Ellen Jenne

Chef Will Murray, co-founder of London's Fallow restaurant, recommends baking fried eggs in a moulded baking tray rather than using a frying pan. The technique involves lightly oiling the moulds, adding the eggs, baking them at 160°C (320°F) for about two and a half minutes, and placing a dish of boiling water in the oven to create steam. The humidity cooks the whites evenly while keeping the yolks runny and is particularly useful for preparing large batches. A preheated oven, neutral oil, immediate serving, and adjusted cooking time for firmer yolks are also advised.

Greggs plans to open 100 to 110 UK stores by the end of 2026, following 34 openings in the first half of the year, while pursuing a longer-term goal of reaching 3,500 locations. The bakery chain is testing 10 Greggs Express self-service shops in petrol stations and expanding into non-traditional venues and transport hubs, including its first international site at Tenerife South Airport. Sales rose 7.2% to £1.1 billion in the first half of the year. Chief executive Roisin Currie said Greggs would not impose further price increases this year, although energy costs and wider Middle East-related volatility remain risks. The company has also introduced a summer menu featuring a blueberry matcha iced latte and new salads.

Food expert Kris Osborne recommends making “frambled eggs” by cracking eggs directly into a buttered pan instead of whisking them in a bowl. The eggs should cook undisturbed over medium-low heat until the whites set while the yolks remain runny, then be gently broken up and folded before being removed while slightly glossy and underdone. The method is intended to produce soft, fluffy eggs with streaks of white and yolk while reducing cooking time and washing up.

Former Great British Bake Off contestant Briony May Williams tested set strawberry jelly as an alternative to butter and eggs in scones. Mixing 150g of jelly with self-raising flour creates a soft dough, which can be baked in an air fryer or oven. The resulting scones were fluffy and tasty with a noticeable jelly flavour, though unusually pale. The recipe uses inexpensive Hartley’s jelly and requires only milk for brushing before baking.

Pasta salad should be cooked beyond the usual al dente stage because pasta stiffens and loses moisture as it cools through starch retrogradation. Chef and food writer Anne Wolf recommends boiling the pasta for a few extra minutes, then rinsing it with cold water to stop the cooking process. The additional moisture helps the pasta remain tender and retain its shape when chilled and mixed with dressing.

Natural yoghurt and Greek yoghurt are both nutritious fermented foods containing beneficial bacteria, but they differ in processing and nutritional profile. Greek yoghurt is strained, making it thicker, higher in protein and lower in lactose and carbohydrates, while natural yoghurt generally contains more calcium and has a lighter, more pourable texture. Greek yoghurt suits high-protein diets, appetite management, dips, marinades and sauces; natural yoghurt is better for cereals, smoothies, desserts, baking and dressings. Neither is universally superior, so the best choice depends on dietary needs and culinary use.

A gardening expert outlines simple steps to help tomato plants produce larger, better fruit, including consistent daily watering, weekly application of nutrient-rich tomato feed, removing excess stems to improve light exposure, and thinning smaller unripe fruits at the end of the season to direct energy toward larger ones.

A pharmacist outlines potential short-term bodily reactions to drinking Diet Coke, highlighting effects at intervals up to an hour, including enamel erosion, insulin response, and increased hunger and thirst. Concerns focus on aspartame, which the WHO labeled possibly carcinogenic, and research linking diet sodas to weight gain, hypertension, and other health conditions. The article cautions that regular consumption may overstimulate neuroreceptors and contribute to unhealthy eating patterns.

Mould thrives in wardrobes because of dampness, poor air circulation and organic materials such as clothing. Cleaning expert Chantel Mila recommends placing uncooked rice in a fabric drawstring bag with a little lemon oil inside a wardrobe to absorb moisture and keep it smelling fresh. Expert Tim Warren says wardrobe humidity should ideally be 40–60% and notes that rice, baking soda, silica gel and charcoal bags can reduce moisture, although a dehumidifier remains the most effective option.

Recipe developer Georgia Hughes upgrades beans on toast into satay beans by adding peanut butter and curry powder, along with tomato paste, lime, soy sauce and honey. The one-pan dish uses butter beans served over toast and can be topped with peanuts, pickled red onions and spring onions.

