recipes. Bakes and sweet treats 10. Pistachio nougat If you're up for something more challenging, try this homemade nougat studded with pistachio chunks. Wrap up in a presentation box and pop in your hamper for a thoughtful Christmas gift. We also have a recipe for classic nougat. 11. Clementine & poppy seed stollen Make a batch of this Christmassy stollen for a marzipan-lover in your life. With zesty clementines and fragrant winter spices, they're sure to impress. 12. Chocolate fudge For something more challenging, try making your own chocolate fudge. Be sure to use a sugar thermometer to achieve the perfect melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Check out more of our fudge recipes. 13. Ginger biscuit snowflakes These dainty ginger biscuits make an easy addition to your Christmas hamper. They're made with our universal dough recipe as well as festive spices including cinnamon, ginger and mixed spice. You may also want to bake these lovely checkerboard biscuits. 14. Coconut caramels These coconut caramels are bound to impress the recipient of your hamper. These require more effort than other sweets featured here, but time and attention are all you need. We have plenty more caramel recipes in our main collection. Homemade drinks gifts 15. Turkish delight vodka A bottle of wine in a Christmas hamper is almost compulsory, but you don't have to stick with the standard. Our Turkish delight-infused vodka is sure to impress. See more homemade Christmas drinks gifts. 16. Christmas pudding vodka This homemade Christmas pudding-infused vodka is a big toast to the season's flavours – oranges, lemons, cinnamon, dried fruit, amaretto and brandy. Read more on how to make flavoured spirits, and find tips and recipes for making infused gin, vodka and the classic winter tipple, sloe gin. Homemade food kits 17. Triple-chocolate cupcake kit The perfect Christmas gift for someone who loves to bake - the ingredients for delectable triple-chocolate cupcakes. This no-cook idea is a fun recipe for kids to get involved in, too. Alternatively, rustle up this chewy cranberry choc-nut cookie kit. 18. Mulling syrup Make up a mulled syrup gift kit as part of your DIY Christmas hamper. This spiced syrup works equally well for mulled wine or cider. You could also make yourself a batch ahead of time for festive entertaining. Try this recipe for mulled wine syrup, then check out our classic mulled wine. 19. 10-minute mincemeat Pack a jar of homemade mincemeat in your hamper. Ready in just 10 minutes, this mincemeat isn't just for mince pies – try it in Chelsea buns or sweet samosas. We have many more recipes in our mincemeat collection. 20. Hot chocolate stirrers These charming hot chocolate stirrers are a chocolate lover's dream, and the chances are they'll never want to use powdered cocoa again! This recipe is really easy to follow, and makes up to six stirrers. See our main Christmas gifts page for more gifting inspiration. More Christmas hamper recipes and tips The best edible gift recipes Last-minute homemade festive hamper ideas Christmas biscuit recipes Gingerbread inspiration Chocolate truffle recipes Easy DIY boozy gifts Homemade Christmas gift ideas Christmas chutney recipes How to make your own fudge Pickle ideas Savoury biscuit recipes The best hampers to buy Have you made your own Christmas hamper? Let us know your tips and advice below.
Discover the best festive recipes to keep kids busy this Christmas. Our easy projects include colourful biscuits, cupcakes, chocolate bark and plenty more.
Getting the kids in the kitchen doesn't have to be all play; help them package up their creations as homemade Christmas gifts for family and friends, then you've got presents with the personal touch checked off your to-do list. Even if they don't have the perfect finish, granny will still be impressed. See also our top Christmas crafts for kids, and full Christmas for kids collection. Enjoy a spot of family Christmas baking with our top edible Christmas gifts collection and get ready for festive gifting with our homemade Christmas drinks gifts. For more Christmas baking ideas for kids, see our Christmas cookies for kids, Christmas cupcake ideas for kids and festive snacks to leave for Santa this Christmas Eve. We've also got some great savoury Christmas cooking projects for kids. Sweet Christmas treats 1. Polar bear peppermint creams We've fallen head over heels for these polar bear peppermint creams, and the good news is that they're super simple to make. Kids will love rolling the minty paste into balls and flattening it to make bear heads, then decorating the faces. They're sure to make the lucky recipient smile! Polar bear peppermint creams 2. White chocolate unicorn bark Tailor this edible gift to anyone's tastes by playing around with colours, toppings and sweets you know they'll love. Kids can get creative and the results are always magical. White chocolate unicorn bark 3. Snowflake pretzels These little treats will appeal to all ages, and are simple to make with shop-bought pretzels and melted chocolate. Package them up in a box and give them away at Christmas. Snowflake pretzels 4. Jolly marshmallow snowmen Already made cotton wool snowmen? Up your game with this seriously cute recipe, which makes a lovely creative project for young children and is a big treat (whether they eat them or not). These jolly men also make lovely cake toppers or Christmas decorations. Happy crafting! Jolly marshmallow snowmen 5. Christmas rocky road Deliciously gooey and smothered in chocolate, you can’t really go wrong with this simple festive treat – let the kids sprinkle it with their own decorations and edible treats. Our Christmas rocky road is the ideal easy recipe for busy little hands to get stuck into. 6. Hot chocolate stirrers Our