Ellen Jenne

Chef and TikTok creator Andy Hearnden, known as Andy Cooks, demonstrates making a pineapple upside-down cake in a rice cooker instead of an oven. The method involves caramelising butter and brown sugar, arranging pineapple and cherries, adding a meringue-based batter, and cooking the cake on the appliance’s normal setting. Hearnden says the result is exceptionally soft and dessert-like, although commenters are divided over whether it achieves the same caramelisation and flavour as an oven-baked cake.

Laura Nightingale’s two-ingredient mini bread loaf uses six tablespoons of self-raising flour and four tablespoons of yoghurt. The dough requires no proving and can be shaped by hand before being air-fried at 200°C for five minutes or baked in an oven for 12–15 minutes. The recipe can be made gluten-free with gluten-free flour and xanthan gum, with extra cooking time suggested if the loaf remains doughy.

David Attenborough has advised UK cat owners to fit bells to their pets’ collars to reduce hunting success and help protect garden birds. He also recommends keeping cats indoors at dawn and dusk, placing bird feeders at least two metres from dense vegetation and potential launching points, and using enclosed feeder designs. The guidance follows estimates that UK cats kill around 55 million birds annually.

A homemade window-cleaning solution using warm water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and cornstarch is recommended for removing dirt and preventing streaks. Cornstarch is said to absorb excess liquid and help the solution spread evenly, while vinegar dissolves grime and rubbing alcohol removes bacteria. The mixture should be shaken, sprayed onto the glass, wiped with a microfibre cloth and buffed dry with a second cloth.

The KonMari folding technique may create more suitcase space than rolling clothes by folding garments into compact rectangles and arranging them upright. Travellers are also advised to leave bulky toiletries at home, buy essentials at their destination or arrange hotel deliveries, and use jewellery and cable organisers to keep luggage tidy.

Emily Scott’s recipe transforms Weetabix, Biscoff spread and Greek yoghurt into breakfast truffles coated with white chocolate and more Biscoff. The mixture is rolled into balls, chilled until set and optionally decorated with crumbled Biscoff biscuits. Social media users praised the treats as inventive, delicious and suitable for a weekend breakfast.

Salting salmon, dabbing away excess moisture and leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator for 30 minutes helps dry the skin and improve browning. Chef Charles Kim, known as Chef Fatty, explains that the salt helps the fish retain moisture while cold, dry air removes moisture from the skin. Starting the salmon in a cold pan also allows the fat beneath the skin to melt gradually, creating a natural nonstick layer and helping the skin become crisp before the fish is briefly seared on the other side.

White vinegar can remove surface-level shower limescale in about 10 minutes. The method involves soaking kitchen roll in vinegar, placing it over the limescale, leaving it for roughly 10 minutes, and then removing it. The acetic acid in vinegar dissolves the calcium and magnesium compounds that form limescale, making it a natural alternative to harsher chemical cleaners.

Regularly cleaning kitchen sink drains can help prevent house flies, particularly drain flies, from breeding in moist organic residue. The recommended approach is to pour boiling water down the plughole and optionally use washing-up liquid or soda crystals to break down grease, repeating the process weekly or daily during an infestation. Keeping worktops and floors clean, covering food, disposing of rubbish and avoiding dirty dishes also reduces attractants, while the article cautions against relying on chemical insect repellents.

Upstairs rooms can be significantly hotter than ground-floor areas because warm air rises and becomes trapped. The Met Office recommends closing curtains or blinds on sun-facing windows, keeping windows and doors shut during the hottest part of the day, and opening them in the evening when temperatures fall. Internal doors should remain open to improve airflow, while sheets or towels can temporarily block sunlight when suitable window coverings are unavailable.

Bathrooms can develop mould in summer because warm weather, rainfall and steam create persistent humidity, especially where ventilation is poor. The article recommends humidity-tolerant houseplants as a natural way to absorb excess moisture, highlighting snake plants, peace lilies, orchids, ferns, aloe vera and English ivy, while noting their differing light, watering and care requirements.

A day trip to Shoreham in Kent highlights The Mount Vineyard and The Samuel Palmer pub as appealing countryside escapes within easy reach of London. The vineyard receives enthusiastic praise for its white, red and rosé sparkling wines, while the pub is celebrated for its historic setting, local drinks, seasonal menu and AA Rosette-recognized food. The village is presented as a peaceful destination offering quality wine and dining without requiring a long journey from the capital.

