Family Shopping & Survival Guide Spring 2017

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FAMILY Food • Parenting • Education • Shopping • Life!

UIDE G L A V I V R U S D N A G N I P SHOP Spring 2017

HERE COMES THE SUN

www.family247.net

VEGGING OUT – try going veggie for a week GETTING FIT – with This Girl Can ADDING UP – make maths homework fun!

WIN

a case of Sun-Maid Mini-Snacks plus a bundle of goodies from Sun-Maid Raisins!

Page 36

Tasty recipes from Tilly Ramsay and Katy Salter …plus much, much more inside!

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T he a stonishing stor y of Sophie’s BIG knickers They don’t get out much these days.

Not since Sophie switched to drinking a2 Milk™. The bloated tummy seemed to just disappear.

Turns out it didn’t like the A1 protein in most regular cows’ milk. So now she can wear underwear that flatters rather than flattens. And have a cuppa without feeling a bit, well…pants.

Sophie shared her story at a2milk.co.uk/ Sophie Why not try it yourself?

*In a poll of 155 Netmums members, 85% would recommend a2 Milk™ to a friend. a2 Milk™ is not suitable for cows’ milk protein allergy. If you have been medically diagnosed with any milk intolerance, seek advice from your doctor before use. Customer’s name has been changed to protect her modesty.

W E L C O M E Thank you for picking up the latest issue of the Family Shopping & Survival Guide. It’s National Vegetarian Week this month and whilst we may not actually be vegetarians, whenever we cook a meat free meal at home, or go for the veggie options in restaurants, it is always so tasty and makes us feel, dare I say it, a little virtuous and quite healthy. So, we’re going to give it a go for a whole week – at least! I hope that’s where any similarity I have with those Hairy Bikers ends!

We’ve a packed issue including motivational tips for getting fit, advice on responsible pet ownership, a wonderfully varied selection of recipes to suit every taste and dietary requirement, smart cleaning hacks, the best current crop of books for our children and even some great ideas to make learning maths fun!

Whichever way you calculate it, that’s not bad for a free read!

Our brand new website, Family247.net, launches later this month! If you're looking for topical articles, though-provoking features, competitions and exclusive discount offers – then please pay us a visit!

Published by Lincolnbrody Ltd, 98 Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1JS EMAIL info@lincolnbrody.co.uk EDITOR – Victoria Howdle FEATURES WRITER – Marc James DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Daniel Josty ADVERTISING MANAGER – James Martin Copyright LincolnBrody Ltd No reproduction in whole or part is permitted without written permission. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of any information herein and are unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or any implied warranty related to the promotions in this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to press, prices and offers may be subject to change.

In this Issue...

P4 1 + 1 = FUN!

Yup, you read that correctly. Learning maths with your little ones can also be rewarding and very effective. It might also help you split that complicated bill at the end of a meal!

p28 P27 SHARING IS CARING It’s Child Safety Week next month so what better time to remind ourselves of the simple, practical things we can do to avoid accidents

p10 P7 V IS FOR VEGGIE! To celebrate this month’s National Vegetarian Week, we’re going veggie for a week – it’s surprisingly easy and tasty and if it’s good enough for the Hairy Bikers…..

P10 THIS GIRL CAN GET FIT… AGAIN Inspiring stories from women who have overcome their fears and started getting fit again

P28 WELCOME HOME Pets bring a whole host of benefits to family life and here we offer some great tips for that vital introductory stage for both puppies and cats

P31 FEEDING TIME Nicola Paley from the Pet Food Manufacturer’s Association helps us make an informed choice when it comes to feeding our pets

P32 ALLERGIES Allergy UK look at a range of allergies that could affect your family

P15 KEEPING IT CLEAN

P34 FAMILY KITCHEN

We might be stretching the definition of spring cleaning a little, but any motivation and tips never go amiss

Scrummy recipes from our friends at Sun-Maid Raisins and Wright’s Baking

P19 ALLERGENS IN THE HOME

Get yer wellies on and have some fun down on the farm!

Simple steps to reduce the symptoms of 'home fever'

P37 E I E I O!

P21 READING FOR LIFE We love reading and as a recent study announced, regular readers are all round better humans, so let’s get our kids hooked early, with thanks to our friends at Waterstones and their Children’s Book Prize

P25 OVER TO YOU, TILLY! Cooking is an important life skill. It can also be fun and here are two great recipes from Tilly Ramsay’s fab new cookbook

p39 P39 MILK MATTERS It’s amazing how much goodness we get from a simple glass of milk

P41 DAIRY ALTERNATIVES Advice for those of us who suffer from milk allergy or lactose intolerance

P45 DELICIOUS

p15

Three delicious dairy-free recipes from food journalist, Katy Salter

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Education

1+1= Fun! We can have a huge effect on how our children’s mathematical ability develops and even if you don’t have much confidence in your own numeracy skills, bringing maths to life with them at home can actually be a lot of fun. With thanks to the experts at National Numeracy, here is some great advice that really adds up

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When parents take an active interest in their child’s learning it’s no surprise they make greater progress at school.

This includes maths.

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Maths: a love hate relationship Parents give children their first experience of maths. From counting “1, 2, 3” as they pick up their tiny bundle of joy, to building up a tower of stacking blocks as high as the sky.

When parents take an active interest in their child’s learning it’s no surprise they make greater progress at school. This includes maths.

Sadly, compared to literacy (particularly reading), parent involvement in maths is generally underdeveloped. In the UK we have a wide range of barriers to blame for this: many adults struggled with the subject

at school, feel out of practice, unconfident in their ability or nervous about discussing it with their children’s teachers. Others are simply up against a lack of time or busy work commitments.

The good news is that even if maths leaves you feeling downright terrified, there are simple things you can do that make a huge difference to how your child’s confidence and ability develop. In fact, there is a good chance that you already are doing some of them. We use maths every day, often without realising it. Think of singing nursery rhymes, playing counting games or

telling the time – all of this helps to give your child a head start and even if you don’t do anything else, then it’s worth remembering a few top tips: Be positive about maths – “You can do it” – Don’t say things like "I can’t do maths" or "I hated maths at school"; your child might start to think like that themselves.

Point out the maths in everyday life – Include your child in activities involving maths, such as food shopping, using money, cooking and travelling.

Praise your child for effort rather than talent – This shows them that by working hard they can always improve.

Let’s look at the evidence In a recent project*, 28 schools in London tried out a new approach to getting parents involved in maths at home. Instead of traditional homework, they sent home a weekly maths challenge, which families completed together and wrote up in a scrapbook. Three school terms later 88% of children that took part said their maths confidence had improved.

The benefits of the study even went beyond the children’s development, with 86% of parents saying that doing more maths activities at home had increased their own confidence in helping their child.

How to bring maths to life Focus on asking questions and exploration – Ask your child why something makes sense, instead of simply getting to the ‘right’ answer.

Talk through activities as you are doing them together – Ask your child to explain their understanding. Get them to teach you!

I nvolve siblings and other family members – This can help to create a positive buzz which boosts everyone’s confidence.

L ook online for resources and activities that you can do – The Family Maths Toolkit by National Numeracy is a great place to start! You can find this at www.familymathstoolkit.org.uk We all use maths every day, often without realising it. Every child can develop the numeracy skills they will need at home, at school and throughout their lives. Helping your child feel confident about maths now, can give them a real head start. And by trying

out some of our tips you never know, you might just end up improving your own maths skills too. Good luck!

Notes: * ‘The Parent Factor’, published by the Mayor’s Fund for London and National Numeracy, as part of the Fund’s ‘Count On Us’ maths programme for schools in more deprived parts of London. The project was carried out among 6,500 children and 3,000 families in 28 London primary schools.

National Numeracy is a charity dedicated to helping to raise low levels of numeracy among adults and children.

Visit www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk for more information about the charity. Visit www.familymathstoolkit.org.uk for advice, ideas and activities for parents or contact enquiries@nationalnumeracy.org.uk / 01273 915044.

l l b i e n ! d p i s n r g e u n O e w ga m

Solve addition , subtraction an first multiplic d ation sums

2+4+6

=

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star Rub the lly ica to mag he a re v e l t r ! a n s we

Specialists in educational games and jigsaws

www.orchardtoys.com

Family Kitchen

V is for Veggie!

National Vegetarian Week, 15th – 21st May, is all about getting stuck in and going veggie for the week. ‘That’s not possible!’ we hear you cry. But it is, and furthermore, it is a lot easier than you think!

T

he decision to become vegetarian is always a personal one, but millions of people around the world have already happily made the same choice. Chances are you know someone who is veggie. Perhaps your cousin is vegetarian, or a friend or neighbour. In fact, there are more vegetarians in the world than there are people in the whole of the United States and UK combined – and more join them every day.

One of the most obvious reasons people become vegetarian is because it is kinder to animals. On top of that, going veggie is also kinder to the environment. By cutting out meat, alongside cutting back on the amount of dairy you eat, you will reduce your carbon footprint, while also helping to save water, land and protect the oceans. It is also the healthy option. Vegetarians are far more likely than the general population to eat the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. A vegetarian diet is low in fat, high in complex carbohydrates and research has shown that vegetarians are less likely to suffer from a whole a host of ailments such as obesity, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and type II diabetes.

Arguments about the environmental, ethical and health reasons of becoming vegetarian are sure to rage on, but one things is clear - veggie food can be deliciously tasty and good for you, as long as you plan what’s on your plate.

The Protein Switch Calm those carvery cravings! If you have occasional cravings for meat, they’re easy to satisfy. It’s likely what you’re actually missing is a protein-rich meal with that hint of salt and fat. You can recreate the hit with a juicy Quorn burger, dusted with smoked paprika to give it that fresh-from-the-barbecue taste, served with crispy, seasoned potato wedges. Or delve into a bean chilli made more indulgent with toppings of cool avocado and crème fraîche. The key is making sure you swap meat for other ingredients which provide important nutrients such as protein and iron. Add beans, nuts, tofu or meat substitutes like soya mince to your everyday, usual recipes for a well-balanced meal. After all, nutritionists say plant protein sources are leaner and a positive choice for you and the planet.

Beautiful Beans From baked beans to chickpeas, butter beans and kidney beans, these highly nutritious and

satisfying foods are a great way to add protein to any recipe. Buy them ready-cooked in tins for convenience, or dried in packets to save money (just remember to soak them properly before cooking).

meat-eating household. Some might not even notice the difference! Supermarkets usually stock a range of veggie mince, sausages, fillets and burgers. Versatile and convenient, they’re often lower in calories.

Tricks with Tofu Tofu is made from soya beans and, when chopped into bite-sized pieces, makes a great addition to a wide range of dishes such as stir fries and curries.

Go Nuts Nuts are a great way to add protein to a meal.

Try adding cashews to a curry, or throw some flaked almonds into a salad for extra bite. Peanut butter stirred into coconut milk also makes an indulgent and nutritious sauce for a stir fry.