stunning hot chocolate stirrers are simply made in empty fromage frais pots. Let little hands get busy decorating with hundreds and thousands, mini fudge pieces, chocolate buttons or chopped-up peppermint candy canes. Or experiment with flavours like cardamom, candied peel and freeze-dried raspberries using another sophisticated stirrer recipe. Perky penguins 7. Snow globe hot chocolate Fill empty jam jars with all the ingredients for a luxury hot chocolate, paired with marshmallow snowmen. With extra treats like a cookie to dip, marshmallows to swirl, and a chocolate for afterwards, this is one edible gift that older children will love to give and receive. Snow globe hot chocolate 8. Sweet snowballs Let kids roll and coat these scrummy sweet snowballs. The smallest of hands can help to squish the mixture into balls. Just keep them from scoffing too many, then you'll have some left to gift family and friends. Add a bit of shimmering edible glitter into the mix and the kids will be in heaven. If they're still in a creative mood, let them loose with a few felt-tips on some homemade gift tags and your presents will be complete. Sweet snowballs 9. Reindeer & snowman chocolate bark Children will have a blast decorating this easy chocolate bark and it makes the perfect gift. You only need a handful of ingredients, a bit of imagination and you're good to go! Reindeer & snowman chocolate bark Christmas biscuits and cookies 10. Oreo reindeers With just a handful of simple ingredients, kids can easily help make these Christmassy treats. Box them up as a cute gift or simply make them over the holidays to spread festive joy. Oreo reindeers 11. Jammy star cookies Suitably festive and great as a homemade present, these jammy star cookies involve rolling and stamping out stars from biscuit dough, which is always a hit with the little ones. You could also try our chocolate marshmallow wheels recipe – vanilla biscuits with a fluffy marshmallow and sweet raspberry jam filling. 12. Rudolph shortbread These melt-in-the-mouth shortbread triangles are easily transformed into something magical. Decorate with sweets and wrap the creations in cellophane bags with pipe cleaner 'reindeer' antlers. If you've got under-10s, most steps can be done independently, except handling the oven and cutting out the shortbread. Over-10s can do everything by themselves if they want to, so you can relax with a cup of tea. Rudolph shortbread 13. Spiced & iced Christmas trees Everything tastes better when eaten off a stick, and these warm and spicy biscuits are no exception. Kids will enjoy stamping out Christmas tree shapes and sandwiching them together. Enjoy a biscuit warm from the oven with a cup of tea (it's Christmas after all), then sit back and watch them decorate their trees. Spiced & iced Christmas trees 14. Chocolate orange cookies A simple-crowd pleaser if you’re looking to stock up the biscuit tin over the festive season, or perhaps box a few up as a homemade gift – from the kids of course. Try our chocolate orange cookies. 15. Melting snowman biscuits Want something fun to do indoors but don't want to create loads of mess? We have the perfect Christmas project for you. These biscuits might be sticky, but no actual baking is required so there's minimum washing up. And the kids can get stuck straight into the best bit – the decorating. Everyone's a winner. Melting snowman biscuits 16. Edible name biscuits Want to keep the children entertained without causing havoc in the kitchen? These edible name biscuits use ready-made cookies so they can get straight to the finishing. Help little ones ice the names of your guests on the biscuits and they can take pride in displaying their work on the Christmas table. Edible name place biscuits 17. Gingerbread stained glass biscuits A brilliant way of getting into the Christmas spirit! These magical biscuits have a stained glass effect that the kids will love to make. They're almost too pretty to eat, but will certainly look fab on the Christmas tree. You can also bundle them up in some pretty packaging for a lovely homemade present. Gingerbread stained glass biscuits 18. Snowman biscuits Who can resist these beautiful snowman biscuits? Not us. If your children would prefer a decorating project to a baking one, you can make and freeze the biscuits in advance and bring them out for a cold winter's day activity. Snowman biscuits 19. Gingerbread bunting If you want a neat finish, this hanging thread of festive biscuits requires a little work from parents – the fondant icing might be tricky for little hands to manage. But kids will love mixing, rolling, and cutting out the biscuits, and if you buy ready-to-use tubes of coloured icing, they can design their own patterns too. Gingerbread bunting 20. Gingerbread people It wouldn't be Christmas without the aroma of homemade gingerbread baking in the oven. Make decorating these adorable gingerbread people even easier (and less messy) with tubes of shop-bought icing and sweets. Gingerbread people Christmas cakes and puddings 21. Christmas crumble If the kids are big fans of apple crumble, they'll love helping to bake this festive version, combining apples, cranberries and mixed spice. Serve warm with cream or custard for the ultimate cosy family pud. Christmas crumble 22. Rudolph cupcakes It's hard to resist Rudolph and when on top of a chocolate cupcake, even more so. Children between three and seven should be able to line the muffin tin, stir the mixture and spread the icing. Kids seven and up should be able to make the cakes with assistance but will still need help with the oven and hot tin. Of course, all children will love applying the final touches. Pop the decorative bits into bowls to give them freedom to work – and remember to leave some out for Santa as an