Warm up on cooler days with one of our flavoursome seasonal lunch recipes
As the days get shorter and colder, it's time to start enjoying those cosy dishes again, so we've rounded up our favourite autumn lunch ideas to that'll see you through to the winter. Whether you need a quick lunch on the go, or you're looking to take your time at the weekend, our recipes make the most out of the best autumn produce, like pumpkins for our spicy pumpkin soup or quince in our roast parsnip, quince & caramelised onion salad. If you enjoy your lunch warm, you should also check out our top hot lunches for more lunchtime inspiration, and for the kids, see our favourite school packed lunch ideas for more speedy and healthy recipes your kids will love. 10 autumn lunch ideas 1. Creamy mushroom soup We love an autumn soup recipe and this one is perfect for a warming lunch. This light yet filling creamy mushroom soup uses porcini and wild mushrooms for a beautifully rich taste. Grab some crusty white bread and enjoy a bowlful. 2. Spicy pumpkin soup Make the most of seasonal squash in the early autumn and try a spicy pumpkin soup, that's topped with toasted pumpkin seeds for a contrasting crunch. Have a look at some of our favourite pumpkin recipes for more autumnal ideas. 3. Roast squash with goat's cheese & puy lentils Roast butternut squash until caramelised then combine with crispy kale, soft goat's cheese and puy lentils for this hearty lunch that's impressive enough to serve to friends at the weekend. 4. Salsify crumpets Salsify, a lesser known root vegetable, is in season from October to February. Our salsify crumpets are complete with a poached egg and mustardy crème fraîche that would make for a filling weekend lunch. Have a look at our seasonal calendar to find out what other produce is perfect for this time of year. 5. Hearty pasta soup This filling soup is full of fibre and veg, plus it's low in fat, making it a great healthy autumn recipe. This hearty pasta recipe makes enough for four, so either enjoy as a warming family lunch at the weekend, or portion the soup up and eat throughout the week for a quick hot lunch. 6. Creamy pumpkin pasta This easy, creamy dish blends cooked pumpkin with tomato purée and mascarpone for a simple pasta sauce that you can make in advance for busier weekdays. Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan for a flavourful autumn lunch. 7. Roast parsnip, quince & caramelised onion salad with preserved lemon Our roast parsnip, quince & caramelised onion salad is a hearty vegan autumn dinner or lunch recipe. Boil quinces before roasting to give a tender, creamy texture, then add to this pretty salad with giant couscous and a punchy ginger dressing. Discover more of our dinners that make great lunches and get some new dishes in your rotation. 8. Kimchi double cheese toasties The Korean fermented cabbage is a favourite ingredient of ours – it’s especially good in this kimchi double cheese toastie and adds a spicy sour tang. Our cheese toastie recipes are the ideal comfort food, and this is a great one to warm up with on colder autumn lunch breaks. 9. Bombay potato frittata Pack in all the flavour for your next lunchtime, with our Bombay potato frittata. Perfect for a healthy lunch, it's low in calories and fat and full of nutrients. Serve with mango chutney and yogurt on the side. 10. Sausage pasta For a delicious and filling autumn pasta recipe, make our saucy sausage pasta with just a few storecupboard ingredients and half an hour of your time. It's a great recipe for meal prepping so that you've got delicious lunches ready for the busy week ahead. Need more lunch inspiration? Check out more of our favourite recipes... Healthy lunch ideas Healthy lunch idea for kids Top 10 low-carb lunch ideas Top 10 work from home lunches
20 hot cocktail recipes to keep you warm this winter
Beat the chill with one of our favourite hot cocktail recipes – perfect for parties, serving with dinner or enjoying as an evening treat after a long day.