Mock Meat The simplest swap is for meat substitutes. This can be a practical way to make sure everyone’s happy – especially if you’re the only veggie in a

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By cutting out meat, alongside cutting back on the amount of dairy you eat, you will reduce your carbon footprint, while also helping to save water, land and protect the oceans.

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Enjoying and maintaining a veggie lifestyle can be easy – and a great way to start is with these meat-free recipes.

Carrot, Beetroot and Harissa Hummus Flatbread Preparation: 10 mins Cooking: 1 min INGREDIENTS:  25g pine nuts  100g hummus  1 tsp harissa  1 large carrot, peeled and grated 2 medium beetroots, peeled and grated  2 tsp lemon juice  2 large wholemeal flatbreads  ½ small red onion, finely sliced  50g spinach, finely sliced 1 0g fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped  Pinch of salt METHOD

❶ S et a small frying pan over a medium heat and add the pine nuts. Toast until golden brown taking care not to burn them.

❷C ombine the hummus with the harissa in a bowl.

place the red onion, spinach and parsley on top of the hummus. Finally spoon over the carrot and beetroot and sprinkle with the toasted pine nuts.

❺ S eason with a pinch of salt and roll each wrap, then cut in half to serve.

Enjoy!

❸ I n another bowl add the carrot, beetroot and lemon juice and combine well.

❹ L ay each flatbread out and spread with the hummus and harissa mixture. Now

Energy: 317 kcals Protein: 11.8g Carbohydrate: 46.7g Of which sugars: 12.7g Fat: 9.3g Of which saturates: 1.2g Fibre: 10.1g Salt: 1.9g

All of your favourite dishes can easily become veggie-friendly with a little imagination and some simple switches. By just adapting the meals you already love, you’ll end up with nutritious, new (and often improved) versions of your favourite foods. As you already know how to cook these meals, veggie versions are straightforward to prepare, and they’re just as tasty. They can be even quicker to cook too!

Visit www.nationalvegetarianweek.org to get tasty recipe inspiration from bloggers, chefs and foodies. While you are there sign up to the newsletter to discover delicious discounts and find fun fab freebies. Go on – get stuck in!

Si King and Dave Myers, aka The Hairy Bikers, are getting involved in National Vegetarian Week and they think you should too!

The Hairy Bikers said: “As cooks, we’ve always appreciated our veg and they’re a hugely important part of our cooking. And lately, without really thinking about it, we’ve been eating less meat. The more we learn about cooking great food, the more we enjoy making use of all the amazing produce that’s on offer and creating dishes where vegetables, pulses and other plant foods are the stars of the show. That’s why we’re getting stuck into National Vegetarian Week this year… and we think you should too!”

The Hairy Bikers are excited to be publishing a vegetarian cookbook during National Vegetarian Week this year. The book called The Hairy Dieters Go Veggie is published by Seven Dials, and is the fifth book in the Hairy Dieters series, which has sold over 2.5 million copies.

So visit nationalvegetarianweek.org to get your free poster packs and sign up for newsletters filled to the brim with recipes, tips and fun stuff. F

Twice-Baked Potatoes with Leeks and Cheese METHOD

❶ P reheat the oven to 180°C / gas mark 4. Bake the potatoes until cooked through, approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

❷W hen the potatoes have nearly finished baking, prepare the leek by slicing it almost in half lengthways, then fan it out under a running tap to wash away any trapped dirt. Slice each half into four lengthways, then cut into 5mm slices.

❸ B lanch the leek by plunging Preparation: 10 mins

Cooking: 80 mins

INGREDIENTS:  2 large baking potatoes  medium leek  tbsp pumpkin seeds 8 0g vegetarian cream cheese with garlic and herbs

into a pan of boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and set aside.

❹ T oast the pumpkin seeds in a dry 1 tbsp semi-skimmed milk P inch of ground black pepper 4 0g vegetarian mature Cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

pan over a low heat for a couple of minutes, watching them carefully so they do not burn. Set aside.

❺O nce the potatoes have finished baking, cut them in half lengthways and scoop out the

flesh into a bowl. Retain the potato skins for later.

❻ A dd the cream cheese and milk to the bowl with the potato flesh, season with black pepper, and mix together with a fork.

❼ F ill each of the four potato skins with the potato and cheese mixture, then top first with the leeks, followed by the grated Cheddar cheese.

❽ P lace the potatoes on a baking tray and return to the oven for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

❾ S prinkle the potatoes with pumpkin seeds and serve.

Enjoy!

Energy: 434 kcals Protein: 21.5g Carbohydrate: 49.3g of which sugars: 5.1g Fat: 15.7g Of which saturates: 7.6g Fibre: 7.6g Salt: 0.9g

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Health & Wellbeing

This Girl Can Get Fit...Again As mums with busy lives juggling many things at once, exercise can slip from the schedule. A quarter1 of women are scared to return to exercise as a beginner after the time off, and often find themselves in a position where they want to get back into exercise, or try a new sport, but they feel too out of sync and conscious of being a beginner

I Above: Stacey at Bootcamp

“...I gave it another go and thanks to the encouragement and support from the other women, I am still attending boot camp today.”

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f this describes you, then the second wave of This Girl Can, Sport England’s ground breaking campaign, is back and here to help.

The campaign features women who are proving that the pay-off is worth getting over that initial uncertainty, including 67-year old Catherine involved in a sweaty boot-camp session and 29-year old Lydia in full crash gear getting stuck into a hard-nosed match of roller derby.

Catherine, who took up British Military Fitness after collecting coupons from a newspaper one day,

said “I went to my first boot camp session with some trepidation, but I was encouraged and helped throughout the class so well I was hooked. I am still often the slowest but the instructors and fellow boot campers alike are always friendly, helpful and encouraging. I hope I’ll be going for a good few years yet.”

Lydia was inspired to try roller derby after watching her friend take part some seven years ago.

Lydia said “When I first joined the London Rockin’ Rollers I’d never skated before and it took me a long time to get the basics down, but the opportunity to spend time

Above: Lydia at Roller Derby

” ...the opportunity to spend time with the new friends I’d made kept me coming back even when I was struggling.” with the new friends I’d made kept me coming back even when I was struggling.”

As well as Catherine and Lydia, the new campaign also features other “new beginners” – women who took the plunge to try out new forms of activity, or are perhaps starting to exercise again after taking some time out from exercising.

These include Stacey McGlyn, a 34-year-old single mum from the Wirral who was motivated to lose weight and got involved with a local boot camp – Stacey admitted “After attending one boot camp class, I really thought I couldn’t hack it and

didn’t go back. Six months later, I gave it another go and thanks to the encouragement and support from the other women, I am still attending boot camp today. It’s made a world of difference, I feel a lot healthier and it has also improved my social life.”

New mum, Stephanie, 31, was nervous to exercise throughout her pregnancy due to an earlier miscarriage. However, in her second and third trimester, with the reassurance of her doctor, Stephanie’s confidence improved and she took part in light pre-natal exercise. Six weeks after her pregnancy, she tried Mumhood classes for the first time, and now Stephanie

Above: Stephanie at Mumhood:

Cuter than a dumbbell but just as heavy – Stephanie loves the support network Mumhood has provided her.

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Above: Piloxing® is a combination of boxing and pilates Left: Taking part in an Obstacle Course Race

says she loves the support network it has provided her. Stephanie said “Carrying a baby and giving birth is the hardest endurance sport you can ever do. Everything after that is easy.”

The This Girl Can campaign is intended to break down the judgement barriers and gender stereotypes to encourage new beginnings, inspiring women to try more sports and get active. New research and studies begin to show one in four women (25 per cent1) are scared to return to exercise as a beginner after time off, and that almost half (48 per cent) struggle to exercise due to them perceiving themselves as not fit enough2. The latest phase of This Girl Can campaign sets out to prove that there is no shame in starting anew or starting over again.

Jennie Price, CEO Sport England explains why this matters: “We know thousands of women worry about what people think about them when they exercise and the “fear of judgement” holds them back. This Girl Can is about showing women there are women like them being active in a way that suits them – helping them feel the judgement but do it anyway.”

Since it launched, This Girl Can has inspired 2.8m women to get their kit on but Price says there is much more to do3.

That includes showing a wider range of sports, but Jennie Price says: “This Girl Can isn’t about promoting one sport or form of being active over another. The sports featured in the advertising are a mixture of sports that we know both appeal and are played by women and girls.

“This phase of the campaign sees activities such as Roller Derby and Rugby alongside more traditional activities including running and swimming and mum and baby fitness classes so you can get active with your kids. The selection of activities was also influenced by what the women and girls we chose when street-casting for the campaign are playing.”

“By showing all sorts of women – different shapes and sizes, different levels of ability and, now, an even wider range of different sports – we’re helping show women there’s someone like them being active, and a whole host of different things they could try.”

Feeling inspired?

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This Girl Can is about showing women there are women like them being active in a way that suits them ”

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Then go to www.thisgirlcan.co.uk where you can find out more about the women in the campaign, get tips on how to get active and discover a huge range of sports. From aerobics to Zumba, there is sure to be something in the Ways to Get Active section of the site that you will find rewarding and above all fun! Here are two activities that we are going to try this year.

Piloxing® Piloxing® is a combination of boxing and pilates,

using the power, speed and agility of the former together with the targeted sculpting and flexibility of the latter. Throw in some fun dance moves and you have ‘a muscle toning, fat burning workout that will make you feel physically and mentally empowered!’ The interval format of Piloxing® means you burn maximum calories and torch fat. You will see the physical benefits in no time. The program will also help to increase confidence. Where do we sign up – it sounds awesome!

It only costs between £3 and £10 although you can use weighted gloves to further tone your arms and maximise cardiovascular health.

These gloves are optional, and they can be purchased from your instructor.

Obstacle Course Races Obstacle Course Races (OCR) are muddy fun runs, packed with challenging obstacles to test your mental and physical endurance. Since OCR is booming in the UK you can expect to meet thousands of friendly participants all getting muddy with a smile on their face.

It’s one of the only events that integrate running, cross-functional strength, mental endurance and stamina, which is great for your general physical fitness and overall confidence.

It’s also worth noting that of all the sports in the UK this is the one that has a natural emphasis on teams. So it’s great to be done as part of group, or a family.

Once you sign-up it’ll do wonders for your motivation, and it’s also nice to know that come event day you’ll be surrounded by a friendly bunch of people with one shared goal. These events are rare because your fellow participants aren’t there to compete, they’re there to get muddy and get round the course. F Sources 1. Sport England’s Active Lives survey 2. Sport England’s Active People Survey 3. Sport England’s This Girl Can Survey

CALLING ALL BAKERS AND TAKERS Cupcake Day is back 15 June. Rise against dementia and sign up for your free Cupcake Day Fundraising Kit today

cupcakeday.org.uk

Alzheimer’s Society is a registered charity in England and Wales (296645); the Isle of Man (1128) and operates in Northern Ireland.

in association with

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Cleaning & Laundry

Keeping it Clean Household cleaning really polarizes opinion. Some of us actually enjoy it, taking pleasure in a permanently clean house and finding the process of maintaining it therapeutic and satisfying.