Wildlife specialists urge gardeners to refill and clean bird baths daily in July to prevent disease transmission and support birds during hot, dry conditions. Fresh water reduces the spread of trichomoniasis, a severe illness affecting finches, pigeons and doves. Experts advise placing water sources in shaded, open areas away from dense shrubs and recommend avoiding peanuts and seeds during summer and autumn, instead offering limited quantities of mealworms, fat balls or suet.

Food creator Kris Osborne recommends adding a spoonful of chilli crisp to egg salad to cut through its richness and provide spice, zing and texture. The suggested recipe combines two mashed hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise, chilli crisp, salt and pepper, with extra-crispy chilli pieces added for texture. The salad can be served alone, on crackers, or in a sandwich or wrap.

A natural cleaning tip from TikTok creator Chantel Mila recommends placing a cut, seedless lemon in the top rack of a dishwasher and running a normal cycle with detergent. The lemon’s citric acid may help cut grease and limescale, absorb odours and leave a fresh scent, but it will not remove food scraps. Cleaning expert Nicki Rodriguez warns that lemon seeds should be removed because they could clog the dishwasher filter.

Japanese maples are vulnerable to leaf scorch during summer, but this can be prevented by providing partial shade, ensuring soil stays moist but well‑drained, and protecting the plant from wind exposure. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths explains that too much sun, drying out, and windy conditions are the main causes of scorch. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends placing the plants in cool, lightly shaded, sheltered positions to maintain their health.

An olive oil-based marinade with garlic, herbs, lemon, salt and pepper is recommended to help prevent salmon from drying out in the oven. The salmon should be coated thoroughly, baked at 200°C for 10 to 13 minutes, monitored closely, and rested for three to five minutes before serving.

Food creator Ben Rebuck’s “croque lox” replaces the ham in a croque monsieur with smoked salmon and combines it with a New York-style cream-cheese schmear. The sandwich uses challah, herbs, lemon and a Hollandaise-béchamel sauce before being grilled with cheese, offering a rich French-and-bagel-inspired alternative to a traditional cheese toastie.

Adding crisp smoked bacon, a small amount of reserved bacon fat, and a splash of white, sherry, or cider vinegar can improve shop-bought potato salad. The bacon adds smoky flavour and texture, while the vinegar cuts through excessive mayonnaise and refreshes salad that may have been sitting on a supermarket shelf. Lemon juice can be used instead of vinegar.

Adding a small amount of baking soda mixed with water to beef mince before cooking may improve browning and produce a deeper, more savoury flavour. The mince should rest in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before being seared and cooked through. A comparative test found a noticeable flavour improvement, although moisture and tenderness were not substantially different; the technique may be especially useful for lean mince.

Gardeners are advised to give established climbing hydrangeas a light summer prune in July to encourage a second flush of flowers. Expert Michael Griffiths explains that removing spent flowerheads and trimming stems above new buds redirects the plant’s energy toward new growth. A hard prune should be avoided until late summer or autumn, as cutting back too much now can limit flowering. Proper pruning maintains the plant’s shape, supports healthy new wood, and improves airflow, while incorrect timing may reduce blooms in future seasons.

A traveller reports passing through Palermo Airport with virtually no delay under Europe’s new Entry/Exit System, despite her parents facing a lengthy and stressful queue at Lisbon Airport. Travel experts say queue times depend on airport size, passenger volume, staffing, working biometric kiosks, travel times and school-holiday peaks rather than airport size alone. British travellers are advised to arrive early, consider fast-track options, allow extra time when travelling with children and check passport-validity requirements.

Cardboard sheet mulching is presented as an effective chemical‑free method for controlling garden weeds. Gardening expert Elizabeth Florio endorses using plain cardboard covered with mulch to smother weeds while enriching soil. Forum users report strong results, recommending brown non‑glossy cardboard, layered and watered for best performance. Gardeners planning to plant over the cardboard should add compost and soil before applying mulch.

A traveller recounts a short break in Palermo, highlighting its walkability, historical architecture, and strong culinary culture. Visits include major landmarks and the No Mafia Memorial, while markets, seafood dishes, wine bars, and low drink prices shape the experience. The city is praised for its atmosphere, accessibility, and food, leaving a lasting impression despite the brief stay.