View Green Video on the source website When it's wet and cold outside and going out to your local pub or bar seems like a trek, try one of our hot winter cocktails to keep warm at home. If you're hosting a gathering, you can keep your guests going with something citrussy, like our spiced clementine mulled whisky, or use your slow cooker to make our slow-cooker mulled cider. For more drinks ideas that are perfect for the colder months, try some of our top winter cocktails. And for chocolate lovers, check out our top hot chocolate recipes to help satisfy your sweet tooth. Top 20 hot cocktail recipes 1. Mulled wine Our mulled wine is the perfect festive cocktail, as it can be made ahead of time before things get busy. To serve warm, heat on the hob (being careful not to let it boil) and serve in heatproof glasses. We also have a slow-cooker version that's just as delicious. 2. Hot toddy The combination of whisky, honey, lemon, cinnamon and cloves really packs a punch, which makes this hot toddy recipe perfect for winter. Not a whisky fan? Try our hot gin toddy for a warming alternative. 3. Slow-cooker mulled cider Get your slow cooker out and make this sweet and zesty slow-cooker mulled cider. Serve in a large heatproof bowl and let guests help themselves. We've also got a recipe for a festive mulled beer, made with golden ale, apple juice, brandy and warming spices. 4. Salted caramel & rum hot chocolate This grown-up hot choc is made with dulce de leche, a thick caramel. Our salted caramel & rum hot chocolate makes a wonderful after-dinner treat for adults. For more chocolate tipples, check out our best boozy hot chocolates for an indulgent drink. 5. Spiced clementine mulled whisky Make the most of this seasonal citrus fruit by stirring up a batch of our spiced clementine mulled whisky that's perfect for those winter nights when you've just come in from the cold. 6. Hot buttered rum Try rounding off dinner with some hot buttered rum. Sweet and gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it's a wonderfully warming drink to curl up on the sofa with this winter. Or, try our hot spiced buttered rum flavoured with orange and star anise. 7. Spiced apple syrup with clementine & cloves Make a batch of this spiced apple syrup with clementine & cloves, then mix with hot apple juice or wine for a burst of Christmas flavour. You could even drizzle it over ice cream for a quick dessert. 8. Mulled pear & cranberry punch For a hot winter cocktail that makes the most of seasonal fruits, try this mulled pear & cranberry punch. Combine hot pear cider with apple and cranberry juice, plus sloe gin and cinnamon for a warming drink you'll return to again and again. 9. Chocolate caliente Thick and smooth, this chocolate caliente is flavoured with cinnamon, vanilla, orange and lemon peel, and topped with whipped cream. Try more of our ultimate hot chocolate recipes. 10. Nutmeg & orange Christmas coffee For coffee lovers, our nutmeg & orange Christmas coffee is a brilliant after-dinner drink on the big day, or one to wake up to on Christmas morning. Discover more of our classic coffee and coffee cocktail recipes that'll keep you going all year round. 11. Coffee cocktails & star biscuits Give your after-dinner coffees an edge with indulgent cream, a dash of Kahlúa and serve with shortbread star biscuits, if you like. See our coffee cocktails served with star biscuits. 12. Mulled quince cider Enjoy this alternative take on mulled cider, made with quince in place of apples. 13. White mulled wine Switch red wine and heavy spices for white wine, light cider, vanilla and elderflower cordial in this lovely lighter white mulled wine, perfect to serve during the winter months. 14. Mulled mead Mulled mead or cider with a splash of brandy is a real festive treat, a warming alternative to mulled wine with cinnamon, ginger and citrus notes. 15. Mulled port & lemon If you find mulled wine too heavy, try this refreshing alternative mulled port & lemon Christmas drink, served in 'frosted' wintry glasses. 16. Swedish Glögg Serve this warming Swedish glögg at a festive party or on a cosy night in. Combining red wine, orange zest, dried fruit and spices, this traditional Scandinavian drink is Christmas in a cup. 17. Gluhwein Blend red wine, brandy, orange and spices to make a gorgeous traditional gluhwein. It's the perfect grown-up drink during winter to help you warm up. 18. Slow cooker mulled wine Using a slow cooker to make mulled wine makes the flavours stay fresh. Plus you can leave it to gently warm while you eat, drink and be merry! 19. Cinnamon butter rum Kick back with a warming glass of cinnamon butter rum for a cosy night in. It's the perfect hot cocktail to enjoy during the winter months or at a Christmas gathering. 20. Calypso coffee Rum, coffee and cream are a winning combination in this calypso coffee, making a perfect after-dinner drink. Garnish with a coffee bean or grating of dark chocolate for the professional touch. Looking for more winter drink ideas? Discover more of our drink collections: Winter drinks recipes Winter cocktail recipes Mulled drinks recipes Top winter drinks recipes Homemade Christmas drinks gifts
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a banquet of delights. Our easy three-course menu for six is bursting with flavour and guaranteed to wow your guests.