Epsom salt is presented as a natural supplement that may help grass appear greener and recover during hot weather because its magnesium content supports chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. The recommended method is to dissolve one tablespoon per litre of water and apply it in the morning or early evening, no more than once every six weeks. It should supplement, not replace, fertiliser, since excessive nutrients can damage soil.

Leaving a washing machine door and detergent drawer ajar after each cycle allows moisture to evaporate and is described as the most effective way to prevent mould. If mould or musty odours develop, white vinegar can be applied to the detergent drawer and rubber door seal, then used in an empty hot wash to help break down mould and bacteria.

A recipe developer recommends replacing mayonnaise with plain, unsweetened Greek yoghurt to make egg salad lighter while retaining a creamy texture. The recipe combines six boiled eggs with Greek yoghurt, green onion, Dijon mustard, seasoning and optional celery, with suggested additions such as dill or red pepper flakes. The salad can be refrigerated for up to five days.

Gardeners are advised to stop harvesting rhubarb during summer so the plant can rebuild the sugars and nutrients needed to survive winter and produce vigorous stalks the following spring. Continued harvesting can weaken the plant, reduce next year’s yield and lead to thin or bitter stalks. Removing flowers, watering at least weekly during dry periods and allowing the plant to die back naturally can help maintain its health.

Adding pickle juice to potato salad provides acidity that enhances the flavour of the creamy dressing and other ingredients. The recipe combines potatoes, red onion, celery, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard and pickle juice; the potatoes should be fully cooled before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming mashed, and it should be refrigerated before serving.

Citric acid is recommended as an effective natural way to remove limescale from a kettle. The method involves filling the kettle one-quarter full with water, adding half a box of citric acid, boiling the mixture and allowing it to cool before rinsing. Cleaning creator Lucy Kalice says the method works better than alternatives such as lemon or vinegar. A stainless-steel kettle descaler ball can be added to help capture mineral particles and prevent buildup around the heating element and kettle walls.

Retailers generally remain responsible for parcels until customers receive them, unless customers explicitly instruct a courier to leave the package in a specific location. If a parcel is left somewhere without consent and is lost or stolen, consumers will usually be entitled to seek a replacement or refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. When delivery followed the customer’s instructions, obtaining redress may be more difficult, although claims may remain possible if the courier ignored those instructions or home insurance covers the theft. Consumers should contact the retailer, preserve delivery records and CCTV footage, consider alternative dispute resolution, and report suspected theft to the police.

A homemade window-cleaning solution using eight cups of warm water, one cup of white vinegar and a quarter cup of washing-up liquid is recommended for removing dirt, fingerprints and grime without harsh chemicals. The mixture should be applied with a squeegee or sponge, excess solution scraped away and the glass left to dry. Vinegar is presented as an eco-friendly cleaning agent, while readers are advised to use the correct ingredient ratios and clean on sunny, clear days to avoid clouding or soapy streaks.

Practical measures for keeping a home cool during a heatwave include closing curtains, blinds and shutters before temperatures peak, using reflective window coverings, and opening windows in the evening to create cross-ventilation. Rather than cooling the entire property, residents are advised to focus on one or two rooms, keep doors closed, and avoid heat-producing spaces such as kitchens. Fans should be used only when occupants are present, positioned according to outdoor temperatures, and optionally paired with ice to improve cooling.

Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie recommends diluted tea tree oil as an unusual but effective treatment for sun cream stains because of its natural degreasing properties. For stubborn marks, she suggests applying dampened baking soda followed by washing-up liquid and leaving it to soak, or coating the stain with white vinegar. Untreated sunscreen oils, emulsifiers and UV filters can react with fabric dyes and minerals in water or perspiration, causing yellowish-brown discolouration, especially on polyester and nylon.

Under UK law, cats generally have a legal right to roam, so owners are not automatically liable when their cats enter a neighbour’s garden or foul it. Residents cannot normally sue for trespass or force the cat to remain indoors, although repeated physical damage to plants or lawns could potentially support a nuisance or negligence claim. Legal experts recommend first speaking to the owner, trying mediation and using humane deterrents such as motion-activated sprinklers, protective netting, suitable planting, scents, gravel or stones. Property covenants, lease terms or managing agents may also be relevant, but court action is likely to be difficult, costly and unlikely to restrict the cat’s movements.