extra-special treat. Rudolph cupcakes 23. Elf and santa cupcakes Children will love these easy-to-decorate cupcakes which look like Santa is stuck in the chimney! As well and decorating (and devouring), they can have fun colouring in our chimney cupcake template, too. Elf and santa cupcakes 24. Reindeer cake pops It's Rudolph again! These chocolate cake pops make the perfect afternoon project for older children who want to put their creative resources to good use. You will find it's amazing what you can do with some pretzels, icing and sweets. They also make great homemade gifts for junior bakers to give to their friends. Reindeer cake pops 25. Snowman cake This charming snowman cake is almost too cute to eat, but the vanilla buttercream filling is too good to miss. Using ready-made fondant icing means that children can help roll the nose and eyes with very little help and they'll love mixing the cake batter and buttercream, too. Snowman cake 26. Christmas cupcakes This easy-peasy cupcake recipe offers plenty of scope for creativity – from making the frosting to the white chocolate button snowmen and piped Christmas trees. Lots of fun is guaranteed even if the results aren’t altogether perfect. Christmas cupcakes 27. Christmas pudding Rice Krispie cakes Everyone loves a chocolate Rice Krispie cake, but this recipe is three steps better. Children will love mixing up the rice puffs, chocolate, raisins and peanuts and that's without mentioning the decorating. These cute puddings will be adored by everyone, so be sure to make plenty. Christmas pudding Rice Krispie cakes Savoury kids recipes 28. Christmas tree pizza tart The kids will love bringing a bit of festive fun to dinnertime with this tree-shaped pizza. It uses shop-bought pastry to cut corners, and kids can choose their favourite pizza toppings. Christmas tree pizza tart 29. Super sausage rolls If you're in need of a savoury treat, then look no further. These moreish sausage rolls will not disappoint and are perfect for entertaining over the Christmas holidays. The recipe is simple enough for children to enjoy and there are just three easy steps. Super sausage rolls 30. Cheese stars Let the kids show off their cooking skills and get into the festive spirit with these playful and easy, cheesy treats. They make great party food or a lovely homemade gift. Cheese stars Enjoyed this? Check out... Top Christmas crafts for kids How to make hot chocolate cones Kids' Christmas recipes What to leave for santa Top DIY Christmas crafts Are you whipping up festive treats this Christmas? We'd love to see your homemade creations! Tag us @goodfoodeveryday and use #goodfood and we'll share some of our favourites.
If you have a late summer or autumn glut, you'll want to check out these blackberry recipes, including vibrant desserts, salads, snacks and drinks
View Green Video on the source website One of the first signs of autumn, this sweet but pleasantly sharp fruit can lend itself to comforting puddings and stews, or light and refreshing salads and ice lollies. If you're wondering what to do with blackberries, we have some ideas for you. If you have any leftovers, the berries can easily be frozen or made into jams, pickles or compotes to preserve them. Make the most of local gardens and hedgerows for foraging with our tips on how to pick and cook blackberries. As well as their delicious flavour, these juicy berries also have a range of benefits, which you can read about in our guide: health benefits of blackberries. For more ideas on what to do with this seasonal fruit, see our blackberry recipes. How to eat blackberries After picking and rinsing gently in cold water, blackberries can be either enjoyed alone as a snack or added to dishes such as yogurts and smoothies, salads, baked goods and sauces or marinades for meat. To preserve them further they can be made into jams, chutneys and jellies, pickled or frozen for another time. Out best ever blackberry ideas: 1. Blackberry cake Make the most of your foraged berries in a showstopping layer cake, complete with piped cream topping. This beautiful bake combines blackberries with citrussy orange zest and marmalade in the sponge, topping and drizzle. Or serve our brilliantly boozy blackberry baba with spiced cream for a grown-up centrepiece. Looking for a simpler bake? Try our easy blackberry and apple loaf cake. Blackberry & orange cake Blackberry & apple loaf Blackberry meringue cake Blackberry victoria sponge Blackberry baba with spiced cream Check out our collection of autumn cake recipes for more brilliant bakes. 2. Blackberry cocktails We can’t think of a better use for blackberries than a homemade tipple. Mix up a rich and fruity liqueur with red wine and vodka or a vibrant blackberry gin. We’re all for toasting the end of summer with a kir royale or two. Or try a classic bramble cocktail with crème de mure and gin. Blackberry gin Bramble cocktails Blackberry mint julep Blackberry gin fizz Blackberry crème de mûre Blackberry vodka Kir royale Browse our autumn drinks recipes for more seasonal sips. 3. Frozen blackberry treats With blackberries appearing while the weather is still quite summery, we’re seeing them showcased more and more in cooling treats. Blackberry & lemon fool Blackberry & apple frozen yogurt cake Cider & blackberry ice pops Mango, lime & blackberry bombe 4. Autumnal salads Add a punch to salads with a handful of jewel-like blackberries – they pair perfectly with creamy and salty cheeses like feta or goat’s cheese and add a refreshing hit to cold game. Blackberry, beetroot & goat’s cheese salad Pigeon & hedgerow salad Sautéed liver & apple salad with blackberry dressing Tuck into more hearty autumn salad recipes. 