Lunar New Year's Day is often regarded as an opportunity for family and friends to get together and share a home-cooked meal, so celebrate at home with our easy menu that's full of flavour, but won't take hours to make. Sample hot & sour soup, followed by ginger & garlic spiced chicken and mouth-watering toffee bananas to finish. Get even more inspiration from our Lunar New Year recipes and our family Lunar New Year recipes. When is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year 2025, marking the Year of the Snake, commences on the 29 January. This festive occasion derives its name from the lunar calendar, as the celebration dates align with the phases of the moon. 1. Plan your Lunar New Year menu Starter: Hot & sour prawn & sweetcorn soup In order to get the most flavourful broth, use the stock from the poached chicken in your main course to form the base of the soup. If you're short of time, just use fresh chicken stock. Traditionally, this soup gets its heat from ground white pepper and is thickened with cornflour, but we used chilli for heat and Chinese black rice vinegar for an irresistible tang. Spend just 20 minutes making our hot & sour prawn & sweetcorn soup, then ladle into bowls and top with strips of crunchy spring onion. Starter: Shanghainese quickbraise Hong Sao-style lion’s head meatballs Not traditionally a Lunar New Year food, but the roundness of the meatballs can be symbolic for a ‘well-rounded’ year. The reddish Hong Sao (red-braised Chinese sauce) oozes the lucky red symbolism. Recipe writer Ching-He Huang says, "My grandmother used to say that eating lion’s head meatballs will make us as strong as lions, a personal family favourite saying." The traditional Shanghainese meatballs are quite large, as big as a fist, but you can make smaller ones, if you like. You can also pre-cook and freeze the meatballs, just give them a quick braise in the red sauce before serving. Main: One-pot crystal chicken with ginger & chicken oil Onto the main event: our one-pot crystal chicken with soy sauce, rice wine and a sprinkling of Sichuan pepper is deliciously moist with terrific depth of flavour. Opt for the traditional method of poaching the chicken, or put your pressure cooker to work for a speedy 20-minute dish. Drizzle over some ginger and chilli oil to bring some zing to the dish. Main: Steamed sea bass with wok-fried bacon lardons, chestnuts & dried Chinese mushrooms At Lunar New Year, "Nian nian you yu" is symbolic phrase that translates to: "Every year you will have abundance." The Mandarin word for ‘fish’ (yu) is a homonym for ‘abundance’ (yu), so a whole fish is usually served to symbolise unity and completeness, while the red-coloured chillies bring luck. Use any fish of your choice – cod fillets work well, or use frozen fish – just follow the pack instructions to ensure it is cooked through. Side dish: Stir-fried garlic green beans Everyone needs a helping of greens on the side, especially when they taste this good. Our simple stir-fried garlic grean beans make a vibrant, healthy accompaniment to a rich and indulgent feast. Throw together four key ingredients, including oyster sauce, and in 15 minutes you'll have a wholesome addition for the dinner table. Side dish: Golden egg & onion fried rice The golden colour of the scrambled egg and wok-charred onion is said to bring wealth for the new year. For a simple yet punchy addition, drizzle crispy chilli oil on top. This is a great side dish to serve with the rest of the feast. Side: Seasonal 'wealth greens' ('Fa cai') ‘Cai’ is the Mandarin word for ‘vegetables’, but it is also a homonym for ‘prosperity’ and is used in the popular Lunar New Year greeting ‘Gong xi fa cai’, or ‘Congratulations on your wealth!’ This recipe uses red chard, which is sustainable, full of nutrients and shows off the lucky colour, red. Dessert: Toffee & sesame bananas Every decadent dinner needs a suitably stunning dessert. Our toffee & sesame bananas are a sweet, sticky taste sensation. Griddle your bananas with light brown sugar until caramelised, then spoon over your speedy homemade caramel and add a dollop of classic vanilla ice cream for good measure. You can even prep the sauce ahead of time for a really relaxed evening of entertaining. What's not to love? 2. Added extras and drinks We have a host of easy party bites you can prep before your guests arrive and some classic tipples for entertaining. Try your hand at our Chinese dumplings, stuffed with prawns, water chestnuts and pork, and serve them with your favourite dipping sauce. Go all out with our spicy Sichuan chicken wings with a chopped chilli and crunchy peanut garnish. These deliciously dark and sticky bites will disappear in a matter of minutes. Our hoisin chicken in crisp lettuce is a simple buffet-style food you can prepare ahead of time and this red sweet & sour prawn dish will make for a great addition to a sharing table. If you're looking for a lighter dessert to finish your meal, try our refreshing lychee & lime sorbet. Turn a few cans of lychees and three other ingredients into an elegant palate cleanser. For a taste of the tropical, switch it up with our pineapple sorbet with fresh mango. Spend more time with your guests with our clever two-ingredient cocktails, or serve a signature lychee martini to get the party started. Not done feasting? Find even more recipes for a Chinese banquet with our guide on how to create a New Year celebration menu with an authentic finish, and learn about Chinese New Year traditions. Enjoyed these recipes? Get even more entertaining inspiration: How to cook Chinese food Our ultimate Chinese recipe collection Our best Chinese chicken recipes Everything you need for entertaining What's your favourite Chinese dish? Leave a comment below.