The following pages probably aren't for you, but we do hope they will be useful for those of us who struggle to find the time for constant tidying and for whom the annual spring clean is a period of dread and shame!

W

ell, fear not, spring cleaning need not be daunting. The key is to break it down into achievable tasks and always make a checklist of the jobs that need doing in order of priority.

You’ll be amazed at how quickly and efficiently you get through it all!

Tidy Home, Tidy Mind Decluttering your living space also declutters the mind, giving your brain ‘space’ to prioritise.

Keep telling yourself this mantra: The more I give or throw away, the less I’ll have to tidy up!

Find a place for every item: bin, recycling, charity shop. Tidy away the rest in cupboards, wardrobes or loft. Anything on show must be practical, beautiful or both: take inspiration from magazines, catalogues and websites like Pinterest.com to find storage solutions that work for you.

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Reduce: think hard before you make a new purchase. Do I need it? If you do, throw one other thing away: one in, one out.

Don’t let the children grab another sheet of clean paper; make them draw on both sides of scrap paper before it goes in the recycle bin.

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Reuse: Think of a use for anything you want to hold onto. If it’s not pretty or practical, get rid. Anything of sentimental value, wrap up safely and put it away in the loft.

Recycle: Visit www.recyclenow.com to find how and where you can recycle just about anything! Or give unwanted Christmas gifts to charity, regift them, or swap for stuff you do need, at swap sites like www.swapz.co.uk. Sell clothes and valuable items on Ebay or Amazon.

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Dusting Choose a fine day and open windows to let the fresh air in and the winter dust out. Shake out muddy rugs and dusters outside.

Start at the top and work your way down.

Get cobwebs with a long-handled duster (ostrich feathers are good) and shake down the dust from tops of doors and picture frames.

Cleaning Professional cleaners wipe surfaces with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth in the other hand.

Note which areas need cleaning most. Fight the urge to tackle to the dirtiest area first; start on the areas that require less cleaning. That way, you won’t be transferring more dirt from one area to another.

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Professional cleaners wipe surfaces with a wet cloth followed by a dry cloth in the other hand.

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Top Tip: Try Tesco Microfibre Cloths – The microfibre filaments trap dust and remove dirt and grease with ease. Ideal for general household cleaning and polishing for a smear free finish, without the use of chemicals.

Soft Furnishing and Bedding Leave lined curtains to the professional dry cleaners. Same goes for sofa cushions and covers, unless the label specifies hand or machine wash (in which case, wash with a mild detergent on the coolest machine setting). Use a whitener specifically for net curtains. While the curtains are down, dust then clean rails with a damp cloth and detergent. Hang washed curtains to let creases drop.

Wash duvets and pillows in the washing machine (take care not to overload) or take to the launderette. Make sure they are dry and aired before putting clean covers on. Turn the mattress.

If you or your children have eczema or allergies, go to allergyuk.org for specialist cleaning advice.

Bathrooms When cleaning the loo, start with the cistern at the top, then the handle and lid, followed by the seat, then under the seat. Don’t forget the outside of the bowl and on the floor (particularly if you have trigger-happy sons and dads).

Pour thick bleach into the bowl and under the rim. For really stubborn stains, empty the water out of the bowl with a disposable cup.

This will give the chance for a thick limescale remover to really do its job. Leave to soak for the allotted time as per instructions. Flush a couple of times afterwards.

Buy different coloured cloths and rubber gloves for areas like the toilet, or use hardwearing but disposable cloths. If you don’t like toilet brushes, use a disposable brush system with flushable paper heads. (it should go without saying that you should never flush anything else except paper. Even some ‘flushable’ wipes can cause sewage nightmares).

Top Tip: Try Tesco 100% Limescale Remover Toilet Gel – removes stains, kills 99.9% of bacteria and cleans to a brilliant shine

Tiled Areas Clean grouting before tiles. Take a toothbrush and scrub with a specialist grout cleaner (wear rubber gloves for this.) Loosen hard limescale with half hot water, half vinegar and leave for a few minutes before wiping down tiles with a sponge or cloth. Tackle stubborn areas with a specialist tile cleaner. Use a mould-inhibiting spray to keep mildew away.

Top Tip: Try Tesco Limescale Remover Power Foam Spray – Suitable for use on taps, shower heads, shower screens, stainless steel, sinks, tiles and glass

Windows and Mirrors

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Buy different coloured cloths and rubber gloves for areas like the toilet, or use hardwearing but disposable cloths.

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Make your own glass and window cleaner with one part vinegar to four parts water, or spray with a quality window cleaner and remove with a lint-free cloth.

Floors Train your family to always take their shoes off when they come through the door, if they don’t already. Invest in a vacuum with a HEPA filter which holds onto dust and doesn’t blow it

back into the air. For hard floors like laminate, wood, marble or stone, sweep or vacuum up any debris, then use a damp mop, or better still a steam mop, for hygienic, chemical-free cleaning. Check instructions for heat settings for each type of floor.

Grime on skirting boards can be removed by hand with a damp cloth and a little washing up liquid. Stubborn stains on walls and surfaces can be removed with a magic eraser block, available from major supermarkets. Always patch test a small area first.

The Kitchen Oven If you’re not fortunate enough to have a selfcleaning oven, it’s time to bring in the big guns.

Using disposable gloves, spray heavy duty oven cleaner all over the inside of the oven, avoiding the fan. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for timings. Many cleaners now come with a strong plastic bag to put the shelves in, to allow the chemicals do their work. Make sure you are working in a ventilated area and are wearing gloves when handling or rinsing the shelves. Not feeling up to it? There are plenty of companies willing to take on the job. Take a look at www.ovencleaning.net for a list of companies local to you.

Top Tip: Try Tesco Power Hob Cleaner – Specially-formulated to effectively remove even the most stubborn grease, simply apply to the affected area and wipe away with a damp cloth. This versatile hob cleaner can be used on a range of surfaces including: stainless steel, induction, ceramin, enamel, halogen

Fridge Throw away anything out of date. Remove shelves one at a time and wash with soapy water in the sink. Use a clean toothbrush to clean edges and rubber seals. Pull the fridge out; carefully vacuum the cooling element at the back to make the fridge more energy efficient.

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It’s important to check your washing for stains and treat them as soon as possible for the best chance of removing them and to help keep your clothes looking great.

Outdoor Patio and Garden Furniture

Dry interior and shelves with a towel and replace food as soon as possible. Add a small bowl of bicarbonate of soda to absorb any odours.

Microwave Place a large bowl of hot water, bicarbonate of soda and lemon in the microwave and cook on full heat for 4 or 5 minutes. This will generate anti-bacterial steam which can then be wiped off with a cloth. Use a small brush to clean any food residue.

Washing Machine When it comes to hard working appliances the washing machine takes some beating. What would you do if it ever broke down? The best way to keep your machine running effectively and efficiently is to clean it every 2-3 months, to flush out all the dirt you can see as well as the dirt you can’t see. There are specialist washing machine cleaners available such as

Service-it Deep Clean from Dr Beckmann for eliminating not just the nasty odours and detergent build up but also limescale. Think about the garments you put into your machine, some will have high levels of bacteria that can remain inside your machine and transfer back onto your clothes. That’s why using an anti-bacterial washing machine cleaner regularly is extremely important as part of your home hygiene regime.

When you’re running a busy home the laundry soon starts to build up and so do the stains. It’s important to check your washing for stains and treat them as soon as possible for the best chance of removing them and to help keep your clothes looking great. There are a number of in wash stain removers that offer a quick fix for everyday stains. But if you have a particularly tricky stain that needs a little more work, such as red wine or curry, you really need to use a stain specific stain remover, like Stain Devils.

With winter out of the way – even if it doesn’t feel like it right now – don’t forget outside the house. The children will soon be playing in the garden and when the sun starts to shine and the evening gets warmer, you’ll be looking forward to enjoying your outdoor space again with family and friends. For wooden furniture and decks, you can remove stains by sprinkling baking soda onto the surface, leave it for an hour or so and then simply sweep it away. For white plastic furniture, use warm soapy water or diluted bleach for more stubborn stains and then leave to dry in the sun. For the barbecue, you can try cleaning with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar and then rinsing or for thick grease and grime, use a specialist product such as De-Solv-it® BBQ Cleaner.

So, you’ve finally tackled that winter grime.

Sit back, relax in your spring-cleaned, streamlined home and look forward to summertime, when the living is easy. (Or a little easier, we hope.)

For more tips, product tests and a comprehensive, room by room cleaning checklist, please visit our website at www.family247.net F

Get Set for Summer with De-Solv-it®!

De-Solv-it® is a highly innovative household cleaning range that has been delivering expert results and keeping homes sparkling clean for over 40 years.

The comprehensive range of award-winning products includes De-Solv-it® Universal Stain Remover and Pre-Wash, household cleaners and the much loved De-Solv-it® Sticky Stuff® Remover range.

We all have busy lives and our time is precious so we have created products that take

the stress and effort out of cleaning, freeing you to enjoy doing the things you love.

With summer fast approaching we are excited to announce the launch of our new De-Solv-it® Outdoor range of products which have been specifically designed to effortlessly help you prepare your garden and outside spaces for those long summer days.

The range includes three 2.5L concentrate products which offer amazing value for money.

The 2.5L All Purpose Cleaner makes up to 25L and is a fantastic multi-purpose cleaner, ideal for conservatories, garden equipment, play areas and more.

The 2 step De-Solv-it® uPVC Cleaner and Reviver tackles everyday dirt and grime helping to effortlessly restore uPVC surfaces back to a showroom finish.

Before the garden party invitations go out there is just the BBQ and garden furniture to clean and yes you guessed it, we have a solution for those too! De-Solv-it® BBQ Cleaner is a heavy-duty cleaning solution that cuts through grease and grime leaving your BBQ shining like new whilst the De-Solv-it® Garden Furniture Cleaner quickly and easily removes dirt and grime.

The new De-Solv-it® Outdoor range has everything you need for a great summer so be sure to check out the rest of the range either at Tesco or our website www.desolvit.co.uk

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Cleaning & Laundry

A D V E R TO R I A L

Mystery Shades of GREY...

A

...Dr. Beckmann investigates why our whites lose their brightness and the colours fade on our favourite outfits

ccidentally putting a red sock in with our whites and turning the whole wash pink is something I‘m sure many of us have done. Or assumed that our black and white striped shirt will be absolutely fine with the darks, but no, it comes out of the washing machine dull and grey (personal dilemma!). High profile laundry disasters such as these are obvious and we know immediately how they happened. But less obvious yet equally as frustrating is the way new coloured clothes and whites shed their brightness slowly after every wash causing them to lose their new and fresh look. Or the way colours fade and whites go grey and dull. What are the reasons for this and why does it happen?

