The best gifts to buy for foodies – food, drink, gadgets, homewares and more
The definitive guide to the best gifts for foodies, from home kits, gadgets and homeware, to edible and alcoholic presents
Looking for a food- or drink-oriented gift? Look no further. We've compiled some of the very best presents for the budding chefs, passionate foodies and kitchen gadget lovers in your life. For a dose of gift magic, why not treat others or yourself to homeware too, from kitchen accessories and cookware to unique handmade tableware. These are the ultimate foodie gifts to give to someone special this year, whether you're looking for a Valentine's Day gift or any special occasion. From gourmet food gifts that tickle the tastebuds, to your favourite food lover's top tipple, there are plenty of gifts to choose from, so treat those you love or even yourself – why not brighten up your own kitchen cupboards? There are indulgent sweet treats, special bottles for a home bar, useful gadgets, gorgeous homeware ideas, and so much more. Browse the list for gift inspiration and then check out our guides for much more, including the best hampers, best wine gifts or best gifts for cocktail lovers. You can also check out coffee table books on our sister brand olive magazine. Jump to section: Best food gifts Best drink gifts Best gadgets and kit gifts Best home and kitchen gifts Best food gifts MELT orange slices dipped in dark chocolate Available from MELT (£22.99) This is the box of chocolates we would want to receive for Valentine's Day this year: juicy confit orange slices dipped in 70 per cent dark chocolate, scattered with cocoa nibs for a little finishing crunch. Available from: MELT (£22.99) Sylt Great Taste pickling starter pack Available from Not on the High Street (£26.99) Homemade pickles have never been easier. You only need to add fruit or veg to these jars of seasonally spiced liquor. The interesting flavours include Scotch Bonnet & Lemon or Dill & Mustard. Available from: Not on the High Street (£26.99) Cookies & cream malt balls Available from Selfridges (£9.99) A fancy edition of a favourite, these malt balls are coated in white chocolate and crunchy cookie pieces with an impressively deeply malty crunchy centre. Available from: Selfridges (£9.99) The Real Cure British charcuterie signature hamper Available from Not on The High Street (£45) Celebrate artisan British produce with a hamper packed with salamis, coppa and venison pepperoni. The spicy Dorset chorizo is our favourite. Available from: Not on The High Street (£45) Fitzbillies Chelsea buns Available from Fitzbillies (£24 for 6-pack) Cambridge-based bakery Fitzbillies has been making these iconic buns since 1920 and this subscription sees six buns delivered to the lucky recipient's door, complete with sticky bun syrup. Perfect for a decadent breakfast in bed. Available from: Fitzbillies (£24) Venchi London mini book Available from Venchi (£19.50) This adorable tin, tied up with a ribbon, is a great mini luxury chocolate gift that will become a keepsake long after the chocolate is gone. Inside are six of Venchi's signature Chocoviar chocolates in assorted flavours. The ultimate luxurious sweet treat. Available from: Venchi (£19.50) Yiayia and Friends olive oil Available from Fenwick (£40) Beautifully designed bottles encase equally beautiful tasting fresh and flavourful Greek olive oil. Whether you’re opting for the original extra virgin olive oil option or one of Yiayia’s infused offerings (choose from lemon, basil, chilli, truffle and garlic), these lovingly produced oils are sure to make the perfect gift. Available from: Fenwick (£35) Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea for two Available from Virgin Experience Days (£140 for 2) This afternoon tea is something special. Head to Fortnum & Mason for an elegant afternoon tea in a salon opened by HM The Queen, featuring luxurious finger sandwiches, warm scones with velvety lemon curd, and seasonal patisseries. Enjoy a variety of teas including the famous smoky Earl Grey and champagne highlights like a light Brut rosé and Fortnum’s Brut sparkling from Cornwall. Available from: Virgin Experience Days (£140) Cutter & Squidge letterbox brownies Available from Cutter & Squidge (from £19.99) Who is ever going to say no to a box of brownies? Choose from a gift box of 12 or 24 in a range of flavours and with boxes for any occasion, and receive pre-cut, fudgy brownies delivered straight through the door. Available from: Cutter & Squidge (from £19.99) Summerdown ultimate mint chocolate collection Available from Summerdown (£9.99) Who says selection boxes are just for Christmas? Ideal for sharing in front of some TV at any time of year, this is the ultimate selection box for a mint chocolate fan. Available from: Summerdown (£9.99) Spice Pots Curry Night kit Available from Not on the High Street (£21.95) Spice Pots have made curry night simple with four clever dried spice blends (korma, bhuna, tandoori masala and Goan) plus recipes to make you a curry pro in no time. Available from: Not on the High Street (£21.95) Imp & Maker Italian Food Lovers hamper Available from Imp & Maker (£59) Full to the brim with Italian essentials, this hamper from Imp and Maker makes the perfect gift for the person in your life who is obsessed with all things Italy. There’s everything you’d need to accompany an afternoon aperitivo, from cured meats and cheese, to Perello olives and cannoli. Plus, almost everything you need to make a punchy arrabbiata with spaghetti. Mangia bene! Available from: Imp & Maker (£59) HydroHerb gift set Available from HydroHerb (£60, set of 3) If you're buying a gift for someone green-thumbed, a herb kit from HydroHerb is a fabulous choice. Pick your choice of herbs, there are 12 to choose from, and receive three, full-sized kits. Eco-friendly in design, the HydroHerb kit is crafted from a recycled wine bottle and has hand-smoothed edges for safety. Perfect for those short on space, this easy-to-maintain kit ensures fresh herbs for up to two years with organic hydroponic fluid plus spare parts for maintenance. Available from: HydroHerb (£60, set of 3) Trulli Ulivi olive oil Available from Trulli Ulivi (£22.50) Produced in Puglia, this peppery olive oil is just the thing for drizzling over roast veg or dipping bread. Available