Back to the usual routine? Schedule a foodie day out over the weekend to shake things up
It might be back-to-school time, but that doesn't mean there aren't still plenty of events happening every weekend across the country so you can enjoy the last of the late-summer weather. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll around a local food festival, or to be dazzled by incredible light and fireworks displays, find something that's perfect for you and your family. Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival, 7-8 September Beautiful Loch Lomond is host to two days of food, drink and family fun, from world-class street food and cooking demos, to kids’ entertainers. Where: Balloch Tickets: free lochlomondfoodanddrinkfestival.co.uk Dorset Seafood Festival, 7-8 September Attracting over 10,000 visitors to Weymouth each year, this event celebrates the fresh fish and shellfish from Dorset’s artisan producers. Where: Weymouth Tickets: from £15 for adults, under 16s free dorsetseafood.co.uk Icons of the Sky, 13-15 September Experience three days of breath-taking balloon launches, flying displays – including a Spitfire and Tiger Moth flyover – aerobatics, wing walkers, pyrotechnic air displays and more above Longleat Safari Park. Where: Warminster Tickets: adults £42.95, children £32.95 longleat.co.uk Abergavenny Food Festival, 21-22 September Get a ‘stroller’ ticket and wander around six market venues in the centre of town, featuring over 190 exhibitors and caterers, plus plenty of demos, talks and even children’s activities. Or, if you fancy an evening out, get tickets to the night market or the Party at the Castle event on Saturday night for live music, a dance floor and fireworks. Where: Abergavenny Tickets: from £16 abergavennyfoodfestival.com York Food Festival, 20-29 September Visit York city centre to sample top-notch street food, take part in cookery classes or enjoy live music and wine tastings throughout the weekend. Where: York Tickets: free (some individual events ticketed separately) yorkfoodfestival.com
Discover the seasonal recipes our users can't get enough of on goodfood.com
As the season changes and the days start getting colder, we look for warmth and comfort in the food we eat to see us through the chillier months, from the familiarity of a rich beef stew to a midweek family favourite like chicken pasta bake. We also love celebrating the best of autumn produce, like apples, leeks and pumpkins. Our most popular autumn recipes have been visited and liked thousands of times by the Good Food community. To get involved, register for a free Good Food account so you can like and save all your favourite recipes. Find more autumn inspiration in our autumn storecupboard essentials, or take a look at our round-up of autumn vegan recipes for meat-free meals. For baking recipes, see our top autumn baking recipes and autumn baking projects for kids. 1. Pork, cider & sage hotpot Combine the best bits of your favourite family hotpots for this slow-cooked pork, cider & sage hotpot. It's a great option for a large family dinner or if you're cooking for friends, everyone can dig in and help themselves. 2. Slow-cooker beef stew This family favourite slow-cooker beef stew is brilliant for busy weekdays. Put the stew on in the morning on low, or if you're working from home, you can do this at lunch time ready for a filling evening meal. Serve with soft, buttery mash and greens, if you like. 3. Pumpkin soup Food doesn't get much more autumnal than pumpkin. A warming bowl of our easy pumpkin soup makes a great dinner party starter, lunch or light dinner. For extra texture, top with croutons and toasted pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of olive oil. 4. Pumpkin pie This traditionally American dessert is getting more attention on our side of the pond and is a great way of using up your Halloween pumpkin. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this delicious pumpkin pie is a brilliant family dessert option for the weekend. 5. Best apple crumble Our best ever apple crumble recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Enjoy the taste of sweet apple topped with crispy, buttery crumble. We include an additional topping of rolled oats and demerara sugar for extra crunch. Serve with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream or hot custard. 6. Butternut squash & sage risotto Give a basic risotto recipe an autumnal twist with our butternut squash & sage risotto. It makes for some excellent veggie comfort food that you can curl up on the sofa with after a long hard day. 7. Dorset apple cake If you're more of a cake than a crumble person, our Dorset apple cake might be the dessert for you. This rustic sweet apple bake is topped with a sprinkling of demerara sugar and best served with spoonfuls of warm custard. 8. Coconut & squash dhansak If you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner this autumn, this coconut & squash dhansak might just be the perfect bowl. We bulk this out with lentils and spinach, and recommend serving with some warm, fluffy naan. 9. Squidgy pear & chocolate pudding This hot, gooey chocolate pud is a perfect no-fuss dinner party dessert, or an indulgent Sunday night treat for the family. Our squidgy pear & chocolate pudding is best served warm with lashings of double cream on top. 10. Toad in the hole This comforting classic is made with chipolata sausages and a simple batter. It's a great recipe to choose if you want to get the kids involved in cooking. Serve our popular toad in the hole with thick gravy and veg.
Spend the day in the sun at an artisan food and drink event near you.
