Ellen Jenne

Chef Charles Kim, known online as Chef Fatty, recommends dry-brining pork by salting it and leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator for at least an hour, preferably overnight. The process draws moisture from the meat and skin, helping the pork retain moisture while promoting browning and crisp crackling. Thin chops should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F, while thicker cuts can be reverse-seared after oven or air-fryer cooking. Drying and scoring the skin, along with using sufficient salt, are also important for crispiness.

Roasting broccoli with olive oil is presented as a tastier and more nutritious alternative to boiling, which can produce a limp texture, reduce flavor and cause water-soluble nutrients to leach away. The recipe combines broccoli with olive oil, garlic powder, chilli flakes, lemon and parmesan, then roasts it at 250°C for 20–25 minutes until crisp and golden.

Whitbread is closing all of its remaining branded restaurants as it shifts to a business focused solely on Premier Inn. Bar + Block, Table Table and Cookhouse + Pub sites are scheduled to close on September 3, Brewers Fayre locations on September 7, and Beefeater restaurants on September 10. The move is expected to eliminate around 3,800 roles, although Whitbread says it will redeploy as many affected employees as possible. A conditional sale of 53 sites to Queensway Hospitality Group could preserve the venues as going concerns and transfer approximately 900 staff.

A two-ingredient mini bread loaf can be made with self-raising flour and yoghurt without kneading or proving. The dough is shaped and cooked in an air fryer at 200°C for about five minutes, with extra time if needed; an oven method takes 12–15 minutes. A gluten-free version can be made with gluten-free bread flour and xanthan gum.

David Attenborough has urged UK cat owners to reduce the risk their pets pose to garden birds, which cats are estimated to kill in large numbers each year. Recommended measures include fitting cats with bells, keeping them indoors at dawn and dusk, placing bird feeders at least two metres from dense vegetation and potential launch points, and using enclosed feeder designs.

Cleaning enthusiast Lily recommends placing kitchen roll soaked in white vinegar onto shower limescale for about 10 minutes. The vinegar’s acetic acid breaks down the calcium and magnesium compounds in limescale, offering a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and a method that can also be used to descale appliances such as kettles and dishwashers.

Ellen Jenne compares Doritos Cool Original with own-brand tortilla chips from Aldi, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Marks & Spencer. Doritos and Aldi's Delta Cool chips jointly score 8/10, with Aldi offering a substantially cheaper alternative despite lacking Doritos' tangy flavour and lasting crunch. Tesco scores 4/10 for an unusual sour taste, Sainsbury's 5/10 for an average flavour needing toppings, and M&S 3/10 because its chips are bland, chewy and expensive.

Wrapping lettuce loosely in aluminium foil, after washing and thoroughly drying it and removing damaged leaves, may keep it crisp for up to a month. A comparison cited by the article found foil-wrapped romaine lasted beyond 30 days, while lettuce in its original plastic packaging lasted around two to three weeks. Food scientist Michael Nestrud says foil may help by balancing moisture retention with ventilation, although there is no definitive scientific explanation for its effectiveness.

Tomato growers are advised to apply tomato feed to the soil once a week during the remaining summer months, alongside regular watering. Gardening creator Ish says the feed provides nutrients such as potassium and phosphorus that can support larger, juicier fruit and a higher yield. Gardeners should dissolve a capful in four to five litres of water, apply it to the compost around the plant’s base, and avoid the foliage. Keeping the soil consistently moist is also important, as alternating between waterlogged and dry conditions can stress plants, reduce yields and cause tomatoes to split.

Chef Will Murray of London restaurant Fallow recommends baking eggs in a moulded baking tray instead of frying them in a pan. The method involves adding a little oil, cracking eggs into the moulds, and baking them at 160°C for two and a half minutes with some humidity. The result is described as consistently cooked fried eggs, and Simply Recipes also endorses the technique for preparing eggs for a crowd.

Chef Charles Kim, known online as Chef Fatty, recommends storing soft herbs such as parsley, dill and coriander upright in a jar of water covered with a plastic bag and refrigerated. Hardy herbs such as rosemary, mint and thyme should be removed from their woody stems, wrapped in a lightly damp kitchen towel and refrigerated. These methods can keep herbs fresh for up to two or three weeks, while basil should remain in its packaging at room temperature because refrigeration can damage it.