5. Blackberry crumble As the chilly nights draw in, we can't think of anything more comforting than a steaming bowl of crumble soaked in custard. Blackberries work especially well in this pud combined with other autumnal fruits such as apples, pears and plums. Go for a traditional crumble mix or jazz it up with warming spices such as cinnamon and star anise. We also love augmenting the crumble topping with nuts, seeds and dried fruit for extra texture. Apple & blackberry crumble Pear & blackberry crumble with bay leaf custard Spiced plum & blackberry crumble Blackberry & hazelnut crumble flapjack Treat yourselves to more comforting crumble recipes. 6. Blackberry compote Whether you want to drizzle it on a creamy rice pudding, layer it between French toast or top it on warm apple scones, blackberry compote makes for the perfect autumnal treat. Spiced rice pudding with blackberry compote Blackberry compote Apple scones with blackberry compote Poor knights of Windsor with blackberry compote 7. Blackberry traybakes We can’t get enough of super-simple traybakes for showcasing our favourite seasonal fruit. Perfect for making with kids, our fruity blackberry and almond cake slices are delicious for afternoon tea or serve with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Also try our variations with coconut, apples and marshmallow. Jammy blackberry & almond crumble Blackberry & coconut squares Blackberry & apple mallow traybake Blackcurrant coconut slices Blackberry bakewell squares 8. Blackberry cheesecake Ideal for feeding a crowd, this cheesecake with hazelnuts and blackberries is made in the slow cooker. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with the tart berry topping. Got no time? Our berry cheesecake in a glass makes a quick cheat. Slow cooker muscovado cheesecake with hazelnuts & blackberries Lemon cheesecake with baked plums & blackberries Berry cheesecake in a glass 9. Blackberry jam We’ll never get tired of the aroma of bubbling, freshly picked fruit. Our blackberry jam can be boiled down into jars in minutes, so there’s no excuse for letting a single berry go to waste. Blackberry jam Apple & blackberry jam Blackberry jelly Jumbleberry jam 10. Blackberry tarts Nothing signals the start of autumn like a tart bursting with juicy blackberries. Our rustic harvest fruit tart makes the ideal seasonal pudding if you're having friends over for dinner. Rustic harvest fruit tart Pear & blackberry crostata 11. Blackberry doughnuts Looking for a fun weekend baking project? These fluffy doughnuts are well worth the effort and utterly delicious filled with tangy blackberry jam. Transform this fruity bake into a decadent dessert by serving with a fragrant homemade bay leaf custard. Blackberry doughnuts 12. Blackberry pavlovas Try something a little different for dessert with these dainty pavlovas. We've incorporated whole berries into an aromatic bay-infused compote, served over decadent dark chocolate meringue and blackberry rippled cream. Allow the vibrant scarlet juices to spill out over the swirling chocolate meringues and you'll have a plate that is both beautiful to look at and devour. Mini dark chocolate, blackberry & bay pavlovas 13. Blackberry baked oats Chilly mornings are made so much better with a warming bowl of baked oats. This healthy version combines heart-healthy oats with warming spices, crunchy pecans and fruity pockets of blackberries and apples. And if that's not enough to get you out of bed, it's also high in fibre and delivers one of your five-a-day! Blackberry & apple oat bake 14. Blackberry marshmallows Homemade, luxury marshmallows are taking the food world by storm, but our favourite has to be these pillowy soft bramble marshmallows. Easy to make, we love the contrast between the sharp fruits and sweet mallows, plus they make a great gift, too. Bramble marshmallows How to make marshmallows video 15. Blackberry smoothies Blackberries have one of the highest antioxidants levels of all fruit, providing the perfect start to your morning. Ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg give this blackberry & beetroot smoothie a warm kick. Or, get ahead by whipping up some blackberry smoothie cubes. Blackberry & beetroot smoothie Frozen blackberry smoothie Breakfast smoothie Smoothie cubes 16. Blackberry tiramisu Like the sound of making a blackberry tiramisu? This fruity twist on a classic makes a stand-out dessert for showing off at dinner parties, boasting a silky smooth chocolate sauce to finish. Blackberry tiramisu with chocolate sauce 17. Blackberry porridge Switch up your regular porridge topping with this luxurious blackberry, mixed seed and white chocolate recipe. It's sure to prove a hit with the whole family for breakfast. Blackberry & white chocolate porridge topper 18. Blackberry queen of puddings Whether homegrown, foraged or shop-bought, this blackberry twist on a classic British dessert is a must-try while in season. Blackberry queen of puddings Mini apple & blackberry puddings Blackberry, lemon & mascarpone croissant pudding 19. Blackberry muffins Put blackberries to brilliant use in our energy-boosting muffins. Made with wholemeal flour and sweetened with dates and bananas, they're a great grab-and-go breakfast. Blackberry & banana breakfast muffins Blackberry muffins 20. Blackberry pie Master the art of baking a blackberry pie with Barney's ultimate recipe – we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeve to right some common wrongs. Blackberry pie Farmhouse blackberry & apple pie Bramley & blackberry pie Spiced apple & blackberry hand pies Looking for more autumnal inspiration? You might enjoy... Autumn baking projects for kids Top 10 autumn recipes Easy sloe gin cocktail recipes Top 10 ways to serve figs Top 20 pumpkin recipes Autumn storecupboard essentials Have you got ingenious ideas for using up blackberries? Let us know below...