If you're looking for some events to add to your calendar to help get you in the mood for the summer holidays, have a look at our top picks from across the country. These foodie festivals are family- and purse-friendly – all the makings for a great day out. For an even more comprehensive list, check out our best food festivals guide that will keep you going until the autumn. Lymington Seafood Festival, 12-14 July, New Forest One of the UK’s leading boutique food festivals, with views across the Solent, this event is packed with the south coast’s most delicious seafood stands, craft ales, gins, a rum shack and Hattingley Valley supplying award-winning bubbles. Where: Bath Road Park Tickets: £3 (children) and £10 (adults), lymingtonseafoodfestival.co.uk Cardiff Food & Drink Festival, 5-7 July, Cardiff centre _preview" alt="Cardiff food festival with ferris wheel" classes=""]_preview" alt="Cardiff food festival with ferris wheel" classes=""]_preview" alt="Cardiff food festival with ferris wheel" classes=""] Discover artisan foodie products and a packed farmers' market, and graze around the Street Food Piazza. The bandstand will have a full programme of live music to entertain you all day. Where: Cardiff Bay Tickets: free, visitcardiff.com/food-drink Alderfest, 5-6 July, Shropshire Gather your friends and family for an activity-packed weekend. Kids can try circus workshops or the climbing wall, and you can even bring your own paddle board or kayak to enjoy some time on the lake before music from the likes of S Club and Scott Mills. Where: Alderford Lake Tickets: from £33 (children) and £69 (adults). Use code GOODFOODMAG for 15% off tickets, alderfest.com Mela Festival, 13 July, Southampton This long-standing summer highlight celebrates modern and traditional Asian culture through music, dance and family activities. The festival attracts around 30,000 visitors from across the south coast and is free to attend, making it the largest free festival in the region. Where: Hoglands Park, Southampton Tickets: free, artasia.org.uk/mela-festival Inverness Highland Games, 13 July, Inverness The famous Games are back with competitions, attractions and trade stalls for a brilliant family day out. A shuttle service to the Games will also be running all day to make it a little bit easier for people to get to and from the park. Where: Bught Park Tickets: £10 plus booking fee, invernesshighlandgames.com
20 food experiences you need to have this summer
If you’re looking for new summer activities to keep the kids occupied, we’ve got you covered with 10 foodie days out and 10 recipe ideas to try at home
Make the most of the British summer with our foodie guide to great family activities you can enjoy over the next few months. Take a day trip to the seaside or learn a new skill in a cookery class. And be sure not to miss out on some staple summer events like Notting Hill Carnival and Pride parades taking place across the country. For those more chilled out days at home, we’ve curated a list of fun activities that the kids can get involved in, like throwing a pizza party. For a more grown-up affair, why not have a cocktail night in the garden and shake up some new concoctions? A six-week break from school can seem like a long time, so make sure to have a look at our guide to summer activities for kids to help keep them entertained. Next try our summer party food recipes, summer baking recipes and budget summer holiday ideas for kids. 10 summer foodie days out 1. Attend a local Pride event Pride month may officially be in June, but there are a number of Pride events taking place across the summer that you can make a day of. Brighton and Manchester Pride both take place in August and you can buy a family day pass for the Manchester event from their website. There are also plenty of local Pride events taking place across the country, so be sure to check out your local message boards and news sites for any events that might be happening near you. If you’re looking to celebrate Pride at home, take a look at our guide on how to throw a Pride party, and our favourite Pride recipes. 2. Visit the seaside There’s nothing like some fresh sea air in the summer. Make the most of the glorious British sunshine and head down to your nearest beach. For an easy family day out, pack up a lunch using recipes from our best beach food collection to save the pennies and hassle when you get there. Not near a beach? Find your nearest lido or wild swimming spot to help cool down in the summer heat. 3. Take part in Notting Hill Carnival Since its debut in 1959, Notting Hill Carnival has grown to become one of the biggest annual events in London. Taking place over August bank holiday weekend every year, Carnival celebrates Caribbean and black British culture with music, dancing and, of course, food. Jamaican jerk chicken is king at Carnival, but you will find a whole range of Caribbean street food, including beef patties (and vegetarian versions), Trinidadian roti, and much more. To get into the Carnival spirit, why not make your own jerk chicken, curry goat or beef patties. 4. Visit a local food festival or market No matter where you are in the country, food festivals and markets seem to be popping up everywhere. If you’re in the capital, it doesn’t get much more iconic than Borough Market, where you can find everything from Singapore street food from Mei Mei to a classic British dessert: apple crumble and custard from Humble Crumble. 5. Go on a food tasting tour or to a cookery class If you’re looking to improve your own cookery skills, why not take part in a cooking class or experience? Places like Bread Ahead Bakery in London offer half, full and three-day workshops so that you can hone your baking craft. For chocolate lovers, York’s Chocolate Story offer 90-minute masterclasses that get you making your very own chocolate treats. 