A professional chef recommends defrosting frozen pizza before baking and using a preheated pizza stone, heated for an hour beyond the oven’s preheat cycle, to achieve a crispier crust. Allowing the pizza to reach room temperature and baking it on the fully heated stone results in a properly cooked base, improving texture over standard box instructions.

Kevin McCloud recommends using coconut oil instead of olive or neutral oils to achieve a better rise in Yorkshire puddings, explaining that high heat and multiple eggs improve results. Angela Hartnett supports the technique and advises resting the batter overnight and keeping the oven closed during baking to prevent deflation.

A method for extending the life of cut flowers involves adding two tablespoons each of white vinegar and sugar to a vase of water. The sugar provides nutrients while the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth, helping flowers stay fresh longer. Experts note the importance of balancing both ingredients and regularly refreshing the water to prevent decay.

Gardeners are advised to avoid simply pulling off petals when removing spent flowers, as this leaves seed-producing ovules intact and prevents new blooms. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths explains that proper deadheading requires cutting off the entire flowerhead just above a leaf or bud to redirect energy toward new growth. The Royal Horticultural Society also recommends regular deadheading to encourage continuous flowering.

Using kosher or flaky sea salt enhances avocado toast by reducing bitterness and highlighting the fruit's natural nutty, creamy notes. Cookbook author Sara Wells recommends avoiding table salt because its fine crystals dissolve quickly and can lead to overseasoning. Lemon juice, olive oil, and optional toppings like chives or tomato can further improve flavour and texture, offering a simple method for upgrading a basic breakfast.

Tomato plants showing yellowing leaves and stunted growth may suffer from magnesium deficiency, a condition gardening experts say can be addressed using Epsom salt. Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll production, and its lack can hinder development and reduce harvests. Applying one tablespoon of Epsom salt dissolved in water to the soil or foliage monthly can help when deficiency is confirmed, though high potassium levels may also block magnesium uptake. Experts caution against unnecessary use, as excessive magnesium can also harm plant growth.

Applying moisture-retaining mulch in summer helps Japanese maples maintain hydration, preventing leaf loss and sustaining their colour. Expert guidance recommends deep weekly watering and using lightweight organic mulches while avoiding nitrogen-rich options. Proper mulching cools roots, protects foliage from sun damage and reduces weed growth, supporting healthy trees throughout hotter months.

An Italian chef outlines three key techniques for enhancing homemade tomato sauce: using slightly overripe tomatoes, slow‑roasting to intensify flavour and avoiding refrigeration to preserve freshness. Her recipe includes roasting vine tomatoes with garlic, sugar, tomato purée and olive oil before finishing with basil and pairing with pasta such as orecchiette and Parmigiano Reggiano.

A former Great British Bake Off contestant, Briony May Williams, demonstrates a quick method for making savoury scones using hummus as a substitute for eggs, butter and milk. Mixing hummus with flour, baking powder and seasonings creates an easy dough suitable for baking in either an oven or air fryer. Viewers praised the recipe for its simplicity, flavour and vegan‑friendly appeal, and the article provides ingredients and instructions for recreating the scones at home.

A tomato grower advises storing whole tomatoes at room temperature on the kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight, to preserve flavor and texture. Refrigeration should be avoided for fresh whole tomatoes, as cold temperatures diminish taste, but leftover or cut tomatoes should be placed in airtight containers in the fridge to slow dehydration. Ripe tomatoes should be eaten within several days, and signs of proper ripeness include slight softness and even coloring with stems intact.

Rowan Claughton shares a budget-friendly banana bread recipe that avoids the oven in favour of an air fryer, producing what he calls a better rise and crust. His method keeps costs below £5 and has received positive engagement on TikTok. He advises mashing bananas to a puree to prevent sinking and provides a full ingredients list and cooking method for home bakers.

A spaghetti bolognese recipe highlights that adding a Parmesan rind to the pot enhances richness and depth of flavor. The dish combines beef mince, pork sausage, pancetta, vegetables, herbs, tomatoes, wine and milk, then cooks slowly for several hours. The final sauce is tossed with al dente pasta and served with fresh basil and cheese.

Proper tomato yields depend on removing excess sideshoots that divert nutrients from fruit production, using a dedicated tomato feed rich in potassium and phosphorus, and maintaining consistently moist soil to avoid stressing plants and causing fruit to split.