The Algarve in Portugal was named the cheapest European destination for a family beach holiday in the 2026 Post Office Family Holiday report, with a benchmark cost of £139.65 for meals, drinks and everyday holiday items. Sunny Beach in Bulgaria and Lanzarote followed, while Sorrento in Italy was the most expensive at £268.23. Algarve prices fell 2.7% year on year, whereas Sunny Beach costs rose 9.3%, with broader cost-of-living pressures and Bulgaria’s move toward eurozone membership cited as possible factors.

A cleaning method from TikTok creator Chantel Mila recommends soaking an air-fryer basket in baking soda, washing-up liquid and boiling water to loosen burnt-on food, grease and grime without scrubbing. The mixture’s mild abrasiveness and surfactants help lift residue, while baking soda also neutralises lingering odours.

Recipe developer Amy Sheppard recommends using inexpensive fish fingers instead of cod, haddock or salmon to make individual cheesy fish pie pots. The fish fingers are peeled, with their breadcrumbs reserved for a topping, then combined with a creamy vegetable sauce containing spinach, peas, sweetcorn and tartar sauce. The pies are topped with mozzarella, herbs and breadcrumbs and baked at 200°C fan for about 20 minutes.

Lavender should be pruned in mid to late summer, ideally around August or September, once its flowers have passed their best. Gardeners are advised to leave new green growth below the cut, avoid cutting into old woody stems that may not regrow, and shape the plant into a compact dome. Pruning by roughly one-third and applying compost can encourage healthier growth and more flowers the following year, while remaining growth should be left over winter for protection.

Baking soda can help remove musty towel odours without vinegar or harsh chemicals. The recommended method is to cover the towels with baking soda, leave it briefly, and wash them on a regular cycle without detergent or fabric softener. Proper drying is also essential: towels should be moved promptly from the washing machine to the dryer, and both the dryer lint filter and washing machine should be maintained regularly to prevent mildew, bacteria and lingering smells.

A homemade spray made from water, washing-up liquid, geranium essential oil and clove is presented as a natural way to deter wasps from garden furniture, sheds and seating areas. Expert Elizabeth Adams advises applying it every few days while also removing food residue, rotting fruit and damp materials, using airtight storage containers, and checking regularly for early signs of nests.

Mary Berry's chicken pasta bake combines penne, chicken breast, onion, a creamy mustard and Parmesan sauce, and tomatoes. The recipe serves six to eight people, takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, and bakes for about 20 minutes after the ingredients are assembled. It has received a 4.1-star rating from 160 reviews on BBC Food and is praised as an easy, family-friendly comfort meal suitable for both children and adults.

Bindweed can repeatedly return because of its extensive underground roots and can smother other plants by competing for light, moisture, nutrients and space. Gardening expert Ish recommends repeatedly digging up the roots, removing light from the soil with dense planting, and taking particular care when the weed is flowering. The Royal Horticultural Society also advises deadheading bindweed, removing seeds and clearing affected ground. Natural solutions containing salt and white vinegar may dehydrate the plant but are unlikely to kill its roots.

A cleaning creator recommends washing‑up liquid, warm water and microfibre cloths to remove grease and fingerprints from kitchen cabinets. The method involves wiping surfaces in circular motions from top to bottom and drying them afterward to prevent streaks, offering an inexpensive way to keep cabinets clean for longer.

A simple method is shared for making soft, fluffy scones without eggs or butter by substituting lemon curd, as demonstrated by Briony May Williams. The dough combines flour, lemon curd and salt, is brushed with milk, and baked briefly in an air fryer or oven. The resulting scones are described as crunchy on the outside and soft inside, with enthusiastic reactions from viewers praising the fresh, zesty flavor.

Warm temperatures across the UK make late May and early summer the ideal time to move tomato plants outdoors, with experts advising this should only be done once nights stay reliably above 10–16°C. The Met Office and RHS highlight rising overnight temperatures, while greenhouse growers can plant earlier. After establishing the plants, growth can be boosted through regular fertilisation, including a homemade option using potassium‑rich banana peels. YouTube creator My Kitchen Tanja demonstrates a simple liquid fertiliser made by steeping chopped banana peel in water and applying it weekly to support strong growth and increased fruit production.