6. Have a picnic in a local park Head down to your local green space with family and friends for a summer picnic. This is by far one of the easiest ways to get a large group of people together to enjoy the glorious weather. For the best family picnic recipes check out our guide, and if you’re in need of some new picnic kit, have a look at our picnic accessories roundup. 7. Visit a pick-your-own strawberry farm Pick-your-own farms are a great family day out, plus you come home with delicious produce at the end of it. Strawberry farms are the most popular in the UK with the season kicking off in June. Not only is this a great summer activity, but it’s often more sustainable, too. Find the best strawberry farms in the UK with our helpful guide. 8. Take a family camping trip Pack up the car or campervan and take the kids out for some fresh country air to sleep under the stars. It’s also a great opportunity to tuck into some delicious food cooked over an open fire. For less stress, there is also plenty of food you can make in advance to keep your hungry brood happy. Check out our top camping recipes and our guide on how to camp with kids for a perfect weekend outdoors. 9. Go on a mini getaway If you’ve got a few days to kill, why not take the family away on a UK mini break? From gourmet camping to family cruises, there’s something for all families to enjoy. Be inspired by our UK family breaks guide and find your next adventure. 10. Go on a family cycle ride or visit a garden We’re very lucky in the UK to have so many picturesque gardens and parks. They’re a great way to explore somewhere new this summer. Pack up some snacks and take a stroll around some of the nation’s best National Trust gardens, or take out your bikes and have a cycle around at your nearest national park. If you’re planning on doing a longer cycle, make sure you’re fuelled properly with our guide on what to eat before and after cycling. For you ramblers why not whip up a batch of our almond, popcorn & raisin trail mix. 10 summer recipe ideas to try at home 1. Host a BBQ party Gather friends and family round yours and host a summer barbecue. Divvy up the duties and prepare some snacks ahead of time to help take off the pressure. If you’re looking to throw something new on the barbie, get some inspiration from our best ever barbecue recipes. Don’t forget dessert! Check out our best family barbecue desserts to satisfy your evening sweet tooth. 2. Recreate your favourite holiday recipes If you find yourself dreaming of the Amalfi Coast or sunning yourself on a quaint Greek island, you can recreate some of those summer flavours at home with our best holiday-at-home recipes. Take a quick trip to France and make some fresh, pillowy croissants, or go long-haul to Japan for some authentic gyoza. 3. Throw a pizza party Entertain the kids with their own pizza party at home. No matter your diet you can get involved, just have a look at our pizza party ideas and find the right base, sauce and toppings for you. If you’re looking to go all out with your pizzas, have a look at our pizza oven reviews, and best pizza cutters, scissors, and knives for those perfectly cut slices. 4. Cool down with a refreshing drink Keep yourself cool and hydrated in style during the hotter months. Our summer mocktail recipes are full of fruity, fresh flavours and our best iced drinks will help you find the perfect alternative to your usual hot cup of coffee. For an adult tipple, try one of our favourite summer cocktail recipes. 5. Make your own ice cream Cool down with some homemade ice cream or sorbet. From simple no-churn recipes to something a bit fancier, our ice cream ideas will keep you going for the whole of summer. To help entertain the kids, why not have an ice cream sundae bar, complete with sauces and toppings so that they can really make it their own. 6. Teach the kids some new cookery skills Want your kids to be able to help in the kitchen, but not sure where to start? Have a look at our Kids' Kitchen video series to help get them started with some simple skills. Once they’re more confident we’ve got a great selection of recipes for them to have a go at so you can enjoy a fun family afternoon. They’ll love the taste of their handiwork! 7. Do some summer baking We know the British weather can be unpredictable at times, so for those rainy summer days, enjoy a baking project with the kids to keep them entertained. Check out our top kids' summer baking recipes that will have them making blondies, cookies and cakes to enjoy as a sweet treat. And if you’re looking for a bit of a bigger bake for your next evening of entertaining in the garden, have a look at our best summer bakes, perfect for all ages. 8. Make a fresh summer salad For some stress-free food to enjoy on a long summer’s evening, try one of our favourite summer salad recipes, proving that you can still be a creative cook with just a few ingredients. A colourful salad is a good way to make the most of seasonal ingredients and can be enjoyed as a refreshing barbecue side or as the main event. 9. Celebrate August bank holiday at home If you’re not planning a trip out for the bank holiday, we’ve got plenty of ways to keep you going at home. Start your day with a delicious brunch, whether that’s sweet or savoury, we’ve got you covered with our bank holiday brunch recipes. If you’re looking to relax with a bit of baking, try one of our easy baking recipes to leisurely get through the afternoon. If you fancy something a bit different for dinner, or you're feeding a crowd, our bank holiday recipes and drinks ideas will keep you going until the sun sets. 10. Mix up some new drinks Invite some friends over for a cocktail-making party or grab those empty glass bottles and make a batch of your own cordial. Find your new favourite tipple with our easy cocktails you can make at home. If you’re planning a BBQ or an afternoon tea in the garden, mix up some punch from our top summer punch recipes. Feeling summer ready? Check out some more of our summer content... Top 10 most popular summer salads Easy summer sharing recipes Top summer party food ideas Top 20 summer comfort foods