Gardeners are advised to leave brown, dormant lawns alone during drought rather than cutting, scarifying, feeding or unnecessarily watering them, because the grass may recover when rainfall returns. Green lawns should be mowed only at the highest blade setting to reduce stress and keep the soil cool. The Royal Horticultural Society supports this approach for established lawns, while warning that prolonged drought can kill weakened roots and allow weeds and moss to spread. Watering is recommended only when strictly necessary, such as for newly laid or recently sown turf.

Recipe creator Claire recommends replacing mayonnaise with plain Greek yoghurt in egg salad to achieve a creamy texture with more protein and typically fewer calories and less fat. The recipe combines six eggs with Greek yoghurt, green onion, Dijon mustard and seasonings, with optional celery, and can be refrigerated for up to five days.

Adding one tablespoon of mayonnaise per pound of beef mince can make homemade burgers juicier, more flavourful and evenly browned. The extra fat liquefies during cooking, helps replace surface water and promotes browning, while the vinegar in mayonnaise adds a subtle tang. The mince should be mixed gently to avoid dense, tough patties, and the technique can also be used with lean proteins such as chicken, turkey and game.

Gardeners are advised to stop harvesting rhubarb during summer so the plant can replenish the sugars and nutrients stored in its rhizomes before winter. Continued picking can weaken the plant, reduce future yields and produce thin or bitter stalks. Removing flowers, watering at least weekly during dry periods and allowing the plant to die back naturally can help it return with stronger, juicier stalks the following spring.

Pickle juice is recommended as the secret ingredient for adding acidity and depth to potato salad. The recipe combines potatoes, red onion, celery, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard and pickle juice, with instructions to cool the potatoes thoroughly before mixing and chilling the finished salad.

Retailers generally remain responsible for parcels until customers receive them, including when delivery drivers leave packages in an unapproved location. Customers may be entitled to a replacement or refund under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 if a parcel left on a doorstep or in a recycling bin without consent goes missing. If the customer specifically instructed the retailer or courier to use that location, responsibility may pass to the customer, although claims may remain possible if delivery instructions were not followed. Consumers should contact the retailer, retain tracking and CCTV evidence, consider home insurance, report suspected theft to police, and pursue formal complaints, alternative dispute resolution or small claims proceedings if necessary.

Three simple measures can help keep homes cool during heatwaves without relying on fans or air conditioning: close curtains, blinds and shutters before the day heats up; open windows and doors in the evening to create natural ventilation and cross-breezes; and concentrate cooling efforts on one or two rooms while keeping them sealed from warm air. Kitchens and sun-exposed rooms should be avoided where possible. Efficient fan use, including placing a fan near a window when outdoor air is cooler or using ice nearby in extreme heat, can reduce wasted energy.

UK cats generally have a legal right to roam, so owners are usually not liable for trespass when their cats enter a neighbour’s garden or foul there. Homeowners are advised to begin with a friendly conversation, mediation and humane deterrents such as planting, gravel, netting or motion-activated sprinklers. If cats cause substantial, repeated damage to plants or lawns, a nuisance or negligence claim may be possible, but court action is likely to be difficult and costly. Property covenants, lease terms and managing agents may provide additional avenues for assistance.

Cleaning expert Chantel Mila recommends soaking an air-fryer basket in bicarbonate of soda, washing-up liquid and boiling water to loosen burnt-on food, grease and grime without scrubbing. A baking-soda paste can be used for especially stubborn areas, while the ingredients’ mildly abrasive, surfactant and deodorising properties help clean and freshen the basket.

Recipe developer Amy Sheppard recommends using 15 fish fingers instead of pricier cod, haddock or salmon fillets in fish pie. The breadcrumb coating is removed, reserved, and combined with mozzarella and herbs for a crunchy topping, while the fish is folded into a creamy sauce with vegetables and tartar sauce. The assembled pie pots are baked at 200°C fan for 20 minutes, offering a low-cost recipe serving four.