Laundry specialist, Dr. Beckmann, has taken a deeper look into this mystery, discovered the reasons why it happens to our clothes and has found a time saving solution to prevent it from happening.

The Problem When we wash our laundry, colours and dirt are released into the water which can then soak back onto the garments during the wash.

The options we have to prevent that from happening include separating colours, washing on low temperature or looking at each garment individually to check the labels for colour fastness – laborious, time consuming tasks that most of us have neither the time nor inclination for every time we do the laundry.

That is particularly the case at this time of the year, with summer around the corner and we bring out our brighter clothes from the wardrobe.

During the spring and summer months, it’s more important than ever to take real care when washing coloured clothes, pillow cases, throws, bedding, curtains and towels. So even if you do have the inclination to separate your wash loads and sort textiles by colour in order to protect the laundry from colour runs, it still doesn’t solve the problem of that tricky wash with stripes and patterns or mixed washes in general.

The Solution Dr. Beckmann has invented a specialised product that comes as a sheet and is extremely easy and convenient to use. The ingenious little sheets are perfect for those ‘what if’ moments of washing, when you have a colourful dress or striped t-shirt that you just don’t know what to wash it with.

The sheets collect all the stray dirt and dye in the wash, making sure none of it soaks back into your clothes leaving them looking dull.

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But how does it actually work and what is the technology behind it?

The Dr. Beckmann Colour & Dirt Collector sheets contain a special coating that gives the sheets a positive charge that is the opposite to the negatively charged colour and dirt molecules that get released into the water when you wash dirty and coloured clothes. Without the sheets, the colour and dirt isn’t collected and ends up back on your clothes, resulting in your colours being spoilt and less vibrant and whites discoloured and dull. But with a sheet in the wash, the colour dyes and dirt particles are naturally drawn to the sheet that works like a magnet and locks them on, preventing them from mixing with your clothes and garments. Thanks to Dr. Beckmann’s unique and innovative microfibre technology, the sheet is even more absorbent and stronger than any other colour catching product in the marketplace! It’s Dr. Beckmann’s passion to deliver overly satisfying results.

So get your coloured clothes out of your wardrobe, safe in the knowledge that Dr. Beckmann Colour & Dirt Collector is there to protect them and prepare for summer brimming with fifty shades of colour!

Case Closed Pop one sheet in with every wash and say goodbye to unwanted colour runs, save time on sorting and wash mixed colours with confidence. You also do something good for the environment by saving energy and water and most importantly, you can keep your textiles looking fresh, colourful and brighter than ever and be the shining star this summer!

For further information about the Dr Beckmann product range visit www.dr-beckmann.co.uk

ALLERGENS in the Home Allergy UK estimates around 12 million people in the UK suffer due to indoor allergies dubbed as ‘home fever’

I

n a recent survey we found 58% of allergy sufferers react to house dust mite allergen. But it’s not just house dust mites that cause problems; 31% of sufferers are allergic to mould, and 45% of sufferers say their allergy is triggered by pets. On top of that the chemicals in cleaning products cause a reaction in over 30% of sufferers1.

With the most common symptoms of an indoor allergy or ‘home fever’ being a runny nose and sneezing, people all too often confuse allergy symptoms with a common cold or flu and therefore, don’t treat the cause of the problem. Our survey revealed people just aren’t doing enough to reduce the house dust mite allergen. 59% of indoor allergy sufferers said their symptoms are worse in the bedroom. Not surprising when you consider the average bed harbours two million house dust mites and the average pillow doubles in weight over a period of six months due to dust mite faeces.

Common indoor allergens – the facts House dust mite House dust mites are found in large numbers in most houses in the UK in bedclothes, mattresses, sofas, curtains and pillows. Those allergic to house dust mites find their symptoms are normally worse at night or first thing in the morning. But as mites are also present in carpets, soft furnishings and soft toys, we will be exposed to them throughout the day.

Chemicals There are huge ranges of chemicals we use every day from household cleaning products to cosmetics. Some of these are known to cause allergy-type problems directly; others in some way irritate people already allergic to other substances. Even low levels of chemicals, which would not normally affect a non-allergic individual, may affect many allergic people.

Mould Mould releases spores and it’s these spores that cause allergic reactions. Spores are microscopic particles released by moulds in their thousands into the atmosphere. When in contact with skin or breathed in through the airways it can cause symptoms such as itchy eyes, eczema, rhinitis and asthma. It can also you make you feel tired, which is caused by your immune system battling against mould spores. F 1

The Rise Of Home Fever. Allergy UK, 2011. Print.

Cleaning & Laundry

58%

of sufferers react to house dust mite allergen

31%

of sufferers are allergic to mould

45%

of sufferers say their allergy is triggered by pets

30%

of sufferers have a reaction from chemicals in cleaning products

Reduce Allergens in your Home There are simple steps you can take to reduce the amount of allergens around your home: Dust regularly but use a damp duster first, then a dry cloth. Otherwise, you are just moving the dust around and making the allergen airborne Wash bedding once a week at 60°C or higher to remove house dust mites.

Allergy UK’s research revealed 16% of people wash bed linen every three weeks or less. And with 58% washing bedding at 30 or 40 degrees, house dust mites are set to stay Regularly steam clean carpets and curtains Freeze baby’s soft toys that can’t be washed at 60 degrees centigrade overnight and then wash at a low temperature. Keep only one soft toy in the cot or bed and keep the others sealed in plastic bags ready for use (remembering to keep plastic bags away from children) Use allergen-proof barrier covers on mattresses, duvets and pillows Replace your mattresses every 8-10 years. Research has found 13% of people have had their current mattress for 11 years or more, whereas 3% have kept theirs for 20 years Buy new pillows every year unless you have pillows that can be washed at over 60 degrees - don’t wait five years or more like the 25% of allergy sufferers out there

Use an air purifier to help remove and reduce allergens such as pollen, house dust mite debris and mould spores.

Filters, which are specifically designed to remove the most difficult particles, are called HEPA filters, and these are the most effective at reducing allergens Products that have been tested to ensure they prevent the escape of the house dust mite allergen may be of help. Look for Allergy UK Seal of Approval™ products on the Allergy UK website (www.allergy.org) Ventilate – moulds flourish in damp environments Thoroughly clean your kitchen, bathroom and utility room as these are favourite places for mould due to the steam and humidity of cooking and bathing, and then ventilate these areas Open windows and close kitchen and bathroom doors when cooking, showering and bathing to prevent steam entering other rooms Don’t hang wet clothes inside or over radiators Keep house plants to a minimum and change the soil regularly. Use pea-shingle over the top of the soil as mould cannot settle and survive on it

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Inspired by the hit CBBC TV series

comes the first cookbook by Tilly Ramsay

AD

60 simple, delicious recipes to make for family and friends - plus tips and tricks from Tilly’s superstar chef dad, Gordon

4th May 2017

Education

Reading for Life It’s been proven time and time again that children who enjoy reading are more likely to succeed at school and throughout their lives. Reading expands horizons and feeds imaginations. If you’re not an avid reader yourself, why not embark on the journey with your children together?

Here are some top tips to get your kids fired up about fiction and fascinated by facts...

Anytime, anyplace, anywhere Reading shouldn’t be restricted to bedtime, or sitting on the sofa at home. Next time you’re out and about as a family pack some books or magazines in a bag. You could pull these out when you’re waiting for a bus or taking a train journey. Encourage your child to read when you’re doing activities such as shopping, ordering food from a menu or following road signs.

Find out what they love One of the best ways to get children hooked on books is to find reading materials that are linked to their interests. Is your son a football fan?

Encourage him to read the sports pages of the newspaper or a football magazine. Does your daughter love animals? Why not suggest she checks out websites about different dog breeds.

Make reading cool Your children are still young enough to be impressed by you (the teenage years are another story!) so this is the perfect opportunity to become a reading role model. If you can show your children that you get great personal enjoyment out of reading, chances are they will too.

Where to start?

With so many great books to choose from, what better place to start than with the 18 books shortlisted for this year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize? The special focus of the Prize is to uncover talent relatively fresh to children’s literature, divided into three categories – Illustrated Books, Younger Fiction and Older Fiction, so there is sure to be something here to suit every taste. And if that isn’t enough, we also have three new titles out this month as recommended by Waterstones!

ILLUSTRATED BOOKS There's a Tiger in the Garden

by Lizzy Stewart Nora thinks Grandma’s house is boring, even Jeff the giraffe is bored. When Grandma tells Nora she’s seen a tiger in the garden Nora doesn' t believe her. She's far too old to play Grandma' s silly games!

Everyone knows that tigers live in jungles, not gardens.

So even when Nora sees butterflies with wings as big as her arm, and plants that try and eat her toy giraffe, and a polar bear that likes fishing, she knows there' s absolutely, DEFINITELY no way there could be a tiger in the garden ... Could there?

A colourful picture book with all the hallmarks of a classic, There’s a Tiger in the Garden is a feast for the eyes, all about the power of imagination.

Category Winner

“Bold, bright and beautiful. Lizzy’s immediately assured artistic style conveys a classic tone, allowing her charmingly told story of imagination to leap off the page. This is a timeless picture book which will be much loved by children and adults alike, and is a promising start to what will be an inspiring career.” Florentyna Martin, Waterstones Children’s Buyer

The Bear Who Stared

by Duncan Beedie Beautifully illustrated with a loveable hero, The Bear Who Stared is an endearing and funny picture book from exciting new talent Duncan Beedie.

Be curious, be inquisitive, be brave but be careful how long you stare!

Publisher: Templar Publishing

Life is Magic

by Meg McLaren Magician Monsieur Lapin is a magician extraordinaire, known everywhere for his astonishing magic tricks, particularly those involving rabbits.

When Monsieur Lapin decides to take on an assistant, he can’t believe his luck when he comes upon Houdini the rabbit. Not only does Houdini love magic, he’s got a few tricks up his sleeve too for organising the theatre and managing all the other rabbits. Together they are the perfect double act until one day the magic goes awry…

Publisher: Andersen Press Ltd

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

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Super Stan

by Matt Robertson The whole world thinks Super Stan is AMAZING... but no one notices his big brother, Jack. Sometimes, though, even a superhero needs a little help.

And when a superhero is in trouble, only a SUPER big brother can save the day.

A warm and funny tale of superhero sibling rivalry that will appeal to children and parents alike.

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

The Journey

by Francesca Sanna

Have you ever seen a tiger in a tutu? Max isn't like other tigers - he is a tiger with a dream! He longs to pirouette and plie, to leap and spin. He wants to be a dazzling dancer, shining on the stage! But not everyone thinks a tiger can dance. Luckily for Max, he has friends ready and waiting in the wings to give him his moment in the spotlight.

After all, even tigers are allowed to follow their dreams.

What is like to have to leave everything behind and travel many miles to somewhere unfamiliar and strange? A mother and her two children set out on such a journey: one filled with fear of the unknown, but also great hope.

A beautifully illustrated story of adventure, fear, love and the search for home that is not only a joy to read and discover but a poignant and significant book for our times.