Dishes to get you and the kids in the holiday mood. Let them try interesting ingredients, learn new skills and have fun at the same time
Cooking with your kids is a great way to explore new tastes and broaden your child's horizons. If you're heading overseas this summer, make a special meal before you jet off to talk about the language, culture and geography of your destination. Your child may then have more confidence about trying the real thing on holiday. If you're not going abroad you can take your family on an adventure though Spain, Greece and France – without the hassle of the airport check-in! For more family-friendly holiday inspiration, try our summer dinner ideas, Mediterranean recipes, family summer one-pot meals, mocktails for kids and budget summer holiday ideas for kids. Discover even more holiday-at-home recipes. Spain - paella mixta What the kids can do: Get children snipping herbs with scissors, scrubbing mussels and peeling prawns. What you can talk about: Paella is served all across Spain, but it originally comes from Valencia on the south-east coast. There are many variations on the basic recipe, but most are made with rice and either seafood or meat, although mixed versions are also popular. With its origin in Valencia, the first paella is believed to have been cooked by local farmers. They would use whatever food they had available from the land such as rice, onions, tomatoes, beans and even snails! Now try more Spanish recipes and vegan and vegetarian tapas dishes for a Spanish-inspired feast. France - steak haché with pommes frites & Béarnaise sauce What the kids can do: Children can mix and shape the patties, tip the chips into cold water and drain them. What you can talk about: Steak haché is a version of burger and chips, minus the bun. It's often served rare in restarants in France, so if you'd prefer it cooked through, ask for it 'fait bien cuit'. Pommes frites are skinny chips and usually fried, however, here they're baked, so children can help to cook them. If your kids like creamy sauces, encourage them to try the classic Béarnaise, flavoured with the beef juices and tarragon. Discover more French recipes, French bread recipes and French onion soup recipes. Greece - chicken gyros What the kids can do: Little ones can mix, knead and divide the dough for the pitta breads and make the tzatziki. What you can talk about: Gyro is a popular fast food choice in Greece. Skewers of marinated meat are cooked over an open fire, and it can be lamb, pork or chicken. It's normally served with tomatoes, red onion and tzatziki (chopped cucumber mixed with Greek yogurt, garlic, mint and lemon juice). In some tavernas they serve chips inside the pitta bread, too. Next try our Greek-style recipes, Greek salad recipes, vegetarian Greek recipes and Greek yogurt recipes. Italy – pizza margherita What the kids can do: even little hands can make light work of this pizza margherita in four easy steps. Kids can knead and roll out the dough, and of course decorate the pizza with cheese and their favourite toppings. What you can talk about: the history of pizza in Italy can be traced back to Naples in the 18th century. The classic margherita pizza takes its name from Queen Margherita, who tried the pizza and named it after herself in the late 19th century. At this time, it was typically a cheap food for the working classes to eat, as it is made of basic ingredients. Now, that's not so much the case. Discover more Italian recipes, vegetarian Italian recipes, healthy Italian recipes and Italian pasta recipes. Portugal – pastel de nata What the kids can do: kids can help roll out the puff pastry – this recipe uses shop-bought to make it even easier. Although custard can be a bit fiddly, with our easy recipe and your watchful eye, they can have a go at that, too. What you can talk about: the classic Portuguese treat first appeared in the 18th century, when monks made the tarts to use up leftover egg yolks. Egg whites were used to starch nuns' habits, so rather than letting the leftover yolks go to waste, they were transformed into custard for the delicious dessert we know and love today. Next, try more Portuguese recipes. Tunisia – shakshuka What the kids can do: the beauty of this dish is that it can be easily adapted to whatever ingredients you have on hand. Although it won't be as authentic, kids can get creative by adding pesto, curry powder or fresh herbs. What you can talk about: the origin of this North African dish is somewhat contested; it's believed to have first been made in Tunisia, as the word 'shakshuka' comes from the Tunisian word meaning 'all mixed up' or 'shaken up'. It's now a popular brunch or lunch dish across North Africa and the Middle East, with each country putting its own spin on it. Now, try our North African chicken tagine and discover even more shakshuka recipes. US – hot dogs with street cart onions What the kids can do: depending how old they are, you can do all of the cooking and let them assemble the hot dogs, or they can try caramelising the onions and cooking the frankfurters with your help. What you can talk about: it's believed that the first hot dog stand appeared in the 19th century, when the first Coney Island hot dog stand was started by Charles Feltman. The frankfurter, originally from Germany, was brought to the US through immigration. Get inspired by more American recipes, including fluffy American pancake recipes. Discover more hot dog topping ideas. You might also be interested in: Top tips for cooking with kids A guide to cookery skills by age The best hidden veg recipes for kids The best ice lolly recipes for kids The best soup recipes for kids Have you tried one of our recipes with your kids? We'd love to hear how you found them below...