Cleaning expert Chantel Mila recommends generously covering musty towels with bicarbonate of soda before washing them on a standard cycle without detergent or fabric softener. The baking soda is said to neutralize odours, absorb oils, reduce residue and improve towel softness. Preventing recurring smells also requires drying towels promptly, maintaining the dryer’s lint filter and cleaning the washing machine regularly.

A gardening and storage expert recommends a homemade wasp deterrent made with 500ml of water, washing-up liquid, geranium essential oil and clove oil. The spray can be applied every few days around seating areas, sheds, decking and storage containers, but regular cleaning, removal of food residue and rotting fruit, replacement of cardboard boxes with secure airtight containers, and inspections for early signs of nests are also advised.

Ellen Jenne compares three Sainsbury's own-brand vanilla ice creams priced from £1.50 to £3.50. The Stamford Street Co. budget tub scores 5/10 for its nostalgic flavor but melts quickly, while Sainsbury's standard soft scoop scores 6/10 and offers modest improvements. The premium Taste the Difference ice cream, made with double cream and Madagascan vanilla, scores 8/10 and is judged the clear winner for its authentic flavor, rich texture and creaminess, despite its much higher price and smaller 480ml size.

Bindweed is difficult to eradicate because of its deep, extensive root system. Gardening creator Ish recommends repeatedly digging out the roots and removing flowering stems, while blocking the weed’s access to light with dense plants such as salvias and penstemons. The Royal Horticultural Society also advises removing flower heads before seeding, digging out seedlings, and taking care with weed killers because some can harm soil microorganisms.

Greek yoghurt and natural yoghurt are both made by fermenting milk with live bacterial cultures, but Greek yoghurt undergoes an additional straining stage that removes whey, producing a thicker texture and generally higher protein concentration. Natural yoghurt is lighter and more versatile for cereals, smoothies, desserts, baking and dressings, while Greek yoghurt is better suited to dips, marinades and sauces. Both can be healthy choices depending on dietary needs and culinary preferences.

A former Great British Bake Off contestant, Rowan Claughton, shares a budget-friendly recipe for triple chocolate cookies inspired by the popular M&S version, costing 36p each and cooked in an air fryer. His TikTok video demonstrating the recipe has gained significant engagement as viewers praise its affordability and taste. The article provides the full ingredient list and method for recreating the cookies at home.

Gardeners are advised to deadhead faded blooms, water plants thoroughly with the help of moisture‑retaining coir mulch, and provide consistent feeding—preferably tomato feed rich in potassium—to keep flowers blooming throughout the summer. Gardening expert Ish recommends clean cuts when deadheading and applying feed every couple of weeks to promote stronger, more vibrant growth.

Bird experts urge UK gardeners to provide clean, shallow water sources to help robins and other birds cope with the ongoing heatwave, as high temperatures and dry conditions make natural water scarce. Conservation organisations warn that many bird species are already at risk, and summer is a critical period when birds rear their young. Specialists recommend placing water sources in safe locations, maintaining strict hygiene to prevent disease, and avoiding pesticides and early hedge trimming. Guidance also includes offering appropriate summer foods such as mealworms or suet instead of seeds and peanuts, while ensuring feeders remain clean to reduce disease transmission.

A simple two‑ingredient bread recipe using self‑raising flour and yoghurt produces a small loaf in about five minutes when cooked in an air fryer. Shared by recipe creator Laura, the method requires no kneading or proving and can be made gluten free with xanthan gum. The loaf can also be baked in a conventional oven, though it takes longer. Readers responded positively to the quick, easy preparation and adaptability.

A recipe developer shares a simple upgrade to beans on toast using peanut butter and curry powder to create a satay-style version. The quick, one-pan method combines shallots, tomato paste, spices, butter beans and flavourings before serving over toasted sourdough, offering an easy and comforting twist on a classic dish.

