GBF Judge’s Holi Inspiration
To celebrate Holi festival, Great British Food Award judge Vivek Singh has shared his family recipe for malpua – a kind of syrupy, sweet, crisp pancake. Yum.
Delicious gift ideas for Mother’s Day
Don’t forget it’s Mother’s Day on 15th March! If you’re stuck for inspiration, we’ve got you covered. From award-winning gin and brownies, to chocolates that look like a work of art – read our guide to the very best food and drink gifts.
Pro tea and biscuit pairings
On the subject of Mother’s Day – most mums appreciate the sanctity of taking a moment for themselves with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Watch our video, where we pair Great British Food Award-winning tea blends and biccies. Some of the combinations might surprise you!
Cookbook Corner
Runaway social media sensation and former teacher Ashleigh Mogford (AKA @cardiff.mum) has just released her debut book Cardiff.Mum’s 5 Meals for £25. Brimming with bright photography, shopping, budgeting and planning tips, it shares her followers’ best-loved recipes, ideal for families, and all-new creations – most ready in 10-20 minutes. From Taco Loaded Potato Bowls to Cajun Chicken Meatball Al Fredo, you’ll turn to it time and time again. Try one of the recipes – Chicken Parm Melts – for yourself, here.
The Inside Scoop
- Luxury Cheshire hotel, Carden Park, has just unveiled its new supper club series, hosted within its 33 AA Rosette restaurant, The Vines. Taking place on 27th March, 24th April and 29th May, they offer an elegant introduction to fine dining, across six courses. Menu highlights so far include Tunworth mousse with brioche pudding, black garlic and chive, and Asian style beef tartare.
- The Mint Room in Bath, considered one of the UK’s number one Indian restaurants, is about to relaunch its Indian High Tea. Priced at £28 per person, and available at weekends, highlights include cheese and Indian masala scones, crunchy butter kheema sandwiches, red onion pakora, dal fritters, and cardamom scented sona bhoondhi fudge.
How to – seed chocolate
Lots of you will be making chocolatey creations for Mother’s Day. One of the biggest fails we hear from people is that their chocolate has bloomed – gone oily or patchy once set.
The easiest way to get a nice glossy sheen is by ‘seeding’ your chocolate. Melt ¾ of it in a bain marie, take off the heat, and stir in the remaining ¼ until melted. Beat well. The chocolate is ready to use when you can’t feel it’s warmth any more if you pop a bit on your lips!
Did you know?
It took 150 years for us Brits to cotton onto eating chocolate in the 19th Century. Before that it was enjoyed purely as a hot, spiced drink, mixed with water, milk, wine or even eggs!
Author of The Experienced English Housekeeper, gave her hot chocolate recipe in 1793, combining 115g chocolate with boiling water and sugar to taste.
Follow the Great British Food Awards on Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube.