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Publisher: Flying Eye Books

Tiger in a Tutu

by Fabi Santiago

YOUNGER FICTION The Girl of Ink & Stars Kiran Millwood Hargrave

Category and Overall Winner

Isabella Riosse is the daughter of a cartographer who lives on the island of Joya; an isle both steeped in mythology and shrouded in mystery. For the last thirty years, a strict Governor has forbidden the island inhabitants from venturing beyond their small township.

Isabella is fascinated with the ancient myths of Joya, which is said to have once floated freely over the seas.

Preoccupied with ideas of exploration and inspired by the far-flung places her father once documented, she yearns for adventure.

Expertly crafted with a loveable lead, this modern tale weaves myth, magic and even a thread of political intrigue into its expansive fantasy world.

Beautifully presented, the book not only contains a wonderfully detailed map of the island, each page is also decorated with charming drawings in the margins.

Florentyna Martin, Waterstones Children’s Buyer, said: “The Girl of Ink and Stars is an absolute joy to read. It is always exciting when we see this level of outstanding talent in a new writer and Kiran has crafted a mesmerising world full of myths, magic and adventure…’

Publisher: Chicken House Ltd

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Cogheart

by Peter Bunzl Lily's life is in mortal peril. Her father is missing and now silver-eyed men stalk her through the shadows. What could they want from her?

With her friends - Robert, the clockmaker's son, and Malkin, her mechanical fox Lily is plunged into a murky and menacing world. Too soon Lily realizes that those she holds dear may be the very ones to break her heart...

Be swept away by airships and flabbergasted by dastardly plots in this extraordinary and wildly imaginative debut, bursting with invention and adventure.

Publisher: Usborne Publishing Ltd

Captain Pug

by Laura James It begins as just as ordinary day at No. 10 The Crescent where Lady Miranda and her faithful companion pug live.

It’s not long though, before plans are afoot. Pug is going on a seafaring adventure. He's had jam tarts for breakfast.

He's wearing a smart sailor suit. There's just one problem.

Pug is afraid of the water!

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Time Travelling with a Hamster

by Ross Welford My dad died twice. Once when he was thirty nine and again four years later when he was twelve.

Al Chaudhury is a little boy on a mission and he’s taking his hamster with him.

From the title to the very last line, Time Travelling with a Hamster will make you smile. Full of heart and humour, it is a hilarious tale about the dangers of time-travel. Touching, fun and exciting by turns, this debut from Ross Welford, has taken Children’s fiction by storm.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Wolf Hollow

Beetle Boy

by Lauren Wolk

by M.G Leonard Dr Bartholomew Cuttle wasn’t the kind of man who mysteriously disappeared. He was the kind of man who read enormous old books at the dinner table and got fried egg stuck in his beard.

Poignant and laugh-aloud funny in turn, Beetle Boy was a huge success as one of Waterstone’s Children’s Book of the Month choices of 2016.

Publisher: Chicken House Ltd

It all begins in the summer of 1943, in a place a long way from war and yet haunted by it, in a community hiding prejudice and fear.

Annabelle has lived in Wolf Hollow all her life: it’s a quiet place where Anabelle has never had any reason to be afraid.

But when cruel, manipulative Betty arrives in town, Annabelle's calm world is shattered, along with everything she's ever known about right and wrong. Then Betty disappears and suspicion falls on strange, gentle loner Toby, a shell-shocked veteran.

As Wolf Hollow turns against him, and tensions quickly mount, Annabelle must do everything in her power to protect Toby - and to find Betty, before it is too late.

Publisher: Random House Children's Publishers UK

OLDER FICTION Orangeboy

by Patrice Lawrence

Category Winner

Sixteen-year-old Marlon has made his mum a promise – he'll never follow his big brother, Andre, down the wrong path. So far, it's been easy, but when a date ends in tragedy, Marlon finds himself hunted. They're after the mysterious Mr Orange, and they're going to use Marlon to get to him.

Marlon's out of choices – can he become the person he never wanted to be, to protect everyone he loves?

A young man has an impossible choice to make, in this powerful urban story that will challenge preconceptions and melt the hardest heart.

Florentyna Martin said: “Orangeboy is a truthful and gripping novel from a fantastic new talent in YA. We were particularly struck by the energy and flair of the writing, and Lawrence’s gift for creating rounded, believable teen characters, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.”

Publisher: Hachette Children's Group

Hour of the Bees

by Lindsay Eager A stunning coming-of-age story, this powerful debut novel delicately blurs the line between truth and fiction as Carol unravels the fantastical stories of her mentally ill grandfather and through them comes to a greater understanding of his history and her own.

Proving a great hit with Watertsones’ experts in teenage and young adult books, The Hour of the Bees is a beautifully written debut novel that weaves together magic and reality, about how we encounter mental illness, forge relationships and how stories bind us together.

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd

Paper Butterflies

by Lisa Heathfield June's life at home with her stepmother and stepsister is a dark one - and a secret one. Not even her father knows about it.

She's trapped like a butterfly in a jar. But then she meets Blister, a boy in the woods. And in him, June recognises the tiniest glimmer of hope that perhaps she can find a way to fly far, far away.

But freedom comes at a price...

Publisher: Egmont UK Ltd

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Anna and the Swallow Man

by Gavriel Savit Krakow, 1939, is no place to grow up.

There are a million marching soldiers and a thousand barking dogs. And Anna Lania is just seven years old when the Germans take her father and suddenly, she's alone.

Then she meets the Swallow Man. Over the course of their travels together, Anna and the Swallow Man will dodge bombs, tame soldiers, and even, despite their better judgement, make a friend. But in a world gone mad, everything can prove dangerous...

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The Wildings

The Sun is also a Star

by Nilanjana Roy Beraal was the most fierce of the queens of Nizamuddin, and could take on many of the toms. She was a fine hunter – swift, silent and precise – and her immediate concern was finding the stranger who threatened their peace.

Something is stirring in the heart of Old Delhi...

by Nicola Yoon The dazzling new novel from Nicola Yoon, the New York Times bestselling author of Everything, Everything.

Waterstones Booksellers fell in love with this novel, as they did with her first, a book about the many possible futures in a life that has barely begun.

Publisher: Random House Children's Publishers UK

Publisher: Pushkin Children's Books

OUT THIS MONTH The Island at the End of Everything

by Kiran Millwood Hargrave The new book from this year’s Waterstones Children’s Book Prize winner. Amihan lives on Culion Island, where some of the inhabitants - including her mother - have leprosy. Ami loves her home - with its blue seas and lush forests, Culion is all she has ever known. But the arrival of malicious government official Mr Zamora changes her world forever: islanders untouched by sickness are forced to leave. Banished across the sea, she's desperate to return, and finds a strange and fragile hope in a colony of butterflies. Can they lead her home before it's too late?

Publisher: Chicken House Ltd

Matilda & the Ramsay Bunch: Tilly's Kitchen Takeover

4th May

The World's Worst Children Two

by Matilda Ramsay

by David Walliams, illustrated by Tony Ross

Inspired by the third series of hit CBBC cookery show Matilda & The Ramsay Bunch and the family's adventures around California, comes the first cookbook from Tilly Ramsay, including 60 simple, delicious recipes to make for family and friends - plus tips and tricks from Tilly's superstar chef dad, Gordon.

The brilliant follow-up to David Walliams' bestseller The World's Worst Children! Ten more stories about a brand new gang of hilariously horrible kids from everyone's favourite children's author, illustrated in glorious full colour

by Tony Ross. If you thought you had read about the World's Worst Children already, you're in for a rather nasty shock. The beastly boys and gruesome girls in this book are even ruder, even more disgusting and WORSE than you could ever imagine!

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton General Division 4th May

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers 25th May

For more information visit www.waterstones.com Waterstones is the UK and Eire’s leading high street bookseller with 280 shops.

Waterstones is the only national specialist book retailer of scale in the UK, with the average sized shop carrying a range of around 30,000 individual books and with over 200,000 titles in the largest shop.

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Family Kitchen

Over to you, Tilly!

If you love CBBC’s hit cookery show Matilda & The Ramsay Bunch as much as we do, then you’ll be just as excited as we are about the release of Tilly’s first cookbook, Tilly’s Kitchen Takeover!

Inspired by the family’s adventures around California, the book is perfect for your budding chefs, containing 60 simple, delicious recipes alongside tips and tricks from Tilly's superstar chef dad, Gordon. With thanks to Tilly, here are two tasty recipes to get that kitchen party started!

Super Strawberry Smoothie Drink your breakfast! This smoothie is really filling and packed with fresh fruit and chia seeds which are really good for you. Most fruits and vegetables can be blitzed like this, so get creative in the morning.

METHOD (Serves 4–6)

❶ Put the chia seeds in a bowl and cover Pictures ©Jemm a Watts

with 4 tablespoons of water. Leave them to soak for 5 minutes while you get everything else ready.

❷ Remove the green bits from the top of the strawberries and put the fruit into the blender.

❸ Peel the bananas and break them each

INGREDIENTS  2 tbsp chia seeds  400g strawberries

 1 tbsp bee pollen or a spoonful of honey

 2 bananas

Special kit list

 500ml apple juice

 Blender or smoothie maker

into 4 big chunks then add them to the blender with the strawberries.

❹ Pour in the apple juice and add the soaked chia seeds and the bee pollen.

❺ Put the lid on the blender then blitz

everything together for about a minute until nice and smooth.

❻ Pour into glasses and serve.

Tilly’s Tip You can also add green things to this smoothie, like spinach, kale or broccoli.

Adding vegetables might sound weird but you can’t really taste them and you get all those vitamins without even trying! You can also swap the apple juice for almond or oat milk or coconut water, and add milled seeds and nuts for extra protein. Enjoy!

Pictures ©Jemma

Tilly’s All-American Chilli INGREDIENTS

METHOD (Serves 4)

 1 onion

❶ Start by peeling and roughly

 4 garlic cloves

chopping the onion (see page 13) then peel and crush the garlic cloves in a garlic crusher.

 Drizzle of vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying

❷ Drizzle the oil into a large

 450g beef mince

saucepan and place over a medium-high heat. When it is hot, add the chopped onion and crushed garlic and cook until soft.

 225g tomato puree  1 x 400g tin of chopped tomatoes  250ml chicken, beef or vegetable stock

❸ Add the mince to the pan and use a wooden spatula or spoon to break the mince into smaller bits and keep it moving around the pan until it is all browned.

 1 tbsp chilli powder  2 tsp ground cumin  Salt and pepper  1 x 400g tin of kidney beans (drained)  Sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese and sliced spring onions, to serve

❹ Stir in the tomato puree and cook for about 5 minutes before pouring in the tinned tomatoes. Let it bubble together.

Watts

This is Jack’s desert island meal – he loves it so much that we have it all the time at home. We usually eat it with rice or jacket potatoes but in America they serve it with cornbread which I’ve now learnt to make! It’s really easy and delicious and goes brilliantly with the spicy, meaty chilli.