Inspired to make a homemade birthday cake for your little one? Pick your favourite and have a go with our ultimate collection of fun party cake recipes for kids
Who doesn't love a themed birthday cake? But with shop-bought varieties or ordered cakes quickly racking up the pounds, it definitely pays to make your own. Plus, it's great fun having such a creative project to work on and you can't beat the taste of a homemade cake. Our stunning recipes are also much simpler to make than you think, so get stuck in... Next discover more kid's party recipes, kids’ birthday party food ideas on a budget, kids' party drink recipes and how to throw a kids' party. Birthday cakes for kids 1. Hedgehog cake Most children are naturally fascinated with the animal world, and this woodland-inspired hedgehog cake is bound to charm a crowd. Decorated with edible spikes, buttercream and chocolate details, this cake is simple to make, and the results are well worth it. For extra effect, garnish the board with woodland leaves, acorns and conkers – just make sure none of them end up on the kids' plates! 2. Easy castle cake A magical three-tiered sponge cake that's simple to make, but you'd never think it. The art is all in the decoration with our easy castle cake and you can get as creative as you wish. A magical centrepiece for a very special party! 3. Happy lion birthday cake Share a smile with this happy lion birthday cake and your party is sure to be a hit! Kids will love the simple yogurt vanilla buttercream and novelty sugar paste icing decoration. 4. Party animal cake If you want to bring the fun factor, you can't go wrong with this party animal cake. Decorated with edible flowers, hundreds and thousands and fondant icing, it makes a stunning centrepiece for a kid's party. 5. Pirate ship & treasure island cake Living with a little pirate? This amazing pirate ship and treasure island cake is sure to wow the crowd when it makes its grand entrance. And kids will love the hidden treasure buried on a sandy desert island, just waiting to be discovered. 6. Fire engine cake It would be hard not to fall in love with this fun fire engine cake, but with details like a chocolate ladder, icing water splash, liquorice wheels, icing hose and toy fireman it's just impossible. Happy decorating! 7. Dinosaur cake Throwing a pre-historic party? This fabulous dinosaur cake will make it a roaring success! It looks really professional but is deceptively simple to make, with kid-friendly vanilla sponge, colourful decorations and crowd-pleasing chocolate sprinkles. 8. Surprise piñata football cake A piñata, but not as you know it! This stunning surpise piñata football cake is easy to make but bound to cause lots of excitement. The perfect end to a football-themed party! 9. Pretty princess cake Pull out all the stops with this sensational celebration cake, a princess doll enrobed in pink and white icing – it's much simpler to make than you might think. Spraying the cake with an edible lustre at the end really gives this creation a magical, movie-like quality. Try our pretty princess cake. For younger children it's hard to resist our chocolate owl, teddy cake or birthday bug cake. If you really want to set hearts racing then give your cakes a liberal sprinkling of edible glitter, sprinkles or decorate with soft sweets or lollipops – and don't forget the candles. 10. Chocolate owl cake Your owl-loving child will adore this chocolate-topped owl cake that's actually easier to make than it looks. Flakes makes a convincing texture for the wings while chocolate buttons give the owl its feathered body. 11. Digger cake This digger cake won't fail to go down a storm at your child's birthday party. With our comprehensive recipe from Jane Horby, you'll have a fantastic looking creation with minimal stress. More ideas: Teddy cake Lollipop cake Chocolate fudge cake Volcano cake Kids' party cake recipes Looking for more ideas for children's parties? Try these guides: Kids' party recipes Kids' party games Top cupcakes to make with kids Activities for kids Have you had any giant successes or failures when making your child's birthday cake? What would be your child's dream cake? We'd love to hear from you...
If your teen is having a party or sleepover we have plenty of ideas and tips for putting on a night to remember, just don’t forget to bulk-buy the earplugs....
Looking for teen party ideas? Take the stress out of planning with our recipes for fun mocktails and slushies to get the party started, then host a top-tier movie night with s'mores, popcorn and other movie treats that teenagers will love. When it comes to the main event, try our sharing snacks such as loaded nachos, chicken wings and pizzas. If your teen is hosting a sleepover, we've also got easy suggestions to make breakfast a breeze, such as super shakes, bagels and pancakes. Now try our summer party ideas for teenagers and top activities for kids' sleepovers for even more inspiration. Mocktails & slushies Give your teen crowd a cocktail maker and let them shake it up. Our fresh and fruity mocktail recipes feel like a treat without the alcohol. For extra wow-factor put some berries, sliced fruit or edible glitter into an ice cube tray and freeze. Serve with cocktail umbrellas, crushed ice and Morello cherries for full effect... Discover more non-alcoholic drinks ideas. 1. Mojito mocktail Teens will love muddling the sugar and mint leaves to make our rum-free version of the classic mojito. Top it up with lime juice, soda water and colourful straws. 2. Pineapple & lime mocktail This sparkling mocktail features edible gold glitter to bring some sparkle to your teen's party. Top it up with soda rather than tonic water to make it more teen-friendly. 3. Watermelon lemonade Serving this cocktail in a hollowed-out watermelon brings the fun factor. Using the fresh watermelon flesh also makes it a super refreshing drink everyone will love - and it's easier than you'd think! 