A budget-friendly triple chocolate cookie recipe by former Great British Bake Off contestant Rowan Claughton demonstrates how to replicate M&S’s popular cookies using an air fryer instead of an oven, offering a quicker method that produces crispy exteriors and gooey centres. The recipe has gained significant engagement on TikTok, with viewers praising its affordability and taste, and includes simple ingredients and steps to make 16 cookies at low cost.

Birds in the UK face increased stress during summer heatwaves, making access to clean water essential for their survival. Experts advise providing shallow water sources, maintaining strict hygiene to prevent disease, and avoiding pesticides to protect vital insect populations. Additional guidance includes delaying hedge trimming until after nesting season, offering high‑energy foods in summer, and following RSPB recommendations to avoid peanuts and seeds in warmer months. Ensuring clean feeders and reliable water supplies helps birds cope with hot, dry conditions.

Boiling water is recommended as an effective, chemical-free method to kill patio weeds by destroying plant cells and reaching deep roots. The approach is fast, inexpensive and eco-friendly, with smaller weeds dying within a day and larger ones possibly requiring a second treatment. Once dead, weeds can be removed or left to decompose naturally, helping maintain clean patios and driveways with minimal effort.

A simple two‑ingredient mini bread loaf can be made in minutes by mixing self‑raising flour and yoghurt, shaping the dough, and baking it in an air fryer at 200°C for five minutes, with extra time added if needed. The recipe, shared by creator Laura Nightingale, can also be adapted to be gluten‑free by using gluten‑free flour and xanthan gum, and can be baked in a standard oven if an air fryer is unavailable.

A gardening expert recommends using frost fleece to protect potted plants during heatwaves, explaining that its reflective and breathable material helps keep soil cooler, retain moisture and reduce leaf damage. The lightweight fabric allows sunlight and water to pass through while blocking excessive heat, and can be laid over soil or wrapped around entire plants for added protection.

Japanese maples can suffer leaf scorch in summer when exposed to excessive sunlight, dehydration, or strong winds. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths recommends providing dappled or partial shade, keeping soil moist but well-drained, and sheltering plants from drying winds. The Royal Horticultural Society advises placing them in cool, lightly shaded areas with fertile, well‑draining soil and protecting them from both intense sun and harsh winds to prevent leaf damage.

Guidance is provided on eliminating dishwasher odours through natural cleaning methods, highlighting Chantel Mila’s recommendation to use sliced lemons in the upper rack during a wash cycle. Citric acid is described as effective in breaking down grease, limescale and smells, while experts note the method does not remove trapped food debris and caution users to remove seeds to avoid filter blockages.

Birds face elevated risks of dehydration and disease in July, especially from trichomoniasis spread through contaminated water. Experts advise refilling and cleaning bird baths or shallow dishes daily, keeping them in shaded, safe locations away from predators. Providing suitable foods such as mealworms, fat balls and suet helps reduce disease transmission, while seeds and peanuts should be avoided between May and October due to increased infection risk.

A traveller recounts a smooth experience passing through EES checks at Palermo Airport, contrasting it with her parents’ lengthy delays at Lisbon Airport. Experts explain that queue times vary depending on airport size, passenger volumes, staffing levels, timing and whether biometric systems are fully operational. Smaller airports can feel quicker, though not consistently, while major hubs may handle higher volumes more efficiently. Travellers are advised to arrive early, consider fast‑track passes, prepare for family travel requirements and ensure passport validity when navigating EES this summer.

A traveller recounts a short break in Palermo, highlighting its walkability, architecture and rich history alongside its food culture. Visits to landmarks, markets and the No Mafia Memorial are paired with recommendations for seafood dishes, pasta, wine bars and local desserts. Palermo is portrayed as an affordable, charming destination ideal for a quick European escape.

Kevin McCloud recommends using coconut oil and extra eggs to achieve a strong rise in Yorkshire puddings, heating the oil until very hot before adding the batter. Angela Hartnett supports the approach and advises preparing the batter a day early and avoiding opening the oven during cooking to maintain heat.

A home hacks expert explains how to extend the life of cut flowers using two simple ingredients: white vinegar to reduce bacterial growth and sugar to replace lost nutrients. The method involves adding both ingredients to vase water, trimming stems at an angle, and removing excess foliage. Experts note that sugar alone can accelerate bacteria growth, making its combination with vinegar essential. Regular water changes are also recommended to maintain freshness.

Adding kosher or flaky sea salt enhances avocado’s natural flavours, reducing bitterness and creating a more buttery taste. Lemon juice and olive oil further improve flavour, while additional toppings like chives, tomato, eggs or salmon can elevate avocado toast into a more satisfying breakfast.