❺ Pour in the stock and add the chilli powder and ground cumin then season with salt and pepper and give everything a really good stir. Bring up to the boil and then turn down the heat so that the chilli is gently simmering. Leave to simmer for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring from time to time to check that it isn’t drying out (if it is, add a little more stock or water).

❻ Stir in the kidney beans and cook for 10 minutes until warmed through.

❼ Serve with the cornbread opposite and top with sour cream, cheese and spring onions etc. (see tip).

Tilly’s tip: Megan likes her chilli with sour cream, Holly likes it sprinkled with chopped spring onions, Jack covers his in cheese and I love it with all three on top of each other! To make sure everyone gets to eat it the way they like it, put bowls of different toppings and extra chilli sauce on the table so everyone can make their own dream chilli. Enjoy!

Extracted from Matilda & The Ramsay Bunch: Tilly’s Kitchen Takeover by Tilly Ramsay Published by Hodder & Stoughton on 4th May 2017 Priced: £20

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Let’s make accidental poisonings a thing of the past.

We’re on a mission; to make the world a safer place for children.

Bitrex is the world’s most bitter substance. It’s completely harmless but tastes horrible. Responsible manufacturers add Bitrex to a wide range of household, garden and automotive products. So if a curious child should accidentally try to swallow something they shouldn’t, they’ll likely spit it out thanks to the bitter-tasting Bitrex. Next time you go shopping, look out for the red Bitrex label on products. It’s the sign that keeps children safe.

By thinking and seeing what a child sees, we can make a child’s world a safer world. Join us on our mission at Bitrex.com

Email enquiry@bitrex.com or visit bitrex.com

bitrex.com

Family Health

Sharing is Caring Top tips for keeping children safe from accidents

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friend shudders recounting the horrible shock of their child coming close to a serious accident; a health visitor shares stories about accidents they’ve seen; the local paper’s front page features parents whose child died in an accident, sharing their story so others don’t suffer. The strongest voices are the ones we relate to and respect. We all have a part to play in keeping children safe.

This Child Safety Week (5th-11th June), the Child Accident Prevention Trust are asking people to share their experience, not just about the horrors of accidents, but the really practical, simple things they do to prevent them. Here are their top tips:

them away from little hands and mouths and lock cupboards if possible. And look for products with a bittering agent – this makes them taste disgusting so children spit them out.

❹ R emember some 3-4 year olds can open child safety caps in seconds (‘child-resistant’ doesn’t mean ‘child-proof’). So keep medicines away from small hands too. Don’t forget the painkillers in your bag – painkillers are the most common cause of poisoning for small children!

❺ T oddlers can choke on food that’s too big, even just the size of a grape. Always cut their food up into small, narrow pieces, especially round food like grapes and cherry tomatoes.

❶ A lmost 1 in 6 children suffer an accident or near miss, like stepping out onto the road without looking, whilst on their own mobile phones. Set a good example to your children by never using your phone while crossing the road.

❷ A hot drink can burn a young child even 15 minutes after it has been made. So put your much-needed mug of tea or coffee down somewhere your baby or toddler can’t grab at it. etergent liquitabs are really convenient for ❸D laundry on the run but pose a risk to young children. If yours are under the sink, move

❻ T rampolines are a great way for children to work off surplus energy. But remember, it’s safest if there’s just one child on the trampoline. And use safety netting or a safety cage so children can’t be thrown to the ground.

❼ S mall hungry children can mistake a button battery for a sweet. But, if swallowed, a button battery can burn a hole through their throat and kill within hours. So keep objects with accessible button batteries well out of young children’s reach and take care when replacing batteries.

Bitrex is the bitterest substance known to man. Responsible manufacturers add a tiny amount of this bitter safety ingredient Bitrex to their products to reduce the risk of a child accidentally swallowing the product. Look out for the red Bitrex logo on product labels – it’s the sign of a safer product.

❽ I n five seconds a toddler’s skin can be burned so badly by hot tap water that they need to go to hospital. So, at bath time, put the cold water in first and top up with hot, then test the water with your elbow, to reduce the risk of your child being burned. rowning is silent and babies can drown in ❾D as little as 5cm of water. So stay with your baby or small child when they’re in the bath.

And remember, while bath seats can be a great help, they’re not safety aids – so don’t leave your baby alone in one, even for a moment. et a smoke alarm fitted on every level ❿G of your home and test it regularly. Thick, black smoke from a fire can fill your home in minutes and kill your sleeping child in seconds.

For more safety tips, visit the Child Accident Prevention Trust Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChildAccidentPreventionTrust and share our top tips with family and friends. F

27

Family Pets

Welcome

HOME

28

Picture: © Cats Pro

tection

Pets play a valuable role in our lives and National Pet Month’s main theme this year has been ‘There’s a pet out there for you’, highlighting that there is a pet out there for everyone, whatever walk of life you’re from, but it’s important to choose the best fit for your lifestyle

I

ntroducing a pet into your home really can bring the most amazing benefits but you need to be fully prepared and ready to welcome your new arrival into a safe home suitable for their requirements.

First, we use the arrival of a new puppy into your home to illustrate the importance of preparation and then with thanks to Cats Protection, we provide advice on how best to integrate an older cat into the family.

PUPPY LOVE Remember, that the experiences your puppy has during the first few months of his life will have a major influence on his future temperament and character so always take the time to get things right for you and your new canine companion.

Socialisation Socialisation covers a variety of key learning experiences including mixing with other dogs and puppies, enabling them to develop social skills.

Make sure your puppy is also introduced to everyday objects in your home like vacuum cleaners and even rustly plastic bags so they are comfortable in their surroundings from an early age.

Get them used to cars, traffic noise, other animals and people of all ages in different settings – from towns to the seaside and countryside – and ensure they are accustomed to travelling by car.

If this is tackled early on you really could look forward to many years of happy travels with your four legged friend, both at home and abroad.

Feeding a good balanced diet from the offset is also very important as it can help guard against health problems later on in life. The best way to provide all the nutrients your puppy needs is to feed a specially formulated pet food for puppies.

Remember that up until a T hink carefully before getting a pet and learn puppy is around 17 weeks of age is about its special requirements. the best time to socialise them as they are extremely receptive to new Ensure your pet is sociable and well trained. experiences.

P rovide a nutritious and well balanced diet.

National Pet Month’s

TOP 10 TIPS

for responsible pet ownership

Vaccination

Provide suitable housing and bedding.

Clean up after your pet and worm it regularly.

Protect against disease. Your vet can provide you with advice.

Prevent unwanted litters and neuter your pet when appropriate.

Groom your pet regularly.

Control your pet and ensure it is properly identified.

Take out pet insurance for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses to cover against unexpected veterinary fees and third party liability.

However, before you embark on this adventure with your new pet or take them on a walk to meet fellow canines it’s vital to ensure they are fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated pups run the risk of contracting serious infectious diseases such as canine parvovirus so please always get your dog booked in for their injections. Vaccination primary courses are most commonly given as two injections two to four weeks apart with the final dose being administered at 10-12 weeks of age and it really is very easy to get this arranged through your local vet so don’t delay.

Positive Experiences It’s so important that all your puppy’s experiences are extremely positive as a nasty experience really can make him fearful for life.

Start by introducing your pet to friends, family and people that regularly visit your home as much as possible, including those that regularly post through your letter box such as the postman or newspaper delivery person.

To ensure your dog gets used to travelling by car early on start by taking him on short journeys and then gradually build up the length of these trips.

Take your time and every step of the way monitor your puppy’s reactions to all of these new experiences. By doing this you’ll avoid overwhelming the youngster as at this stage he is taking in so much.

Remember, if you put in the work during his early development you really will be laying the foundations for a well behaved and socialised dog with hopefully many, many happy and rewarding years ahead for you.

FELINE GOOD Bringing your new cat home The first few hours after bringing your cat home can really affect how well they accept their new life. First and foremost, be prepared to be patient and never attempt to rush your cat into doing things they may not be ready for.

It is important to provide them with a quiet

❝

Feeding a good balanced diet from the offset is also very important as it can help guard against health problems later on in life.

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place with everything they need, so set aside a dedicated, secure room before you collect them. This room should include:

an area for food and a separate area for water at least one litter tray placed as far away as possible from their food and water and in a private, accessible location somewhere to hide

a suitable place to sleep or, ideally, a choice of them a scratching post a few cat toys and space for them to play

The significance of scent Cats rely heavily on their sense of smell and will settle quicker if their new home smells familiar.

To help your cat get used to your scent, take an item of clothing or a blanket from your home and leave it with the cat for a few days before you bring them home.

When you pick your cat up, bring the same item back – ideally it will fit comfortably in their carrier with them and then it can be placed in their room.

You could also use a synthetic form of feline facial pheromones, available from your vet.

These come as a plug-in diffuser or a spray. The scent helps to create a reassuring environment and may help to reduce stress.

Travelling home Being territorial and a creature of habit, a cat becomes very attached to their familiar environment and finds travelling very stressful. To help your cat stay calm during journeys, use a strong, secure and easily cleanable carrier, with a familiar smelling blanket inside and cover the carrier with another light blanket. You may wish to spray the inside of the carrier with a pheromone spray at least 15 minutes before putting your cat inside, to allow the alcohol to evaporate. The pheromone can help to create a feeling of familiarity and security.

Meeting the family Once your cat seems confident with you, introduce other (human) family members, one by one. Children are likely to be excited about the new arrival, but it is important to keep them calm. Let the cat come to them and when they do, show the children the correct way to gently stroke and interact with them.

Children, particularly young children with little experience of cats, need to learn how to treat cats appropriately. Even the friendliest cat will defend themselves if they are pushed or pulled too much so be sure they understand they are

Picture: © Cats Protection

access to a high spot where they can view their surroundings

When you arrive home, leave your cat alone to explore their room for an hour or so before introducing yourself, although some cats may need longer. When you go in to see them, get down to their level, put out your hand and call their name softly – let them come to you. If your cat chooses to hide, just sit quietly in the same room and occasionally talk to them gently in low tones – do not force them to come out. Give them plenty of time to adjust and continue to visit them so they can get used to your presence. As long as they are eating and using the litter tray, there should be no cause for alarm. If your cat is very timid, they may not want to come out to eat. In this case, try moving the food bowl closer to their hiding place and leaving the room.

You may want to try offering a small treat or using an interactive toy, such as a fishing rod toy with feathers on the end to tempt your cat from their hiding place. Play is a good bonding tool because it is less intimidating than physical contact, relieves stress, and provides mental stimulation and an outlet for pent-up energy.

You may find it is easier to encourage play at dawn and dusk when cats are naturally more active.

not a toy. Avoid picking your cat up in the early stages – wait until they have settled in and knows that you are not a threat.