from: Trulli Ulivi (£22.50) Happy Cocoa Club Discovery Bundle Available from Happy Cocoa Club (£12.99) This time of year is the ultimate cosy season and that means one thing: it's hot chocolate time. This lovely starter bundle contains a trio of hot chocolates of different strengths, ideal for the whole family to enjoy. There's also two mini spice mixes if you want to add extra flavour to your hot choc. Cream and marshmallows on top are a must! Available from: Happy Cocoa Club (£12.99) Dishpatch delivery Available from Dishpatch (menus from £48) Why not give a foodie the gift of a restaurant-worthy meal in their own home? Dishpatch offer a range of meal kits from iconic chefs including Michel Roux, Rick Stein, Andi Oliver and Sabrina Ghayour. Whether you want a taste of Mexico with a taco party from El Pastor, the ultimate gourmet 'picky tea' with a meze delivery from Bubala or a three-course Cornish seafood feast from Rick Stein, there's a menu and cuisine for everyone and a great way to celebrate a special occasion or a fuss-free date night in. All the cooking is done for you, with the most minimal prep needed – our Cafe Murano three-course meal simply required opening several pots and popping a gnocchi traybake in the oven to warm through. Available from: Dishpatch (menus from £48) Best drink gifts Whispering Angel & Hotel Chocolat macarons gift set Available from Laithwaites (£39 with free delivery) If you know someone who likes to keep up with the latest food and drink trends, you know they'll have seen this rosé plastered all over social media feeds the last couple of summers: Whispering Angel, a Côtes de Provence rosé is a delicious easy sipper and pairs with salted caramel macarons from the experts in all things cocoa at Hotel Chocolat. To make it extra special, these items are bundled in a keepsake "Just For You" engraved wooden box. Available from: Laithwaites (£39 with free delivery) Portofino Gin Available from Master of Malt (£43.50), The Whisky Exchange (£43.50) Here’s a pretty addition to someone’s bar cart collection. This Mediterranean-inspired gin contains 21 botanicals including lavender, rosemary and sage. Available from: Master of Malt (£43.50) The Whisky Exchange (£43.50) Mijenta reposado tequila Available from Harvey Nichols (£60), Master of Malt (£60.49), Selfridges (£67.99) Newly B-corp certified, this extra special artisan tequila is carbon-neutral, made in small batches and aged for six months for a complex final spirit. Read our round-up of the best tequilas to buy for more top-quality options. Available from: Harvey Nichols (£60) Master of Malt (£60.49) Selfridges (£67.99) Avallen calvados Available from Ocado (£37.50), The Whisky Exchange (£39.75), Master of Malt (£35.75) Every bottle of this floral, fruity calvados removes 2.73kg of CO2 from the atmosphere (as the apple trees absorb it), for a sustainable, quality spirit choice. Available from: Ocado (£37.50) The Whisky Exchange (£38.75) Master of Malt (£35.75) Orangino gin liqueur Available from English Spirit (£26) This would be a welcome addition to a cocktail lover’s drinks cabinet – a splash of English orange liqueur adds a citrussy kick to a glass of fizz. Available from: English Spirit (£26) Lockdown Liquor agave cocktail gift set Available from Lockdown Liquor (£45) Mezcal takes centre stage in this set, with a smoky mezcal picante, mezcal negroni (for a twist on the Italian classic) and a classic passion fruit margarita. Available from: Lockdown Liquor (£45) Best gadget and kit gifts Ninja Crispi Available from Amazon (£129.99), John Lewis & Partners (£149), Ninja (£149.99), Currys (£149.99), Argos (£149.99) Splash out with this latest release from air fryer stalwarts Ninja – a clever four-in-one model that can air-fry, roast, reheat and keep warm. Its glass base allows you to keep an eye on progress. We gave it a 4.5/5 when our experts tested it. Available from: Amazon (£129.99) John Lewis & Partners (£149) Ninja (£149.99) Currys (£149.99) Argos (£149.99) Jamie Oliver proper pie dish Available from John Lewis (£30), Dunelm (£30), Robert Dyas (£29.99) Pretty in pink, this stoneware dish will make a pie look even more tempting – and it makes a lovely serving dish too. Available from: John Lewis (£30) Dunelm (£30) Robert Dyas (£29.99) Smeg mini milk frother Available from Smeg (£99.95), Selfridges (£100) Available in a rainbow of colours to match any kitchen, this sleek mini frother will become an essential for a coffee and matcha fan. Available from: Smeg (£99.95) Selfridges (£100) Addison Ross bow tie corkscrew Available from Addison Ross (£35) Get ready to pop bottles in style with this sleek colourful corkscrew which comes in a range of colourways – the ideal gift for wine lovers with an eye for design. Available from: Addison Ross (£35) Our Place Mini Always Pan and Mini Perfect Pot Available from Our Place, Mini Always Pan (£100), Mini Perfect Pot (£110) Following on from their ever popular Always collection and the Instagram-famous Always Pan, Our Place launched the multifunctional Mini Pot and Mini Pan for cooking smaller quantities, reheating leftovers and simmering sauces. They have a non-stick, non-toxic coating and are compatible with all hob types. Available from: Our Place, Mini Always Pan (£100), Mini Perfect Pot (£110) Kuhn Rikon Black Star iron skillet pan Available from Kuhn Rikon (£139.97) Chosen as our ‘best lightweight skillet pan’ in testing, this innovative spun iron skillet can go straight from hob to oven. A versatile investment built to last. Available from: Kuhn Rikon (£139.97) MEATER Pro thermometer Available from John Lewis (£129), Amazon (£103) Help someone take their Sunday roast up a notch with this sleek wireless thermometer for perfect results every time. Available from: John Lewis (£129) Amazon (£103) Cuisinart ice cream and gelato professional ICE100 Latest Deals Earning a five-star rating from our reviews team, this is the ultimate gift for ice cream fans, producing silky smooth gelato, ice cream and sorbet at the push of a button. Read more in our test of the best ice cream makers review. Available from: Lakeland (£299.99) Uashmama beverage chiller Available from Uashmama (from £30) Made of innovative and sustainable washable paper, this wine chiller stores flat in the freezer and comes in 10 