Tomato plants often suffer from nutrient deficiencies that cause yellowing leaves, poor growth, and reduced harvests, with magnesium deficiency being a common but overlooked issue. Experts note that symptoms include discoloured leaves with green veins, and a simple soil test can confirm the problem. Applying a diluted Epsom salt solution monthly can correct magnesium deficiency, either at the base of the plant or as a foliar spray. However, excessive potassium can block magnesium absorption, and unnecessary magnesium can harm plant growth, so Epsom salt should be used sparingly and only when symptoms clearly indicate a deficiency.

Japanese maples are prone to leaf drop and sun damage during hot summer weather due to their shallow roots and difficulty retaining moisture. Applying mulch helps keep roots cool, retain water and protect foliage, while avoiding nitrogen‑rich mulches prevents overstimulated growth. A thin, even mulch layer kept clear of the trunk, combined with deep weekly watering, helps maintain healthy trees and vibrant red foliage throughout summer.

An Italian chef shares three techniques to improve tomato sauce by using overripe tomatoes, slow‑roasting to deepen flavor, and cooking with fresh, unrefrigerated produce. A step‑by‑step recipe details roasting tomatoes with garlic, sugar, tomato purée, and olive oil before finishing with basil and serving over pasta with Parmigiano Reggiano.

Explains a quicker method for cooking pasta by using a frying pan instead of boiling a large pot of water. Describes a one-pan tomato pasta recipe from Taming Twins that allows the pasta and sauce to cook together, reducing time and cleanup. Provides ingredients and step-by-step instructions for the dish.

A former Great British Bake Off contestant, Briony May Williams, demonstrates a quick vegan-friendly method for making savoury scones using houmous instead of butter, milk, or eggs. Mixed herbs and smoked paprika enhance the flavour, and the scones can be baked in either an oven or an air fryer. Viewers praised the recipe’s simplicity and taste, sharing their own variations and positive reactions.

Rowan Claughton shares a budget-friendly banana bread recipe made entirely in an air fryer, claiming it delivers better results than a traditional oven. The method involves puréeing bananas thoroughly to prevent sinking and baking at 150°C for one hour. Viewers respond positively, and the recipe offers a low-cost, simple approach using common ingredients.

High temperatures accelerate weed growth, and gardening creator Ifzaal recommends using white vinegar as a natural DIY weed killer. The acetic acid dries out weeds within hours, especially on hot sunny days, though it can also harm grass. Vinegar works best on young or small weeds and may be combined with baking soda, salt or lemon juice for stronger effect. Experts note vinegar does not provide lasting control and salt-based solutions can damage soil if overused.

A vegan twist on the classic BLT swaps bacon for thinly sliced, marinated, and pan‑fried smoked tofu to retain smoky, salty flavour. BOSH! shares a tofu lettuce and tomato recipe featuring a chilli‑maple vegan mayo and ciabatta, highlighting crispness and contrast as key elements of a great sandwich. The method involves preparing a simple marinade, frying the tofu until caramelised, mixing the flavoured mayo, and assembling the sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes for a crunchy, creamy result.

A Good Food recipe elevates spaghetti bolognese by simmering the sauce with a parmesan rind, adding depth and richness. The dish combines beef mince, pork sausage, pancetta, vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, wine, and milk, slowly cooked for several hours before being finished with pasta, basil, and cheese.

Advice focuses on watering plants during cooler periods of early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and keep them hydrated during hot weather. Distressed plants can still be watered during midday without harm, as the belief that droplets burn leaves is described as a myth. Additional measures include moving potted plants to shaded areas, using light-coloured gravel to protect soil moisture, and installing shade screens to deflect sunlight and maintain cooler conditions.

Guidance is provided on increasing tomato yields by removing nutrient-draining sideshoots, using dedicated tomato feed containing potassium and phosphorus, and maintaining consistently moist soil to avoid plant stress and fruit splitting.

Advice from cleaning specialist Chantel Mila explains how bicarbonate of soda, washing‑up liquid and boiling water can loosen grime on air fryer baskets without scrubbing. The method uses the abrasive and deodorising qualities of baking soda and the surfactants in washing‑up liquid to break down grease, eliminate bacteria and neutralise odours, supported by expert comments from Dr Oetker and Vanguard Cleaning.