Kris Osborne recommends adding a spoonful of chilli crisp to egg salad to boost flavour and balance its richness. The ingredient provides spice and tang, reducing the need for additional components such as mustard or pickles while creating a more cohesive taste when combined with mayonnaise. The method involves mashing hard-boiled eggs, mixing in mayonnaise and chilli crisp, seasoning, and optionally adding crunchy bits from the jar for texture. The enhanced egg salad can be served as a side, on crackers, or in sandwiches or wraps.

Japanese maples are vulnerable to leaf scorch during summer, mainly due to excessive sunlight, dehydration and exposure to strong winds. Gardening expert Michael Griffiths advises placing the plants in dappled or partial shade, maintaining moist but well-drained soil and avoiding windy locations. The Royal Horticultural Society further recommends positioning them in cool, lightly shaded areas with free-draining soil and protecting them from both intense sun and drying winds to keep foliage healthy.

Experts urge gardeners to refresh and clean bird baths daily in July to protect birds from dehydration and disease, especially trichomoniasis, which spreads through contaminated water. A shallow dish works as well as a bird bath, but placement should avoid direct sunlight and dense shrubs. Safe feeding options include mealworms, fat balls, and suet, while peanuts and seeds should be avoided during summer and autumn to reduce infection risks.

A chef’s method for keeping salmon moist in the oven recommends coating the fish in an olive‑oil‑based marinade with garlic, herbs, lemon and seasoning. The oil protects the exterior during cooking, preserves moisture, enhances flavour and helps achieve a crisp finish. The recipe outlines preparation steps, a 200°C roasting temperature, and a 10–13 minute cook time, with a brief resting period to maintain tenderness.

A food creator suggests replacing ham with smoked salmon and cream cheese to transform a classic croque monsieur into a rich, bagel‑inspired “croque lox.” The recipe layers challah, salmon and a herbed cream cheese schmear, topped with a Hollandaise‑béchamel blend and grilled cheese. Viewers responded positively, praising the flavour combination and presentation.

A recipe developer recommends enhancing shop‑bought potato salad by adding crispy smoked bacon along with a small amount of its rendered fat, and balancing excessive creaminess with a splash of white, sherry or cider vinegar, or lemon juice if vinegar is unavailable.

Baking soda mixed into beef mince before cooking enhances browning and deepens flavour. Mixing a small amount with water and allowing the mince to rest for 15 minutes helps raise the meat’s pH, improving savouriness, especially in lean beef, though moisture levels remain similar. This simple technique provides a tastier base without requiring higher‑fat or premium cuts.

A hands‑free weed‑control method known as sheet mulching uses flattened cardboard covered with mulch to smother unwanted growth while improving soil quality. Gardening expert Elizabeth Florio highlights cardboard as a sustainable and low‑effort barrier, and forum users report strong results in borders and hedges. Gardeners are advised to use plain brown cardboard, avoid glossy or ink‑heavy materials, and soak sheets to secure them. Compost or planting soil can be added above the cardboard for direct planting, while non‑planting areas can be finished with organic mulches such as wood chips or pine straw.

Kevin McCloud recommends replacing olive oil with coconut oil for better-rising Yorkshire puddings, noting high heat and multiple eggs as key factors. Angela Hartnett supports his approach, advising cooks to let the batter rest overnight and avoid opening the oven during baking.

Chef Anne Wolf recommends defrosting frozen pizza before cooking and using a preheated pizza stone, heated for an hour beyond the oven reaching temperature, to achieve a crisp base. A pizza tray can be used as an alternative. After the pizza warms to room temperature, it should be cooked according to package instructions, with the base checked shortly before finishing.

Chef Sara Wells recommends using kosher or flaky sea salt instead of table salt to bring out avocado’s natural flavor and reduce bitterness in avocado toast. She explains that larger salt crystals enhance taste and texture, helping balance the fruit’s delicate, sometimes bitter profile. Additional suggestions such as lemon juice, olive oil, and optional toppings further improve the dish’s flavor and versatility.

Avocado toast can taste bland due to the fruit’s subtle flavour, but adding kosher or sea salt enhances its natural creaminess while reducing bitterness. Cookbook author Sara Wells recommends avoiding table salt because it dissolves too quickly and can lead to overseasoning. A simple preparation using avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper creates a more flavourful result, with optional toppings such as eggs, bacon, salmon, tomato or chives.