colours. Available from: Uashmama (from £30) Smeg non-stick frying pan Latest Deals Choose between red, cream or black finishes on this non-stick frying pan, available in three sizes and ovenproof for versatility. Latest Deals Netherton Foundry spun iron focaccia pan Available from Sous Chef (£79) Focaccia has been all over our social feeds this year. This pan-for-life will be well received by a home baker and is also great for roast potatoes. Available from: Sous Chef (£79) Falcon Enamelware decorative cake tin Available from Falcon Enamelware (£34) Bake impressive cakes to share or set grand jellies in this chic white enamel tin. Available from: Falcon Enamelware (£34) Best home and kitchen gifts Eleanor Bowmer star glass tumblers Available from La Redoute (£34, set of 4) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/10/Pure-Table-Top-ELEANOR-BOWMER-FOR-PURE-TABLE-TOP-FABULOUSLY-FESTIVE-SET-OF-4-GLASS-TUMBLERS-40-8817296-copy-2261725.jpg" width="3898" height="2599" alt="Pure Table Top, ELEANOR BOWMER FOR PURE TABLE TOP FABULOUSLY FESTIVE SET OF 4 GLASS TUMBLERS, £40, 8817296 copy" title="Pure Table Top, ELEANOR BOWMER FOR PURE TABLE TOP FABULOUSLY FESTIVE SET OF 4 GLASS TUMBLERS, £40, 8817296 copy" /> A colourful quartet of glasses adorned with hand-painted stars to brighten up someone’s tablescape. Available from: La Redoute (£34, set of 4) Rolfe & Willis Sounds bone china mug collection Available from Not on the High Street (£50, set of 4) With patterns inspired by sounds, these colourful mugs will liven up any coffee morning. Available from: Not on the High Street (£50, set of 4) Neesh Home chilli crisp tea towel Available from Sous Chef (£14.99) A pop art tea towel for the person who adds chilli crisp to everything. Available from: Sous Chef (£14.99) Wick Guru buttery croissant candle Available from WickGuru (from £35), Not on the High Street (from £19) A friend will thank you for the scent of warm, fresh croissants with no baking required. This soy wax candle is handmade in the UK. Available from: WickGuru (from £35) Not on the High Street (from £19) LSA bowl set and paddle £50 Available from LSA International (£50) <img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2025/10/Paddle-Pop-Bowl-Set-Ash-Paddle-L40cm-White-Tarn-Blue50-www.lsa-international.com-2-copy-350b945.jpg" width="2000" height="1333" alt="Paddle Pop Bowl Set & Ash Paddle L40cm, White Tarn Blue,_50, www.lsa-international.com (2) copy" title="Paddle Pop Bowl Set & Ash Paddle L40cm, White Tarn Blue,_50, www.lsa-international.com (2) copy" /> Drinks and nibbles get an upgrade with this smart bowl trio and serving board, ready to fill with olives, crisps, nuts or whatever your heart desires. Available from: LSA International (£50) Le Creuset Stoneware Camembert baker Latest Deals Serve up a melting Camembert in style with this glossy stoneware dish that gives perfectly gooey cheese every time. Latest Deals ‘Make mine an espresso’ print Available from Lyonette Designs (from £12) Must-have kitchen art for anyone who considers an espresso martini their go-to cocktail, plus 10 per cent of all sales are donated to a children’s charity. Available from: Lyonette Designs (from £12) So’home speckled cake stand Available from La Redoute (£34.99) Chic monochrome speckles won’t steal the limelight from the cake or tart a keen baker chooses to display on this simple cake stand. Available from: La Redoute (£34.99) Meri Meri gold star taper candles Available from Meri Meri (£18) Here’s a great way for your favourite host to make every dinner party sparkle. Available from: Meri Meri (£18) More gift inspiration... Best gifts for bakers Best letterbox gifts Best gifts for coffee lovers Best gins to give as gifts Best advent calendars Best sweet subscriptions and deliveries Best letterbox-friendly gifts by post Best gluten-free hampers to buy Best chocolate hampers to give Best cheese gifts 30 best gifts for coffee lovers Best jelly moulds Best slushie machines
Whether you’re looking for batch-cooking tips, showstopping dishes or quick midweek meals, our food magazines have got you covered
Already read one of our food magazines? Discover even more inspiration with our other trusted titles – all packed with expert recipes and techniques you can rely on. Do you want Good Food? Do you want Olive? Do you want Easy Cook? Do you want Good Food Collection? Do you want Good Food Home Cooking Series? Good Food Your ultimate source for culinary inspiration and expertise, Good Food magazine delivers delicious tried-and-tested recipes, practical advice and monthly guidance from the UK’s leading kitchen team. Subscribe here <a style="color: #fff; text-decoration: none; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; max-width: 130px; background-color: #be2a77; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 12px 20px; border-radius: 4px;" href="https://magsdirect.co.uk/magazine-category/food-drink-magazines/good-food-magazines/good-food/?srsltid=AfmBOorasWSgU7RsdWEW9ZVh9y31996NeImGtBLg2c__ZpWtmHOfO7c6" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow noskim">Buy the latest issue Olive Olive is a stylish food, travel and home magazine that invites you to explore, savour and share the very best in food and drink from around the world – including tasty seasonal recipes, the hottest restaurant openings and tempting travel itineraries. Subscribe here Buy the latest issue Easy Cook Loaded with quick, simple and stress-free recipes designed for everyday families, Easy Cook magazine takes the pressure out of mealtimes by showing you how to whip up effortless, affordable recipes in almost no time. Subscribe here Buy the latest issue Good Food Collection Perfect for home cooks and recipe collectors of all skill levels, the Good Food Collection offers an expertly curated selection of Good Food’s finest recipes, tailored to themes, seasons and special occasions. Buy the latest issue Good Food Home Cooking Series The Good Food Home Cooking Series magazine has six annual, seasonally themed editions, each packed with mouthwatering recipes to keep you inspired the whole year round – from everyday dinners and healthy snacks to easy baking recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests. Buy the latest issue
With thanks to the Good Health by Good Food goody bag suppliers...
