GARLIC AND HERB PRAWNS

Preparation time: 25 minutes + marinating time

Ingredients

• 12 raw prawns in their shells

• Juice of half a lemon

• 2 garlic cloves - crushed

• 3 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Method

Cooking time: 5-6 minutes

Serves: 2

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• 3 tbsp softened butter

• Salt and pepper

• Rinse the prawns. Use a sharp knife to slice along the back of each prawn from head end to tail and remove the thin black intestine.

• Mix the lemon juice with the garlic, herbs and butter to form a paste. Season well with salt and pepper and spread the paste over the prawns. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes.

• Preheat a frying pan. Fry the prawns until cooked, tossing them several times to distribute the heat evenly.

• Turn out on to warm plates and drizzle with the juices from the pan.

• Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread.

Sofa So Good

BY GEMMA PETERS

So, you want a new sofa. What are the factors you need to consider?

• Size matters - Measure the space where the sofa will go, including doorways and stairways, to make sure the sofa will fit. It sounds obvious but it’s an incredibly common oversight! Also consider the scale of the room and the other furniture in it, and choose a sofa that is appropriately sized.

• Style - Think about the overall decor of the room and choose a sofa that complements it. You might fall in love with a sleek ultramodern purple number, but if you live in a cottage with original period décor, you have to consider whether you love it enough to change your entire interior scheme. If you want something to fit into your existing home, consider how the colour, fabric, and design will complement it. Then consider any additional features you might want, such as reclining seats or a pull-out guest bed.

• Comfort - Sounds obvious but sit on the sofa in the store to get a feel for it. Consider the depth of the seat, the height of the back, the angle of the backrest, and the density of the cushions.

• Durability - Look for a sofa that is well-constructed and made of durable materials. Check the frame, springs, and legs to ensure they are sturdy.

• Maintenance - Consider the ease of cleaning and care the sofa might need. Some materials, such as leather, are easier to care for than others.

• Budget - Work out your budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always equate to better quality. Look for sales and discounts. You can also get a great deal if you’re prepared to buy a used sofa.