As the weekends get sunnier and warmer, make the most of the countless foodie outdoor events throughout the summer, perfect for all the family. Hit up the annual staples of the food festival scene like Tom Kerridge's Pub in the Park or the Good Food Summer Show as well as finding smaller events in your local area. The Foodies Festival has a number of stops across the country throughout the summer and events like Open Farm Sunday will see farms across the UK throw open their gates to the public. Foodies Festival, 7-9 June, Bath Learn to create showstopping bakes, sip on the best new tipples, or sample delicious street food at the Foodies Festival. Be sure to catch music sets from Example, Blue and Symphonic Ibiza once you’ve filled up. Where: Royal Victoria Park Tickets: from £4 (children) and £20 (adults), foodiesfestival.com/events/bath Open Farm Sunday, 9 June, across the UK Discover the story behind our food, and how farming affects our daily lives at one of hundreds of farms opening their gates across Britain this month. Find out which farms local to you are taking part and book your space at: farmsunday.org Where: across the UK Tickets: some entrance charges apply, farmsunday.org/visit-a-farm Taste of London, 12-16 June, London Taste of London will take over Regent’s Park for five days of foodie indulgence courtesy of the best restaurants in the city. Join cooking classes, enjoy tastings or dance the evening away with live DJ sets. Where: Regent’s Park Tickets: From £24, packages available, london.tastefestivals.com Good Food Show Summer, 13-16 June, Birmingham Join us for another Good Food Show packed with chefs and experts sharing their culinary skills and cooking live. Plus, shop from the hundreds of producers taking part. You'll also get access to Gardeners' World Live with your ticket. Where: NEC Tickets: from £26 for general admission, goodfoodshow.com/summer Pride Cymru, 22-23 June, Cardiff Celebrate Pride Month in the Welsh capital by experiencing a spectacular parade through the streets of the city. Plus, check out the market stalls for a fun family day out. Where: Cardiff Castle Tickets: from £5.60 (children) and £16.80 (adults), pridecymru.com Pub in the Park, 28-30 June, Chiswick Join Tom Kerridge and friends for his annual food and music festival. Taste some of the best pub food from across the country while listening to top musical acts, including Scouting for Girls and Busted. Where: Chiswick House & Gardens Tickets: from £30 (children) and £45 (adults), pubintheparkuk.com/chiswick
We highlight a commonly binned ingredient and share tips on how go get the most out of it.
For many of us a loaf of bread can always be found in the kitchen, but quite often those last few pieces can end up going stale, especially if you're only a one- or two-person household. We've rounded up our top tips for revitalising those hardened bits of bread to help you reduce your food waste. From croutons to ice cream, there's a wealth of ways you can use up those last bits of bread. Here at Good Food we want to continue to champion sustainability in the kitchen which is why we've asked our team for their top tips to reduce food waste. You can also find more food specific guides, just search 'food waste' in the search bar for tips on using up everyday foods like eggs and how to make the most of your vegetables. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. 10 tips to waste less bread 1. Bread keeps very well, wrapped, in the freezer. Try not to store it in the fridge as this causes it to become stale. 2. Panzanella is a great option for using up leftover stale bread, especially in the summer months, or why not try our recipe for no-churn brown bread ice cream. In the colder months, try using it in bread and butter pudding. 3. If you don’t fancy making a roux, or have run out of sauce, leftover blitzed bread can be used to thicken soups or sauces. Add a little at a time to the liquid, stirring well, until you achieve the desired consistency. 4. You can revive a whole loaf of crusty bread if it has gone stale. Heat the oven to 160C/140C fan/ gas 3. Run the whole loaf under a running tap until wet, then put directly on the oven shelf and bake for 5-7 mins until crusty and soft again. Leave to cool before slicing. 5. Make a pangrattato to top pasta with. Blitz stale bread until fine, then tip into a hot pan with some olive oil. Toast for 2-3 mins until almost golden then stir in 2 grated garlic cloves, and the zest of 1 lemon. Cook for 1-2 mins then season well and top your pasta dish. You can mix in fresh herbs, dried herbs, anchovies, sundried tomatoes or grated hard cheeses. Why not try our orecchiette with cavolo nero, anchovies & pangrattato. 6. Crusty bread, like sourdough, can be wrapped in a clean tea towel or in a cotton bag and stored in a bread bin to keep it fresh. 7. Dry bread out in a low oven until rock hard then blitz to crumbs in a food processor. Store sealed and frozen for up to three months. Use to bind burgers, for example, or for coating chicken. 8. Tear stale bread into 8 large chunks and nestle beneath chicken while roasting and you’ll have chicken fat croutons. You can scatter these over a roast chicken salad using any leftover meat. We use them in our chicken, green bean & sundried tomato salad with chicken fat croutons recipe. 9. Make a traditional Italian pasta sauce from Liguria – it’s a great way to use up stale bread. Soak the bread in milk, then blitz with walnuts, parmesan and garlic. 10. You can replace pine nuts or seeds with dried breadcrumbs to make a delicious nut-free pesto to toss through pasta.