Find out which brilliant brands generously contributed products to the goody bags at the Good Health by Good Food launch event on 8 October
A huge thank you to the brilliant brands who generously contributed products to the goody bags at the Good Health by Good Food – How the UK Really Eats: Health, Habits and Hidden Opportunities breakfast event, held on 8 October at The Soho Hotel. Guests enjoyed an inspiring keynote from Sophie Gastman, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Good Food’s Cassie Best. The panel brought together a wealth of insight from Sophie Gastman (@sophiethenutritionist), Emma White (Nutracheck), Issie Keeling (Good Food), Lauren Leyva (@laurenleyva) and Lulu Grimes (Good Food) as they explored the evolving landscape of food habits and health in the UK. We’re incredibly grateful to all the companies who helped make the morning extra special with their generous goody bag contributions. Discover the fantastic brands who helped power the event below. With thanks to: Perfect Ted matcha (@perfecttedenergy) The Giving Tree (@givingtreesnack) Serious Pig (@seriouspigofficial) Unrooted (@unrooteddrinks) Biomel (@biomel.life) WHAT a DATE (@what.a.date) Taking the Pea (@takingthepea) TWG tea (@twgteaofficial) Agua de Madre (@aguademadre)
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
Read our tips on storing, freezing and defrosting sausages to avoid waste, and discover 35 recipes for making the most of any leftovers you have in the fridge.
Sausages are a staple of British cuisine. They lend themselves to almost every occasion, whether sizzling away on a barbecue in the sunshine or warming you on a cold winter’s day in a hearty pie or casserole. The UK consumes a staggering amount of sausage per year. In 2014 we reportedly consumed 181,853 tonnes of sausage. However, in 2018 the UK was responsible for 9.52 million tonnes of food waste! Follow our tips on safely storing, freezing and reheating sausages to prevent unnecessary waste. We have 35 fantastic recipes to inspire you to use your leftover bangers, too. How to store leftover sausages Chilled sausages should be kept in the fridge between 1-4C and should be eaten by the use-by date on the packaging. What temperature should sausages be cooked at? When cooking sausages, make sure the internal temperature reaches 70C and holds that temperature for at least 2 minutes. Once cooked, sausages should be cooled, then chilled between 1-4C, where they can be kept for up to two days (but not past the use-by date). To reheat, cook until the internal temp reaches 70C again. How to freeze and defrost sausages Raw sausages can be frozen for up to two months. They should be defrosted in the fridge and only cooked after they are thoroughly defrosted. Sausages that have been defrosted in the fridge can be kept for up to two days in the refrigerator before cooking. We recommend only defrosting the sausages you intend to use in each recipe to ensure minimal waste. 35 ways to use up leftover sausages Hot dogs Hot dogs are a great way to use up sausages. We recommend cooking your sausages on the barbecue in batches and leaving the remainders raw in the fridge to be used later. Spice up your everyday hot dog with our American inspirations, such as our Philly-style cheese dogs loaded with onions, green peppers and a ready-made cheese sauce. Or, our sloppy sausage chilli cheese dogs made with sausagemeat, beans and a spicy tomato sauce. You could also try our delicious hoisin hot dogs. Grill some sausages, brush with hoisin sauce and top with cucumber and spring onion for added freshness and crunch. Find more inspiration for hot dog recipes. Traybakes Traybakes are really convenient and easy for a midweek meal. All our options can be prepped in under 20 minutes, so all you need to do is pop them in the oven and enjoy. Our oven-baked ratatouille & sausages are incredibly juicy and flavoursome. Drizzle your veg with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, fry sausages for 5 minutes until browned, then put in the tray with the vegetables and bake for a further 20 minutes until cooked through. Or, for something even heartier, try our cauli-kale sausage bake. It’s simple, freezable and oozing with cheesy goodness. Try our tasty sausage & maple swede traybake for a colourful, seasonal option. You’ll forget all about dull old bangers and mash as the addition of an apple enhances this dish. Finally, try our sausage, sweet potato & sweetcorn bake for the simplest family-friendly bake. With only 5 minutes of prep and two steps, this is the recipe to reach for after a long day's work. Find more hearty and straightforward traybake recipes. Toad-in-the-hole Toad-in-the-hole is a great British classic. The combination of a fluffy Yorkshire pudding with a juicy sausage is close to unbeatable. Our ultimate toad-in-the-hole with caramelised onion gravy is a posh version of this classic dish. Wrap chunky sausages in bacon for extra salty extravagance. Or, our Catherine wheel toad-in-the-hole with honey & mustard onions makes a gorgeous centrepiece, as the spiral design makes it all the more appetising. For a quick fix, our sausage, gherkin & pickled onion toad-in-the-hole can be prepped in only 5 minutes. For other variations on this classic, look at our tasty toad-in-the-hole recipes. Casseroles Casseroles are a great way of feeding the family without needing too many fresh ingredients. Our sausage & white bean casserole uses a can of white beans, tomatoes and other storecupboard and freezer vegetables, such as carrots, red onions and frozen peas. Our recipe suggests using a fresh pepper, but feel free to add any leftover vegetables. For an incredibly fragrant casserole, try our Moroccan sausage stew. Ras el hanout works perfectly with the tomato sauce, dates and onions. And, for an elevated casserole worthy of a dinner party, try our one-pot sausage casserole with garlic breadcrumbs. Try our family casserole recipes for more hearty stews to serve the family. Picnic A picnic is a great time to use leftover sausages, as they can be used in pastries, on skewers or in rolls. Our cheesy sausage & bean pies are a great picnic snack, as they are easy to make and freezable. Using ready-made pastry means that they take only 25 minutes to prep, and most of the ingredients are from the cupboard, which makes them budget-friendly too. Our super sausage rolls also use ready-made pastry and can be frozen for later. To bake from frozen, add 10 minutes to the baking time. While our char siu-style sausage puffs use a homemade rough puff pastry, you can make the pastry up to two days in advance, so there will be no extra stress on the day. Or, make sausages into a herby kebab with our sausage & pancetta skewers. Look at our picnic snack recipes for more portable sweet and savoury snacks. Ragu Transform sausages into our veg-packed sausage & mushroom ragu. Great for a family dinner, serve it with couscous, mash or pasta. It's also freezable, so no leftovers will go to waste. Or, try our fantastic sausage & hazelnut ragu with celeriac mash – this easy budget-friendly recipe will soon become one of the family’s favourites. Try our cheesy polenta with sausage ragout, too – creamy and hearty polenta is a great alternative to mash or pasta. Bring out the flavours with a sprinkling of rosemary. Find even more rich and flavoursome ragu recipes to serve in dishes such as spaghetti bolognese, lasagne and moussaka. Rice dishes Rice is an excellent base for any meal, as it's so versatile. Dig into our sausage & prawn jambalaya, a spicy rice one-pot. It's inspired by Cajun and Creole cooking and has a bit of a kick, plus sweet and smoky paprika. Or, try one of our comforting risottos. Our sausage & butternut squash risotto is ideal for sneaking more vegetables into your child’s diet and