The big outdoors Don’t let your cat go outside until they have fully adjusted to their new home and knows where their food will be coming from – this usually takes between three and four weeks. If your cat has not been neutered, don’t let them out unsupervised until the operation has been carried out by your vet. Kittens should always be supervised when outdoors. When you let your cat out, do it when they’re hungry so that you can tempt them back inside with food, until they are used to coming back to the house freely. For more information see Cats Protection’s Essential Guide: Neutering – family planning for felines.

Introducing other pets When introducing your new cat to other pets, it is much better to control the situation rather than leave the animals to sort it out for themselves. First impressions are all important and a negative start may lead to lifelong conflict. F For lots more information on introducing your new cat to both other cats and to dogs download the Cars Protection cat care welcome home leaflet at http://www.cats.org.uk/docu ments/cat-care-leaflets-2013-eg02welcome home and visit www.cats.org.uk

The first steps The following is a guide to introducing your cat to their new home and family. Take one step at a time, be patient and always work at the cat’s pace before moving onto the next stage.

❝

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Picture: © Cats Protection

When you let your cat out, do it when they’re hungry so that you can tempt them back inside with food, until they are used to coming back to the house freely.

Family Pets

Feeding TIME From organic to dehydrated pet foods, there is no shortage of choice when it comes to buying pet food and to the uninitiated it can seem a dizzying array. Nicole Paley at the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) talks us through the growing variety and how products differ to help us make an informed choice of what to feed our four legged friends The pet food buyer’s glossary: ‘Complete’ pet foods This is probably the most important term you need to be familiar with. The term ‘complete’ is in fact a legal definition and it means the product must contain (as required by law) all the nutrients your pet needs for healthy bodily function. Feeding a complete diet means you don’t need to provide any other food for them. Members of the PFMA follow European nutritional guidelines when producing their diets which are approved by veterinary nutrition experts across Europe giving you that extra reassurance.

‘Complementary’ pet foods The term complementary means that the product isn’t nutritionally complete and it will need to be fed alongside something else. Dog and cat treats for instance are complementary pet foods. Remember to keep treats to a minimum as these will need to be taken in to consideration at mealtimes and this can disrupt the nutritional balance of the main meal. The rule with treats is that they should comprise no more than 10% of a pet’s daily energy intake.

You’ll always find either term ‘complete’ or ‘complementary’ on the pet food packet.

Organic Pet Foods The question of whether organic food is better for us has been circulating without a clear answer for many years but for some people buying organic food is their ethos. Whilst there is no specific organic standard for pet food, companies making an organic claim will need to be approved by an accreditation agency such as the Soil Association. Organic standards include:

where natural is defined as "Present in or produced by nature” or “Conforming to the usual course of nature” etc. Whilst there is no legal definition for pet food, the European Pet Food Federation has set a standard which requires that all pet foods marketed as ‘natural’ must only be made with natural ingredients and the food must not contain any chemically synthesised ingredients. Additionally, “they should only be subjected to such physical processing as to make them suitable for pet food production and maintaining the natural composition.”

Commercial Raw Pet Foods There is a range of commercially produced raw pet foods available from complete foods to freeze dried treats. If feeding a raw diet, our advice to owners is to ensure you’re providing a complete and balanced diet and to be even more diligent with your hygiene practices when handling raw food. Safety is key and raw pet foods produced in Europe must comply with strict legislation which set strict limits for microbiological testing, for instance a zero tolerance for salmonella.

Pet owners may have heard or may soon hear of dehydrated pet foods, this is a relatively new product format which is becoming popular in the US. The dehydration process provides a slow, gentle method of processing the food to take away the moisture from the raw ingredients. Dehydration takes several

hours, and uses warm air to ‘blow away’ the moisture whilst preserving the nutrients. Pet owners then add warm water to serve. These foods should be handled in the same way as other raw pet foods.

How can I tell if my pet is doing well on their food?

In summary, the most important thing any owner can do is to provide a good quality nutritionally complete and balanced pet food. If a pet isn’t getting the nutrition they need, it will become apparent in their physical appearance.

Key signs that your cat/dog is healthy and thriving are: A clean and shiny coat Clear, bright eyes A good weight outh should smell fresh and gums should M be pink Of course, if in doubt, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet.

For more information on pet foods, pet food ingredients, understanding pet food labels and a downloadable ‘Healthy Pet’ kit, visit www.pfma.org.uk

 95% of ingredients must be certified organic (the remaining 5% must be from a permitted list)  Cleaning materials and pest control methods are restricted  Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are strictly prohibited  Flavourings must be either naturally or organically produced

Natural ingredients What exactly does natural mean in a food sense? The dictionary gives us some clues

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Caring for Family

50% of children in the UK have some form of allergy and 20% of infants have atopic (allergic) eczema and many of these will develop food allergy, asthma and rhinitis/hay fever. With these startling statistics in mind, we spoke to Allergy UK, who tells us about the different types of allergy that can affect you family

E

czema can be a chronic and severe medical condition which is sometimes trivialised. The fact is that both children and adults with eczema can experience painful and unpleasant symptoms which can have a real impact on their quality of life. Allergy UK, the leading national patient charity which supports the 21 million people living with allergy in the UK raised awareness of allergic eczema during Allergy Awareness Week (last month).

ECZEMA IN CHILDREN Atopic eczema in children can be difficult to manage. Parents have to constantly monitor their child’s eczema to make sure that the skin does not become dry and cracked which can

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lead to allergens and bacteria entering the body.

Up to 80% of all children under one year old with moderate to severe eczema are sensitized to one or more food allergens.

Those with mild eczema often outgrow it and are unlikely to have a food allergy.

However, to help target the skin barrier to reduce eczema means daily applications of emollients with many families experiencing broken nights caring for their children when they wake up because of pain and discomfort. Some families go as far as to leave their job to look after a child as a childminder may not be able to give the constant treatment that a child with severe eczema needs. This alone can put a financial burden on the family which is not helped by the extra costs of buying creams and sometimes, in desperation, even paying for allergy advice and nonvalidated testing.

Family Health

Members with...

With around 1.7million school children suffering from eczema in the UK, general awareness of the condition is essential as parents all over the UK are struggling to identify and manage their child’s condition. Schools often do not have the resources to help a child with eczema and this can impact on their learning and social life. If you feel there needs to be more support in your child’s school for your child and you do not know how to tackle the issue, please call Allergy UK’s dedicated Helpline. It is available 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday and run by advisers who are trained in all aspects of allergy. The Helpline can also signpost you to your nearest allergy specialist. Call 01322 619898 or email info@allergyuk.org.

There is also increasing risk of poor growth for children with severe eczema often due to the overuse, over a long period of time, of steroid creams. It is now recommended that short target steroid treatments are used. Also, constant itching and scratching during the night can mean a lack of regular sleep which will impact on alertness the following day.

FOOD ALLERGY Eczema can be a symptom of food allergy in babies & young children, so needs to be seen by a paediatric allergist/immunologist or dermatologist experienced in managing allergy.

Mothers of children with a food allergy live with constant worry about their child, often taking multiple precautions before letting their child leave home. Shockingly, there are around ten deaths a year from anaphylactic reactions, the most severe form of allergic reaction, which shows the growing need for awareness and education. Everyone from parents to those running restaurants and cafes need to understand the reactions that an allergy to food can trigger and how to deal with them. A food that triggers an eczema flare up may take months for the sufferer to regain control of their eczema.

RESPIRATORY CONDITIONS It is also important to be aware of the respiratory allergies your child might face. ‘Seasonal allergic rhinitis’ or hay fever is the most common allergy from March to September, with an estimated 15 million people in the UK experi-

encing what can be debilitating symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching and 'post-nasal drip' (mucus at the back of the throat). It can also cause red, itching and watery eyes. Other symptoms include a blocked nose which can lead to headaches and difficulty sleeping.

Symptoms can be triggered by tree and grass pollen, which can affect children at school during the spring and summer. Broken nights can also have an impact on concentration and productivity which can be problematic during exam time. A study by Dr. Samantha Walker showed that students with hay fever can drop as much as one grade because of their condition. Allergy UK has called for the peak exam time to be moved outside of the hay fever season because of the difficulties that hay fever can cause in young people.

HOW ALLERGY UK CAN HELP Allergy UK offers over 100 free Factsheets containing information on how to manage most types of allergy. They are all on the Allergy UK website, www.allergyuk.org. The dedicated Helpline is also free and available on 01322 619898 for advice and support. F

33

Family Kitchen

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to us!

It’s our 6th birthday this May so we thought we’d celebrate with a birthday cake, courtesy of our friends at Wright’s Baking!

You and your kids deserve the occasional tasty treat and baking something scrumptious together is a great way to bond, keep them entertained and will give you something to enjoy as a family afterwards INGREDIENTS:

METHOD (Makes 1)

 500g Wright’s Madeira Cake Mix

❶ Pour the Cake Mix into a mixing bowl together

 200ml Water  60ml Vegetable Oil

with the vegetable oil and water then blend to a smooth batter following the instructions on the pack.

❷ Pour the batter into a deep round pre-lined DECORATION:  200g Icing Sugar (sieved)  190g Butter  60g Jam  Jelly Tots or chosen sweets  Candles – if desired

19cm (7½ inch) baking tin.

❸ Bake towards the lower half of a preheated oven at 160-170°C (325-340°F Gas Mark 3-4) for approximately 55-60 minutes.

❹ A llow to cool completely. ❺ Using the butter and icing sugar listed under

❻ Beat with a wooden spoon or electric mixer until light and fluffy.

❼ Cut the cooled cake in half across to form two layers. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread over with a third of the prepared buttercream.

❽ Place the other layer on top having spread this with the jam.

❾ Spread the top with the remaining buttercream and adorn with the sweets of your choice and candles if desired.

“DECORATION”, blend then together in a bowl.

Chosen by bakers of quality since 1867 At Wright’s we specialise in making the very best quality flours and mixes for your baking. All made by a family business with 140 years milling know how.

With its 17th century mill flanked by a Georgian mill house and Georgian offices, and close by, a 16th century great barn and numerous other listed buildings, Ponders End Mills is one of the most complete groupings of historical industrial buildings still being worked in Greater London. This rare survivor is set within meadows bisected by a tributary of the River Lea, and is something of an oasis in Ponders End’s industrial landscape. However, appearances can be deceptive as behind the historic facade is a large, modern food-

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factory – with a number of state-of-the-art facilities – which operates to standards of quality and hygiene, which satisfy the most discerning of clients.

When George Wright first came to Ponders End Mills some 140 years ago, he established a simple business principle - products which were to bear his name would be made with only the finest ingredients, using the most modern techniques. Four generations later, this principle is still being followed by his great, great grandson David Wright.

Enjoy!

Family Kitchen

A D V E R TO R I A L

SUN-MAID CALIFORNIA RAISINS

Love Raisins, Love Sun-Maid For over 100 years, Sun-Maid’s famous little red boxes have been enjoyed by children and adults alike

A

s a co-operative, Sun-Maid Growers of California is owned by family farmers who grow the grapes in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.