4. Watermelon & strawberry slushie Everyone loves a slushie - and this one uses the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries and fresh watermelon so you're not adding in any extra sugars. A batch will make six portions but you can scale it up to suit your needs. DIY movie night bar This is really simple to create but looks great and is sure to cause excitement. Put on a spread of paper ice cream pots filled with broken pieces of chocolate, jelly beans, mini marshmallows and chocolate buttons, then simply give each of your guests a paper bag filled with popcorn and let them get mixing and shaking. Or try one of these irresistible recipes below... 5. S’mores dip Is there anything more indulgent than a s'mores dip? Melted chocolate is topped with golden mini marshmallows, ready for dunking into with digestives, strawberries and pineapple chunks. 6. Chocolate drizzled popcorn For slightly less of a sugar overload, this two ingredient popcorn is simply drizzled with dark chocolate for a quick and easy snack that can be easily scaled to your needs. Discover more no-bake recipes for kids. 7. 5 ways with flavoured popcorn Keep everyone happy with five different variations on homemade popcorn. From sweet banoffee popcorn to earthy matcha and a spicy curry version, this will satisfy even the fussiest of palettes. 8. Brown sugar & cinnamon glazed popcorn For a real treat, the sugary glaze and warming spice of this popcorn is good enough to rival any cinema-bought version - without the massive price tag! More movie treats These beauties take a little more effort and need to be made in advance, but they're well worth the extra time... you could make (or buy) the doughnuts and let the teens do the icing. 9. Coconut iced doughnuts If your teenagers are keen bakers, making this pretty doughnuts is a fun activity which yields sweet results. If they're less baking-inclined, you can make them ahead and they can have fun decorating – and eating – the fruits of your labour. 10. Tropical rocky road Make the most of leftover dried fruit, nuts and biscuits for these chocolate squares. Use dried pineapple and mango for a tropical twist. 11. Marshmallows dipped in chocolate These homemade lollipops couldn't be easier - simply put a lolly stick into a marshmallow, dip into chocolate and then top with hundreds-and-thousands and other colourful sprinkles. Teenagers will love making them and enjoy the tasty result. 12. Chocolate caramel cookies Rustle up a batch of these cookies before the teenagers arrive or let them try the easy recipe themselves. Serve warm from the oven, or make them into ice cream sandwiches for an extra treat. The main feast It might feel tempting to bulk-order the takeaway pizzas, but these crowd-sharing recipes are great for a budget and make a much more exciting alternative. They're super simple to put together and can all be made by the teens themselves – there's nothing quite like making your own perfect pizza. 13. Reggae reggae nachos Reggae Reggae Sauce creator Levi Roots shares this recipe for crowd-pleasing veggie nachos loaded with green jalapeños, scotch bonnet chilli, plenty of cheese and coriander. Serve with plenty of fresh guacamole for cooling down from those chillies! 14. Garlic bread nachos This is the ultimate movie night mash-up – garlic bread and nachos. This teenager-pleasing recipe comes together in less than half an hour and serves eight. What's not to love? 15. Movie night nachos with creamy guacamole These Tex Mex-inspired nachos combines chorizo black beans, chillies and Monterey jack cheese with a pickled onion salsa and creamy guacamole for a vibrant feast that teenagers will be itching to dig into. 16. Honey-glazed chicken wings These sticky chicken wings are glazed with honey and soy for plenty of sweet and savoury flavour that gives a wonderfully golden coating. Serve with halved celery sticks and baby carrots for dunking into the sour cream dip. 17. Holiday pizzas You can't go wrong with a homemade pizza party. This recipe is super simple and comes together in less than an hour, so teenagers can focus on the fun part of choosing their favourite toppings. 18. Sweet potato quesadillas For a veggie-friendly teens' party, these sweet potato, shallot, broad bean and cheese-filled quesadillas tick all the boxes. They're packed with flavour, textures and colour and are easy enough that teenagers can have a go making them themselves. Breakfast buffet If your teen is hosting a sleepover and you’ve all survived, then send your crowd on their way with a fun breakfast buffet. We’re talking homemade toaster pastries, American-style blueberry pancakes, super-shakes, breakfast banana splits and bagel club sandwiches. Just make sure they have their bags packed first… 19. Peach melba pop pies Forget the branded versions and make your own with these easy, peach and raspberry filled mini pies. They're made with a sheet of shop-bought shortcrust pastry for a seriously quick and easy sweet treat. 20. Breakfast super-shakes If your teenagers prefer something a bit lighter come breakfast-time, these healthy smoothies are full of nutritious ingredients that will keep kids energised. 21. Breakfast bagel club For a savoury option, these loaded bagels can be mixed and matched with whatever ingredients you've got in the fridge – fried eggs, soft cheese, avocado and smoked salmon are all great options. 22. Breakfast banana split For a healthier twist on the classic dessert, load up sliced bananas with frozen yogurt, low-sugar granola and fresh fruit for a fun, assembly-only breakfast that teenagers can make themselves. 23. Blueberry & lemon pancakes These American-style pancakes are sure to go down a storm with a bunch of teenagers. The fresh blueberry and lemon zest filling is a classic combination. For more ideas for kids, check out our family section. For party inspiration, discover our unicorn party ideas, including themed decorations and recipes. What's your top tip for hosting a teenage sleepover? We'd love to hear from you below...
Give camper van or tent-side meals a touch of class this summer with our easy family camping recipes, from barbecued sausages to marshmallow skewers.