takes just 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook. Our sausage & fennel risotto another great option, as sausage and fennel is an extremely popular flavour pairing. Find more inspiration for sausage and rice recipes in our collection. Pasta dishes Our bucatini with mushrooms & sausage pays homage to the delicious pasta dishes from Umbria – the dried porcini mushrooms pair excellently with the juicy sausages. Our speedy sausage stroganoff tagliatelle is not only quick, but budget-friendly too – it costs just £1.23 per serving. For a comforting pasta bake for two, try our courgette, sausage & rigatoni bakes. Made with punchy garlic and chilli tomato sauce and topped with mozzarella, they ooze with flavour. For a variation on classic lasagne, try our pea, pesto & sausage lasagne – made with pesto, broccoli, mascarpone and sausage, this dish is rich in calcium, folate, fibre and vitamin C. For more thrifty meals, try our budget-friendly pasta recipes. Hash A hash makes a great breakfast or brunch and uses up leftover ingredients. Our sausage & leek hash is an excellent way to use up Sunday roast leftovers. Or, try our sausage & kale hash topped with a fried egg – there’s nothing quite as satisfying as splitting open a perfectly runny yolk. Our sausage, mustard & apple hash is another tasty variation, plus it's budget-friendly, gluten-free and healthy. For big ideas for weekend feasting and indulgent mornings, try our breakfast and brunch recipes. Pie Nothing can beat a hearty pie on a cold day. Our sausage & mash pie is an ingenious take on a family favourite that can be frozen to reheat on busier weeknights. Or, try our sausage & leek mash pie, which takes just 5 minutes to prepare before baking. Easy to make and seriously comforting, these sausage pie recipes are winners. One-pots One-pots are a fantastic midweek dinner as they are quick and fuss-free. Our sausage, roasted veg & puy lentil one-pot delivers three of your five-a-day, and lentils are a great source of fibre and protein. Our spicy sausage & bean one-pot is warming and made with storecupboard ingredients, so it's budget-friendly. And, our sausage, kale & gnocchi one-pot can be ready to eat in just 20 minutes. Browse more of our comforting one-pot recipes. Discover more ideas for using up leftovers: Leftovers recipes Leftover chocolate recipes Leftover cheese recipes Top 16 ways with leftover egg whites and yolks Top 10 ways to use up leftover bread How to make soup from leftovers How to use up leftovers: all our guides
Elaine Lemm - former chef, food writer and reviews expert
Make sure your oven is running accurately – we've tested the best oven thermometers to get the perfect temperature every time.
Modern ovens are very accurate but, over time, the calibration can start to fluctuate, up or down, caused by any number of reasons, not least age and constant use. Just 5 or 10 degrees out can wreak havoc on your cooking as much-loved, favourite dishes begin to go wrong, being under/overcooked, or browning too quickly. Rather than blaming the ingredients or, worse still, yourself, it may be good to check your thermostat is working correctly. To do this, you will need an oven thermometer. These, often small, stand-alone gadgets will help you check the oven's accuracy quickly and easily. Don't wait for things to go wrong, though. Many professional chefs, bakers and cooks for whom accuracy is paramount will use an oven thermometer right from the start with a new oven and check the oven's accuracy every six months or so. How to choose an oven thermometer An oven thermometer is a relatively cheap accessory to buy, many under £20 and most under £10, which is not a lot to pay for accuracy in your cooking. However, price is not always the best guide to what suits you. Size is important, as seeing the display with the oven door closed is essential, as opening will cause the temperature to drop. Oven thermometers come in different sizes, so choose one that works for your oven and for you to see easily. The display on the thermometer needs to be clear, uncomplicated and easy to read. It is handy if they have both Celsius and Fahrenheit, as recipes can sometimes come with either. Oven thermometers can either hang or stand from the oven rack, and some even do both, which is helpful. Hanging from the shelf ensures it does not interfere with your dishes coming in and out. Standing, they should be large enough to not slip between the bars. Testing oven thermometers This oven thermometer video is from our friends at America’s Test Kitchen. View Green Video on the source website How to use an oven thermometer The best place to put the thermometer is in the middle of the oven, where most cooking is done. However, you can also use it to find the hot and cold spots in the oven by testing in different places. Should you discover your oven is running hotter or cooler than the outside gauge is telling you, check your oven manual or speak to the manufacturer to see about having the oven re-calibrated. However, there is no reason you cannot continue to use your stand-alone thermometer instead. Best oven thermometers at a glance Best all-rounder oven thermometer: ProCook brushed steel oven thermometer, £7 Best oven thermometer for calibration: Chef Aid oven thermometer, £6.19 Best oven thermometer for simplicity: Kuhn Rikon oven thermometer, £14.95 Best oven thermometer for Fahrenheit: Tala easy read oven thermometer, £7.19 Best oven thermometer for style: Taylor Pro oven thermometer, £11.99 Best oven thermometer for small ovens: CDN Proaccurate high heat oven thermometer, £8.61 Best oven thermometer for budget price: KitchenCraft stainless steel oven thermometer, £9.45 Best oven thermometers to buy in 2025 ProCook brushed steel oven thermometer Available from ProCook (£7) Best all-rounder oven thermometer Pros: Eco-packaging Robust quality Cons: None Star rating: 5/5 We were impressed before we even considered the ProCook's measuring potential – the packaging was the only one of all the thermometers tested with eco credentials and not a scrap of plastic in sight; even the ties securing it to the card were recyclable. The ProCook is a sturdy stainless-steel thermometer that stands firmly on the shelf and hangs, and, at 7cm, does not get in the way of what you’re cooking. In addition, all edges on the face and the brackets are smooth, so there is no risk of cutting a finger. The dial is clear, unfussy and easy to read in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, with the former being the dominant measure and the temperature range from 0 to 300C. It was impressively quick to reach temperatures and accurate throughout the test. ProCook also includes a one-year guarantee. At this price this is an impressive, straightforward thermometer. Available from: ProCook (£7) Chef Aid oven thermometer Latest Deals Best oven thermometer for calibration Pros: Screw for accurate calibration Cons: Very sharp edges Flimsy hook Star rating: 5/5 The Chef Aid is a straightforward little thermometer that stands and hangs in the oven without taking up too much room or getting in the way. As with most thermometers, it comes with both Fahrenheit (the primary measure) and Celsius, which is a little harder to see but is helped by the colour coding of the temperatures from blue to dark red. The top fixed bracket hook is flimsy and started to bend when trying to hang it from the oven shelf. It does bend back but we wonder how long before it snaps? However, the base was much sturdier and felt safe on the oven shelf. The surprise element in this thermometer is on the back cover, which is perforated. In the centre is a tiny screw that helps it to calibrate in case of over or under reading temperatures – a feature we did not see on any other thermometer and one we feel would be helpful over