Make the most of summer’s produce with our easy pasta salad recipes. These make great lunches or picnic dishes that you can prep ahead
These easy pasta salad recipes can be made in larger batches to portion up and store in the fridge for lunches or lighter dinners. They also make a great addition to your next family BBQ or picnic, using fresh, seasonal ingredients and taking minimal time and effort to make. We’ve rounded up our favourite pasta salad recipes that make the most of storecupboard staples, fresh produce and leftover ingredients to cater to every budget and help minimise food waste. Don’t forget to register for a My Good Food account so you can save these recipes for later. Discover more of our budget-friendly pasta recipes and find new ideas to make the most of seasonal ingredients with our summer storecupboard recipes. We have plenty more summer lunch recipes, too. For more summer salad inspiration, see our top 10 summer salad recipes and summer salad collection, plus our recipe for this epic summer salad. 1. Elote-inspired pasta salad Venture beyond the average pasta salad with the help of a Mexican staple, a corn on the cob dish, elote. Layering spirali with sweetcorn, feta and spring onion, and coated in a dressing made of mayonnaise, lime juice and chilli powder, it's a fantastic salad to add to your rotation. 2. BLT pasta salad Switch up your kids’ lunchbox with this cold pasta salad, inspired by the much-loved sandwich. It also packs in two of their five-a-day. For more kids' lunchbox ideas, check out these quick lunchbox recipes. 3. Salmon pasta salad with lemon & capers For a budget-friendly and nutritious lunch, this filling meal is perfect if you’re on the go. The wholemeal pasta adds some extra fibre as well, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer. 4. Pesto pasta salad Have a go at our classic pesto recipe, then use it to make this pesto pasta salad recipe. Or, simply use up the open jar in your fridge. This salad is packed with veggies, from cucumber and peas to cherry tomatoes, while keeping the ingredient list short. It's great for a packed lunch or summery picnic. 5. Creamy bacon & tomato pasta salad Recreate this summer pasta salad for your next picnic or al fresco lunch. It's made with bacon, spinach, tomato and basil, and a delicious honey & mustard dressing for a flavour punch. 6. Chicken pasta salad Perfect for the warmer evenings or an al fresco lunch, this pasta salad recipe can also be made with leftover roast chicken, if you have it. Box up the leftovers and have as a lunch the next day. 7. Veggie hummus pasta salad It’s surprisingly easy to make your own hummus, as this veggie pasta salad recipe proves. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is bursting with colour and flavour. For a homemade creamy hummus, take a look at our recipe here. 8. Ratatouille pasta salad with rocket A great way to use up leftover ratatouille, this makes a filling vegetarian lunch that’s quick to prepare and provides all your five-a-day. Have a look at our top ways to use up your leftovers for more inspiration. 9. Greek pasta salad Get that summer holiday feeling with this Greek-inspired pasta salad. It's full of feta, olives and tomatoes, and makes for a perfect picnic dish or a filling lunch if you're on-the-go. 10. Tuna pasta salad Throw together a classic tuna pasta salad in no time. It features a simple, but punchy dressing of yogurt, mustard, olive oil, vinegar, onion and basil, with red peppers and sweetcorn providing crunch. Pack into containers for tomorrow's lunch or take to a picnic, if you like. Looking for more pasta recipes? Here are our favourites… Vegetarian pasta recipes Healthy pasta recipes Spring pasta Healthy pasta salad Pasta salad recipes