Chloe Dobinson

A quick ten‑minute Spaghetti Aglio e Olio recipe is presented with guidance from expert Phil Bianchi, emphasising simplicity, affordability and the use of six staple ingredients. The method focuses on gently heating olive oil with garlic and chilli, tossing the cooked pasta with parsley and a little starchy pasta water, and finishing with parmesan. Additional insight from chef Phil Vickery highlights achieving optimal flavour through careful handling of the garlic and proper tossing of the pasta.

A trained chef recommends baking French toast on a preheated, very hot tray instead of frying to achieve a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Heating the tray for at least 20 minutes allows the bread to sear immediately, producing an evenly cooked batch that can be served all at once. The method involves dipping brioche slices in an egg, milk and vanilla mixture, placing them on the hot tray, and baking for five to eight minutes before serving with preferred toppings.

A Greek family recipe shared by food writer Georgina Hayden stresses that straining full‑fat Greek yoghurt is the key step to achieving a thicker, creamier tzatziki. Both the yoghurt and grated cucumber should be salted and drained to remove excess moisture before combining with garlic, dried mint, black pepper, olive oil and lemon juice. The method enhances texture and flavor, producing an authentic version of the traditional dip.

An increase in Ofgem’s energy price cap from July 1 has raised home charging costs for the UK’s two million electric vehicle owners, with annual expenses for some models rising by more than £50. Estimates from WhatCar and Carwow show higher per‑mile and per‑charge costs, though EVs remain cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars. The higher electricity tariff will also raise average household energy bills by around £221, with experts warning that the full impact will be felt later in the year as consumption rises.

Forecasters warn of a third UK heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30°C across multiple regions and tropical nights preventing overnight cooling. Health authorities have issued amber alerts as high temperatures persist. Energy specialists recommend a simple cooling method using bowls of cold water or ice placed near open windows, which can help lower indoor temperatures. Enhancing the technique with a fan increases effectiveness at a far lower cost than air conditioning. British Gas supports the approach as an affordable way to stay cool during extreme heat.