time. Latest Deals Kuhn Rikon oven thermometer Latest Deals Best oven thermometer for simplicity Pros: Straightforward Easy to read dial Cons: Only measures in Celsius Price Star rating: 4.5/5 The Swiss-made Kuhn Rikon oven thermometer is a sturdy little thermometer of rustproof stainless steel. It is the only thermometer on the test that shows only Celsius measures, so no good if you need Fahrenheit. However, it is great for a clear, clean-looking dial face without any distracting colours and, with five-degree increments, is excellent for more precise measuring. On the test, it was slower than some on reaching temperature readings – however, once it did, it held on to it without a flicker. The top bracket is fixed and the base wide and deep, so it stood well on the shelf. Surprisingly, the edges of the dial and the brackets were sharp, so the thermometer needs to be handled carefully to avoid cuts. The Kuhn Rikon is simple, unfussy and accurate, so if this is all you want from an oven thermometer it will work well, but it does come at a price. Available from: Kuhn Rikon (£14.95) Tala easy read oven thermometer Latest Deals Best oven thermometer for Fahrenheit readings Pros: Both standing and hanging Accuracy Cons: Sharp edges Hard to read the Celsius scale Star rating: 4.5/5 At 7cm across, the Tala oven thermometer fits nicely between sizes – large enough to read through the door, yet not so big it gets in the way of dishes. The Tala was the fastest to reach the oven temperature and remained accurate across the whole test. The thermometer is robustly built in bright shiny stainless steel. It has a clear dual temperature dial that is colour coded, which we liked: from dark blue at 50C, through to pale blue and gradually turning a deepening red until it reaches 320C. The dominant scale on this thermometer, though, is Fahrenheit, and the number markings are bold and easy to read, with Celsius harder to read. The Tala will hang or stand and wraps around the shelf rail so is secure when positioned. The bracket, though, is flimsy and hard to turn, as this has quite sharp edges – it needs to be used with caution. Despite a few niggles, its budget price and accuracy make it still worth considering. Latest Deals Taylor Pro oven thermometer Latest Deals Best for quality build Pros: Great build Multi-position bracket Cons: Hard to read Fahrenheit measures Star rating: 4.5/5 The weight reveals a solidly built thermometer even before it is out of its wrapping. The Taylor is made from brushed stainless steel and the dial is large, measuring 10cm across and deep. It also has a helpful silicone heatproof grip for removing from a hot oven. What makes this thermometer unusual is the hanging bracket. It takes a few goes to work it out until we realised it spins a full 360 degrees, so viewing vertically or horizontally from many different angles is possible. The bracket slips over or under the rail to stand or hang. Either way, a quick twist to set it, and you certainly know this one is in place and secure. The dial has clear, easy-to-read Celsius with coloured marking to denote higher temperatures. Fahrenheit is harder to see. Accuracy was bang on, making this a very impressive thermometer that comes with a very lengthy five-year guarantee. Latest Deals CDN Proaccurate high heat oven thermometer undefined Best for small ovens Pros: Excellent for a small oven Cons: Hard to read dial Expensive Measured 5 degrees under Star rating: 4/5 The CDN Proaccurate was the most expensive thermometer on the test but surprisingly had very few extra features. It had the largest temperature range by far of all the thermometers we tested – reaching 400C. The primary measure on the dial is Fahrenheit with 25 degree increments – handy if you are using American recipes. The Celsius is measured every 10 degrees but is very small and almost impossible to see through the oven door. The thermometer was made of good quality stainless steel with smooth edges. The CDN was also the smallest thermometer on the test, so it would be excellent for those with smaller ovens. The fixed top bracket was small and, when hanging, took up barely any space between the oven shelves. It also has a relatively broad base and stood well on the shelves with little chance of slipping through. Accuracy was surprisingly off at a constant 5 degrees and, as the casing is wholly enclosed, there is no way of altering this. Though given it was a continuous 5 degrees off, this could be factored in when continuing to use. undefined KitchenCraft Oven Thermometer Latest Deals Best for a budget price Pros: Price Cons: Flimsy build Sharp edges Star rating: 4/5 The KitchenCraft stainless steel oven thermometer was the cheapest on the test, if only by pennies, but its build was also the flimsiest. Also, all the edges were quite sharp, especially around the dial, so it could be a problem if not handled properly. Otherwise, it performed well in the testing and was fast at reaching a temperature. Once it had reached temperature, it held it steady with surprising accuracy. Reading the dial was easy despite the thermometer being small. The Celsius markings are large and bold with 10 degree increments, Fahrenheit with only 50 degree increments and much smaller numbers. The dial also is coloured red from around 250C, warning that the thermometer is reaching high temperatures, which is handy. The KitchenCraft thermometer may be flimsy and a little sharp but at its price performed well. Latest Deals How we tested oven thermometers The thermometers were placed in or on the centre of middle shelf in an unheated oven. The oven was brought up to 180ºC while checking the thermometers to see how quickly or slowly they reached a steady temperature. The results showed they varied in how quickly the thermometers became accurate: from Tala at approx. 12 minutes to over 20 minutes for the Kuhn Rikon model. The oven was then increased to 220ºC for a second check on temperature alone. This also enabled us to see how they coped at hotter temperatures and whether the dial stayed stable. Related reviews Best meat thermometers Best sugar thermometers Best cooling racks Best roasting tins Best pressure cookers Best slow cookers How to clean an oven
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Test. Taste. Repeat. is a brand-new newsletter from the Good Food test kitchen team, a behind-the-scenes look at what we geek over and debate when we’re developing recipes, making video and podcasts, and chatting about food. Each week, our managing editor, Lulu, chats with a different member of the cookery team to explore a recipe that we all think we’ve cracked. Subscribe now via Substack When it comes to recipes, we all like to think we’ve got the one. That go-to recipe that hits all the right notes, if we’re talking cookies then we’d be championing ‘chewy, chocolatey, crisp-edged, maybe even a little salty’. But here's the thing: no cookie lovers are the same – your best cookie might be someone else's “meh.” Every Tuesday we’ll investigate the ‘why’ and the ‘what’; taking the ingredients and method apart and pondering the science, texture and flavours. We’ll send you a recipe we all agree on (or we at least agree to agree on) – with five (or more) ways to tweak it, plus any other genius tips we think you’ll find useful. There’s room to experiment, and that’s where the fun lives. Test. Taste. Repeat. is free today – subscribe now, and you’ll get: An exclusive weekly recipe, with extensive recipe test notes, every Tuesday The entire archive of Test. Taste. Repeat. Access to our subscriber-only chat Subscribe now via Substack
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
Our breakfast ideas are quick and flavoursome, helping you start the day right. Try superfood scrambled eggs or make-ahead meals like overnight oats.