Warmer weather increases the likelihood of ants entering homes, but cinnamon offers a simple, low‑cost deterrent. Cleaning specialist Chantel Mila recommends spraying a mix of water and cinnamon around entry points, while pest expert Nathan Kruger explains that cinnamaldehyde disrupts ants’ scent trails. Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks can also be placed along common ant pathways or in cupboards. The spice additionally provides antibacterial and deodorising benefits for general cleaning.

A chef recommends replacing butter and eggs with double cream to achieve scones with crunchy edges and a soft, fluffy interior. The method involves mixing dry ingredients, adding cold double cream, gently forming the dough, cutting it into rounds and baking until golden. The higher fat content of the cream provides richness and tenderness, making the recipe simple and effective for consistent homemade results.

Italian chef Roberta d’Elia outlines three key techniques for a rich tomato sauce, emphasising the use of slightly overripe tomatoes, slow roasting to deepen sweetness, and avoiding refrigeration to maintain flavour. A detailed recipe guides preparation of a roasted tomato sauce complemented by basil and served best with orecchiette and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Culinary experts recommend cooking pasta in a frying pan rather than boiling it in a pot to save time and enhance flavour. Using a one-pan method allows the pasta and sauce to cook together, reducing washing-up and producing a quick, restaurant-quality dish. A simple tomato-based one-pan pasta recipe illustrates the technique, combining spaghetti, tomatoes, aromatics, pesto and stock for a fast, convenient meal.

A recipe shared by former Great British Bake Off contestant Briony May Williams shows how hummus can replace eggs, butter and milk to make quick savoury scones. The method combines hummus with flour, baking powder and spices, producing dough in seconds and baking quickly in either an air fryer or oven. Viewers who tried the recipe praised its flavour and simplicity, with variations suggested using different hummus types and added ingredients.

A tomato farmer advises keeping whole tomatoes at room temperature on a kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight, to preserve flavour and texture. Refrigeration is recommended only when delaying ripening or storing cut tomatoes, which should be placed cut-side down in an airtight container. Fresh tomatoes should be consumed within a few days and selected for slight softness, even colouring and intact green stems.

Rowan Claughton shares a low-cost banana bread recipe that uses an air fryer instead of an oven to achieve a better rise and crust. His method cooks the loaf at 150°C for an hour and includes tips to prevent sinking, emphasising thoroughly pureeing the bananas. The approach has drawn positive reactions online and offers an inexpensive, straightforward baking option.

Gardeners are advised to avoid mowing lawns early in the morning, as dew causes wet grass to clump, strains mowers, and increases risks such as fungal disease, patchiness, and root damage. Horticultural expert Michael Griffiths and equipment maker Ego Power Plus recommend waiting until mid‑morning, around 10am, when the grass has dried for a cleaner cut and to prevent equipment issues.

Warm weather accelerates weed growth, prompting gardening expert and TikTok creator Ifzaal to recommend white vinegar as a natural weed killer that works especially quickly in hot, sunny conditions. The acetic acid in vinegar dehydrates weeds, causing them to dry out within hours and die within days, though it can also damage grass and other vegetation. Experts note that vinegar is most effective on young or annual weeds and can be combined with baking soda, salt or lemon juice for stronger results. Salt-based treatments can accumulate in soil and harm other plants if overused.

A plant‑based twist on the classic BLT uses thinly sliced smoked tofu marinated in soy sauce, maple syrup, tomato purée and smoked paprika to replicate bacon’s smoky crunch. A tofu BLT recipe shared by vegan chefs BOSH! earned enthusiastic reactions on social media. The sandwich is assembled with tomatoes, lettuce, toasted ciabatta and a chilli‑maple vegan mayo.

A recipe from Good Food offers a method for enhancing spaghetti bolognese by incorporating ingredients such as a Parmesan rind, porcini mushrooms and pork sausages to deepen the sauce’s flavour. The dish is cooked slowly in the oven after combining browned meat, vegetables, herbs and tomatoes with wine and milk, producing a rich sauce intended to serve large groups.