Up for an adventure? Take the kids into the open air, sleep under the stars and spend time together as a family without the usual hassles of everyday life. Cooking in the wilderness is great fun, and everything cooked on an open fire just tastes better. But if you've got a hungry crowd to feed, it's a good idea to plan your meals in advance to ensure everyone remains full and happy. So, pack some essentials, grab your ingredients, then say 'hello' to freedom on the open road. Discover more delicious camping recipes. We also have plant-based recipes, including our vegetarian camping recipes and vegan camping recipes. Hearty breakfasts Savoury Wake up to an extra-special breakfast that will set you and the kids up for the day. Our flavoursome campfire smoky bean brekkie is a one-pan take on a full English breakfast. For a veggie alternative, our one-pan cheesy scrambled egg croissants take minutes to prepare and feel decadent. Or, cheesy skillet hash brown & eggs also calls for just one pan and is equally filling. For more breakfasts to start your trip right, check out our mood-boosting breakfast recipes. Or, if you want to get up and go, seek inspiration from our quick breakfast ideas. Sweet If you prefer starting the day with a little sweetness, tuck into our delicious choc chunk & high fruit granola topped with a few summer berries for a real holiday treat. These no-weigh cinnamon & yogurt pancakes are also easy to whip up and don't require any scales. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or chocolate spread. For more easy breakfast ideas to enjoy in the sun, check out our summer breakfast recipes. Or, make a batch of breakfast bars to take with you – try oat & cranberry bars, sunshine bars (they don't require baking) or our healthier flapjacks. Easy lunches Veggie boxes Let your little ones refuel with a leisurely al fresco lunch. A vibrant veggie pasta pesto salad is easy to prepare in advance and pack in lunchboxes. Or, bring along a big tub of our delicious Mediterranean-style deli couscous, which can be made using a variety of veg, mixed with lemony couscous and crumbly feta. Need something filling? Try tortellini with pesto & broccoli, a falafel lunchbox, or thick slices of sweet potato, spinach & feta tortilla. Discover more delicious vegetarian recipes and vegan inspiration. Sandwiches Halloumi is a perfect option for barbecuing, because it holds its shape while cooking and develops smoky flavour. Served in toasted brioche buns with fresh lettuce and tomatoes, halloumi burgers are a quick and easy veggie lunch. Our tasty salmon tacos with lime dressing will also go down a treat with the kids, who can assemble their own after you've cooked the salmon on the barbecue. If you have a frying pan to hand, our tasty no-oven pizza will also be a popular camp meal. Kids can help make the dough and choose from a selection of their favourite toppings to finish. Discover more exciting sandwich recipes, get creative with halloumi and check out our best sliders, too. Fuss-free suppers Sizzling sausages Nothing says campfire comfort like the smell of sizzling sausages cooked outside. Baste your chipolatas in an irresistibly sticky smoky tomato sauce, and bring some napkins for sticky little fingers. Visiting the West Country? Use sausages and cider from a local farm shop to make our sticky cider & mustard sausage wheel with box grater salad. Set your kids to work with veg and a grater, so they can grate the salad directly into a container. Discover more barbecue recipes, family barbecue recipes, budget barbecue recipes or quick barbecue recipes if you want to spend less time cooking and more time exploring. One pot & make-ahead meals For a fuss-free one-pot dinner, you can't go wrong with our chickpea tagine & couscous. It's simply made with tinned chickpeas, jarred peppers and harissa paste for plenty of flavours and textures. You have to be a little patient with our cowboy chicken & bean stew to give it time to cook, but the results are well worth it. There's minimum preparation involved, so once everything is in the casserole, you can relax. Alternatively, make it at home to reheat after setting up camp. Serve in bowls with grated cheese and tortilla chips. Our roast summer vegetables & chickpea stew and squash, chicken & couscous one-pot are packed full of goodness, and also perfect for making ahead. If you've got a lot of mouths to feed, a large pie will make a portable, camp-friendly meal that is delicious cold or warm. Make our vibrant veggie rainbow picnic pie, loaded with alternating layers of veg, feta and egg. This colourful creation can be made ahead, then chilled for up to two days before serving with a fresh summery salad. Sweet traybakes This raspberry jam, dark chocolate and coconut traybake is the perfect treat to pack for camping - it travels and keeps well and is packed with all of the flavours of a macaroon. Our chocolate crunch traybake is perfect if you’re looking for a sweet pick-me-up to bring along on the trip. It’s simple to make in 10 minutes, with just three easy steps. After cooling, these are easy to transport, as they're not highly decorated. Camping during a heatwave? Chocolate might melt, so keep fingers clean with a stack of flapjacks, easy biscuits, old school traybakes or make-ahead fridge cakes. Discover more sweet traybakes with our chocolate traybake recipes. Dipping desserts Give your kids some magical memories with these gloriously sticky strawberry, marshmallow & chocolate dippers. Melt the chocolate over the dying embers of a barbecue so it doesn't burn. The pan will be hot, so don’t let kids handle it – wrap it well in a tea towel or transfer the contents to a cool pan before dipping. Hand out wooden skewers to push the marshmallows and strawberries onto. Kids can get creative by dipping these in the chocolate, followed by sprinkles, flaked coconut, crumbled biscuits or chopped nuts. If you prefer toasted marshmallows, we suggest using long metal skewers instead to hold over a campfire or barbecue embers – a perfect end to the day. S’mores Let the kids go all-American with this popular campfire treat of toasted marshmallows sandwiched between biscuits. Our versions come in flavours such as salted caramel & peanut butter, banoffee and pumpkin pie. Pack up the ingredients and let the kids go wild making up their own – it's sure to be a night they'll remember. Or try our gooey smores cookies for another indulgent campfire treat. Discover more flavour combinations for this decadent treat with our s'mores recipes. Or, have you ever tried bananas on the barbecue? Give our barbecued banoffee splits a go. We've got plenty of flavours to choose from: Malt hot chocolate s'mores Banoffee s'mores Cookie base classic s'mores Salted caramel & peanut butter s'mores Pumpkin pie s'mores Bedtime drinks Board games, bedtime stories and a warming cup of hot caramel malted milk will have your kids tucked up in their sleeping bags before you know it. Campsite evenings are all about spending time round the fire with friends and family. But if you're starting to feel the night air chill, then a comforting mug of hot spiced buttered rum or creamy hot chocolate should soon do the trick. Find more recipes and tips for happy camping: Camping recipe collection Top foods to cook when camping Super-melty sweet and savoury s'mores Camping stoves review Top camping staples What do you enjoy eating on a family camping trip? Leave a comment below.