It’s hard to balance a healthy, nutritious diet alongside a full-time job and family life. After making packed lunches in the morning, the last thing you want to think about is whipping up an army’s worth of cooked breakfasts. Or maybe you’re only responsible for yourself, but those extra 20 minutes in bed seem far more worthwhile than a hot brekkie. From overnight oats, shakes and granola to savoury sandwiches and muffins, whether you're hurrying out of the house in a rush or want to get ahead with meal prep, we've got plenty of ideas to keep you going until lunchtime. For inspiration for breakfasts and brunches on treat-yourself mornings, take a look at our delicious breakfast and brunch recipes. We've gathered a collection of delicious make-ahead recipes that can be chucked onto a plate without hassle. Or, for those with a few minutes to spare, a selection of recipes that take 10 minutes or less to prepare. Quick grab-and-go breakfast ideas 1. Breakfast super-shake Loaded with natural sugar and fats, this is the shake to make if you've got a busy day ahead. Blitz banana and berries together with yogurt, seeds, honey and cinnamon the night before, pour into a bottle and grab it from the fridge the next morning. Simple! 2. Easy banana muffins These easy banana muffins use buttermilk to make them extra moist and pecans for those buttery healthy fats. Breakfast muffins make a great on-the-go breakfast as you can prepare them the night before, ready to eat in the morning. For something different, our delicious breakfast muffins are healthier than your average muffin, using mashed banana and apple sauce for natural sweetness plus blueberries and seeds for an extra nutritious hit. Look at our breakfast muffin recipes for more batches of delicious, fluffy muffins to give you an energy boost in the morning. 3. Breakfast bars Our breakfast bars are fruity, chewy flapjacks packed with delicious oats and cereal. Kids will love to help make them, and they’re perfect for lunch boxes. Or try our on-the-run breakfast bars, which can be frozen and saved for a later date. Breakfast on the go has never been easier with our tasty granola bar recipes. Choose from energy-boosting oats, fruit and nut fillings for a quick snack. 4. Chia & almond overnight oats Overnight oats are ideal for a busy schedule because they can be prepared the night before. Try our chia & almond overnight oats for a healthy and energising breakfast, rich in omega 3. It’s a vegan recipe, but cow's milk and yogurt can be substituted if preferred. Our banana overnight oats are also a great start to any day as they are filling and full of fibre. Try more of our healthy overnight oats recipes for a quick and nutritious breakfast. 5. Nuts & seeds granola Granola is a beautiful way to start the day as it’s packed with heart-healthy oats, seeds, nuts and berries. Enjoy with milk or yogurt and fresh seasonal berries – sure to make you feel great. Try our nuts & seeds granola which serves 10. Great for saving time as you only have to prepare once every week or two. Or make our homemade granola recipe, which can be made in a batch of up to 15 servings. Start the day with one of our energy-boosting granola recipes. From crunchy fruit and nut breakfast cereals to tasty snack bars, these oaty treats will power you through to lunch. 6. Kale smoothie Smoothies are a great make-ahead breakfast as they're so quick to make – all our recipes having a preparation time of five minutes or less. Our kale smoothie is vegan, gluten-free and gives you a great hit of vitamin C to start your day off. Or try our strawberry smoothie, vegan and gluten-free but a sweeter option as it's made with bananas and orange juice. Try our super speedy two-minute breakfast smoothie for a low-fat alternative. For more natural energy drinks and filling breakfasts, try more of our nutritious smoothie recipes. 7. Poached eggs on avocado & feta toast This variation on the traditional avocado toast is incredibly moreish. The addition of salty feta to the creamy avocado is a great flavour match, with a little chilli for a slight kick. Topped with a runny poached egg, this recipe is irresistible and worth setting aside 10 minutes in a busy morning. 8. Simple nutty pancakes These simple nutty pancakes can be made in just 10 minutes and are a great healthier alternative to regular pancakes with the addition of nuts and agave syrup instead of maple or sugar. The recipe makes four pancakes but can easily be doubled. 9. The breakfast club Jam-packed with all of the flavours of a full English, this breakfast sandwich is one you'll look forward to. 10. Superfood scrambled eggs This variation on the classic breakfast adds pumpkin seeds, curry powder and smoked salmon to take your scrambled eggs to the next level. Enjoy with your toast of choice and season well. Delicious! 11. Peanut butter overnight oats Make these overnight oats easily portable by layering them up in a jar with a sturdy lid. Switch up the fruit and nut butter with your favourites for easy variations. Find out more about how to make overnight oats. 12. Blueberry baked oats These blueberry-packed baked oats are just as nice cold, so they make a great on-the-go breakfast. Make a big batch at the weekend and you'll be enjoying a delicious start to the day all week long. Try more healthy baked oats recipes. 13. Blueberry & banana power smoothie Silken tofu is the secret to this high-protein breakfast that will help you feel full until lunchtime. Packed with antioxidant-rich blueberries, banana and porridge oats, it makes a great start to the day. 14. Easy egg muffins If you like a savoury start to the day, it doesn't get much simpler than these make-ahead muffins. Pack them with ham, bacon or smoked salmon, or keep them vegetarian if you prefer. 15. Mushroom croque monsieur rolls Breakfast on the go doesn't have to be plain and boring! For an indulgent start to the day, make a batch of these savoury rolls packed with gruyère, smoked ham and mushrooms. The unbaked rolls can also be frozen for up to three months, so you can have a delicious breakfast ready when you need it. See more quick and healthy recipes: Top healthy breakfast ideas Healthy vegan breakfast recipes Is porridge healthy? Breakfast muffins for kids Is granola healthy? Best healthy overnight oats recipes Best healthy smoothie recipes
Planet Friendlier: Changing of the seasons
Is climate change altering the calendar for harvesting fruit and veg? Here's food for thought, plus a few recipes to help reduce your impact on the environment
We say that eating seasonally is more ‘sustainable’ but what does that really mean? Seasonality is a much-used term when we talk about produce, and we assume that each season gives rise to certain foods appearing in shops without taking stock of how climate change might affect the usual pattern. Last year wasn’t like the year before, or the year before that – rainfalls varied, light levels fluctuated, it got hot and cold at inappropriate moments, and yet we expect what we eat, and when we can eat it, to remain the same. Climate change is blurring the edges of the seasons and extending our window to grow produce, estimated as a month longer than the 1960s according to the Royal Meteorological Society (technically the growing season starts when the temperature gets to five degrees Celsius or more for five consecutive days and ends when the temperature drops below five degrees or more for five consecutive days). Mild weather means the arrival of asparagus gets earlier each year, so there’s no waiting around for 23 April for the traditional start of the season. While that’s good news for asparagus growers and enthusiasts, extreme weather events such as flooding and drought are more common, and changes in temperature, light and rainfall can be detrimental to other crops. Across the last two years the UK had the wettest 18 months since records began, meaning flooded farms, waterlogged soil and, according to DEFRA, veg production was down 4.9 per cent and fruit 12 per cent. Last year was dismal for potatoes and DEFRA have estimated that the wheat harvest could be the second worst since records began. The first ever food security index was published by the government in 2024 to track the increasing threats to food supply. Our weather is no longer reliably ‘seasonal’, and we need to be more aware of what that might mean in relation to what we eat. Where crops are grown may also change as growing conditions become more favourable in some places. Vineyards have sprung up all over the south of England and our sparkling wines are global award winners, though the September rain last year made 2024 challenging for vineyards, too. Who knows what 2025 will bring, but it pays to keep an eye on the weather and to be a little more curious about what is really in season and when. Our what's in season guides are regularly checked and updated to help you make seasonal food choices. What do we mean by sustainability? It might seem strange to have to qualify what ‘sustainable’ means but there are so many different (and differing) explanations that it seems sensible to lay out what we mean when talking about growing food. This colourful chart is a framework set up by The Global Farm Metric to help farmers ‘understand, measure and monitor the environmental, social and economic state of their farm, the practices they use, the outputs from the farm and the impacts these have on the world beyond the farm’. Sustainability is a measure of everything in this illustration. It is holistic and encompassing, unlike a term like ‘net zero’ which only has one measure – greenhouse gases. The pursuit of one measure in isolation is never sensible as it may lead to unintended consequences in others. When we talk about sustainability we are trying to think in the round. For more tips and information on sustainable cooking and eating, head to our sustainability hub. Things to know when shopping seasonally Seasonality + organic We asked veg box suppliers Abel & Cole to tell us how growing produce organically could affect seasonality, and they told us that, “in regard to the UK season, we often find that organic crops can start a little later and finish a little earlier as organic farmers have fewer options to combat pests and diseases.” So, you might have to wait a little longer for organically grown produce to arrive in shops. Produce from abroad Not everything that we eat comes from the UK. According to Fairtrade, we eat over 5 billion bananas every year. Bananas are not native or seasonal to us, but they are a year-round fruit that we probably couldn’t now do without, and luckily, they arrive here by boat which gives them a lower carbon footprint. Other fruit and veg from abroad that we don’t (yet) grow here arrives when it is seasonal in its country of origin. For example, we get avocados, melons, beans, pulses and mangoes from Spain, and because it’s close to us, this produce can come by boat and not via air freight. A good way to enjoy organic produce when it’s ripe is to seek out suppliers who are signed up to crowd-farming. Veg boxes If you buy your fruit and veg from a supplier who mainly uses local farmers, then you’ll have to eat what’s seasonally available, when it’s available. Schemes such as Riverford and Abel & Cole are widely accessible and there are likely to be local companies near you. A veg box scheme helps you eat more sustainably; providers often also work hard to strip out unnecessary packaging to cut down their carbon footprint and offer more efficient deliveries. Meat and fish Both are also seasonal and can often be cheaper at certain times of the year. Take lamb at Easter, depending on where Easter falls, lamb can be hard to come by. Much of it is brought in from the other side of the world. Eat it later in summer and it will be a seasonal meat grown in this country. Wild venison is also seasonal. It is shot out of breeding season when the population is culled. Wild deer have no predators and can do great damage to the landscape if herds get too big. Check labels The use of the Union Jack has got a little out of hand recently, so check the country of origin to see where produce is actually grown. Buy a different variety Biodiversity needs a reset; we need to grow and eat more varieties of everything as this helps with lots of issues from disease prevention to drought-proofing. Companies like Hodmedods have revived lesser-known strains of wheat and pulses – try carlin peas instead of chickpeas for example. What more planet friendlier recipes? Have a look at these... Zero waste recipes for everyday What to do with leftover bread Meat-free Monday ideas Everyday recipes adapted for your airfryer How to use up Sunday lunch leftovers