Sun-Maid California Raisins are 100% natural with no added oils or glazing agents – they are just ‘Grapes & Sunshine’.

The process of making raisins requires flavourful seedless grapes and the California sun. The sun and soil work a special magic, turning the grapes gradually sweeter. By August, the grapes are plump and full of sweetness.

In the traditional harvest method, the ripe grapes are picked and placed on clean paper trays laid beside the vines. Generally, it takes two to three weeks of hot, dry weather to turn the sweet green grapes into plump, tasty raisins.

During drying, the hot sun bakes the vineyard floor, producing intense ground temperatures that caramelise the sugars in the grapes enough to give California raisins their distinctive flavor and color. The raisins are then washed, sorted and packed for you to enjoy.

Raisins contain only naturally occurring fructose sugar and have no added sugar.

The sugars in raisins are included in the World Health Organisation (W.H.O.) definition of “intrinsic sugars”, that are naturally present in whole foods like fruit and vegetables, for which it places no limit on intake.

Sun-Maid California raisins are a source of potassium, copper, manganese and Vitamin B6. Because they do not easily spoil, are available year-round, easy to store and

transport, they serve as a convenient way to increase fruit consumption. A typical serving of 30g (about a heaped tablespoon) of Sun‑Maid Raisins will provide one portion of the recommended 5 A Day. Naturally sweet, portable and convenient, Sun-Maid California Raisins make an ideal playtime snack or lunch box treat and are an excellent ingredient to add sweetness to many recipes.

Why not try our recipe for Kids Trail Mix – a delicious snack for your children’s lunch box.

For your convenience, SunMaid Raisins are available in a variety of pack sizes: 14g ideal for young children, 42.5g for older children and adults and our 500g canister which is suitable for snacking at home or for your favourite recipes. F

Sun-Maid Kid’s Trail Mix Preparation Time – 10 minutes.

Makes 12 mini bags or one large jar

 50g sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds 5 0g White chocolate, milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips (optional)

Ingredients  100g whole-grain cereal hoops or flakes

Method

 100g Sun-Maid California Raisins

ix all the ingredients up in a big bowl. ❶M S

❷ tore in a large jar or in separate zip lock

 50g dried fruit (i.e. chopped apricots)  50g mixed nuts (optional)

snack bags for packed lunch boxes.

Enjoy F

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Sun-Maid Raisins – Just Grapes & Sunshine!

@SunMaidUK

@SunMaidUK

For more information and recipe ideas, visit our website at www.sunmaid.co.uk

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Family Kitchen

Raisin the Salad Bar Try this delicious twist on a fresh mozzarella and tomato salad with gorgeous marinated Sun-Maid California raisins

Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad with Marinated Raisins INGREDIENTS:

METHOD (Makes 6 to 8 servings)

1 15g Sun-Maid California Natural Raisins

❶C OMBINE raisins, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, and salt in microwave-safe bowl.

 4 tbspn olive oil  3 tbspn balsamic vinegar  ½ tspn dried oregano

❷M ICROWAVE on high

 ½ tspn dried thyme  ½ tspn dried rosemary  ¼ to ½ tspn salt – according to taste 4 54g fresh mozzarella cut into ¼-inch slices 3 medium tomatoes cut into ¼-inch slices  42g fresh basil (about 1/2 bunch)  Fresh cracked black pepper

power 30 to 45 seconds until warm. Stir. Refrigerate 30 minutes or until cool. (Raisin mix can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated.)

❸ A RRANGE alternate overlapping slices of mozzarella, tomato, and basil.

❹ S POON Raisin mixture evenly over salad. ❺ S EASON with fresh cracked black pepper.

Enjoy!

To see how to make this fabulous salad, visit www.family247.net

Sun-Maid California Raisins Prize Draw We have teamed up with Sun-Maid to give 10 LUCKY READERS the chance to win a bundle of SUN-MAID GOODIES, plus A CASE OF SUN-MAID MINI SNACK RAISINS for their children’s school.

Sun-Maid California Raisins are 100% natural, with no added oils or glazing agents.

They contain only naturally occurring fructose sugar and have no added sugar.

Sun-Maid California Raisins make an ideal playtime snack or lunch box treat. They also add natural sweetness to many recipes.

Each prize bundle will comprise: 1 Sun-Maid Baseball Cap, 1 Sun-Maid Visor, 1 Sun-Maid Drinking Cup, 1 Sun-Maid Thermos Cup, 1 Sun-Maid Children’s Apron and Sun-Maid Raisins, plus one case of Sun-Maid Mini Snacks for your nominated school.

Find more information on Sun-Maid and delicious recipe ideas at www.sunmaid.co.uk For your chance to win this fantastic prize, simply enter online by 15th June at www.family247.net/sunmaid No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 10 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 15th June 2017. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, the sponsor or their agents. By entering into the competition, you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Sun-Maid and Lincolnbrody.

If you do not wish to receive future information, please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions.

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On Sunday 11th June hundreds of farms across the UK will throw open their gates to welcome you and showcase the fascinating world of farming. As well as being a fun and informative day out for all the family, LEAF Open Farm Sunday also gives visitors the opportunity to see first-hand all that farmers do and the impact their work has on all our lives

Days Out

E I E I O! Discover the World of Farming

T

his so often misunderstood industry has a vital role in not only producing safe nutritious food, but also using the latest science and technology to farm sustainably – that means increasing production whilst managing the environment for wildlife and enhancing our natural resources for generations to come.

Since the first Open Farm Sunday in 2006 over 1.8m people have visited a LEAF Open Farm Sunday event. This year, farms across the country, from Cornwall to Orkney, will provide young and old with an opportunity to see farming in action and learn more about the work farmers are so proud to do.

The mostly free events will offer a range of activities from tractor trailer rides, farm walks and bug hunts, to feeding lambs, sheep shearing and milking demonstrations. The technology and science behind farming and food production will also be a focus along with providing visitors with a fascinating insight into the world of farming.

Open Farm Sunday is managed by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming); the leading organisation delivering more sustainable food and farming.

So circle the date in your diary, visit www.farmsunday.org to find your local open farm, pull on your wellies and get set to discover the world of farming!

What is sustainable farming … and why does it matter?

Sustainable farming is about delivering good quality food, fibres and products on farms, with care and to high environmental standards. Farmers manage 70% of land in the UK - that’s more than 17m hectares – so they have a vital role in protecting and enhancing Britain’s landscapes, the environment and our natural resources for future generations. Sustainable farming is prosperous, enriches the environment and engages local communities.

How do farmers farm sustainably?  Farmers are bright sparks... they save energy and keep emissions low. Many farmers help provide alternative fuel sources by growing crops that can be used in heat and electricity generation or by using their land for wind or solar farms.

 Farmers hedge their (and our) futures... providing habitats and food for wildlife through careful management of hedges, field margins, ponds and woodland. Farmers look after more than 5 million kilometres of hedges on farms across England and Wales – the equivalent of 500 million double decker buses parked end to end!  Farmers have got worms (and are proud of it!)... millions of them in fact, helping to make rich fertile soil for the best crops. An average field has a network of earthworm burrows equivalent to the entire network of UK roads – that’s 245,000 miles!

Many farmers consider soil to be their greatest asset so it is vital that they look after it.  Farmers have knowledge on tap... the world’s water resources can no longer be taken for granted. Farmers use water wisely, monitoring and measuring change, to protect our streams and rivers and conserve precious natural capital. In the past 15 years, more than 50,000 new ponds have also been created on farms in England alone, providing an important habitat and drinking source for a host of wildlife, enhancing the biodiversity of the land. Farmers also store water in reservoirs they build on their farms which provide year round habitats for some animals and birds.

 Farmers care... farmers join organisations like LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) to ensure they are following best practice in sustainable farming.

And, if you want to ensure that you are purchasing nutritious food that has been produced with care and respect for the environment look out for the LEAF Marque when shopping. More than 278k hectares of crop in the UK is grown on LEAF Marque certified businesses. In fact, 33% of all the UK’s fruit and vegetable are being grown on LEAF Marque certified farms. F For more information visit www.farmsunday.org.

To keep up to date on Twitter follow @OpenFarmSunday, @LEAF_Farming and @AnnabelOFS

37

Family Kitchen

Milk Matters The Dairy Council © Shutterstock

It is well known that milk contains many of the nutrients we need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. Whilst milk provides us with calcium and protein, it also gives us plenty of other nutrients we may be less aware of but are just as vital. Here we look at iodine

The real story behind iodine Iodine is a lesser known micronutrient that is found in high amounts in milk and some dairy foods. It is very important for pregnant women and for growth and development in children.

Iodine forms part of the thyroid hormones which help release energy from food and have many other roles in the body. They are particularly important for our nerve function and are needed for brain development in babies and children.

Low intakes of iodine in the diet have been linked to low IQ in children and poor foetal growth during pregnancy. Having enough iodine in our diet as children and before and during pregnancy is therefore very important.

The most recent National Diet and Nutrition Survey showed that around 10% of adult

women and 22% of girls aged 11-18 years do not get enough iodine from their food.

Two great British products, milk and yogurt, which are tasty and affordable, can help us meet our iodine needs.

A simple glass of milk provides around 43% of the recommended amount of iodine for women. A child size carton will provide a school age child with around 52-57% of their recommended amount depending on their age. Milk is also high in protein, calcium, B12 and riboflavin, and a source of potassium, phosphorus and B5.

Iodine – is it important?

Well it certainly is, particularly for growing children, and pregnant and breastfeeding women, so don’t miss out on your daily pinta!

For more information, visit www.milk.co.uk F

One 200ml glass of semiskimmed milk contains:

31%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY CALCIUM Needed for maintenance of normal bones. It also helps muscle and nerve function, normal blood clotting and maintenance of teeth

74%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY VITAMIN B12 Helps us feel less tired, benefits our immune system and contributes to the release of energy from food

41%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY IODINE Contributes to the production of thyroid hormones and thyroid function

14%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY PROTEIN Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle, and growth in muscle mass

35%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY RIBOFLAVIN Also known as vitamin B2, it helps us make the most of the energy we get from our food and is good for our skin

23%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY VITAMIN B5 Also known as Pantothenic acid. Contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

28%

OF OUR RECOMMENDED DAILY PHOSPHORUS Contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and normal teeth

Keep it fun – and British!

Full of flavour and fun and made with 100% British milk but with no artificial colours, preservatives or flavours, Tesco flavoured milk comes in four delicious flavours – chocolate, strawberry, banana and chocolate brownie.

Keep a handy 1 litre carton in the fridge for everyone to share – perfect if you want to grab a refreshing glass as a snack between meals, or why not serve it instead of a dessert? In fact you could use your favourite flavoured milk to make a batch of ice-lollies just by filling an ice-lolly mould and putting them in the freezer until frozen. And now, 3 of our super flavours are available in a handy 330ml carton – great for on the go or if you just don’t want to share with anyone else!

39

Spreadable r o h c An

U B T T L E A R E r h a t p i e seed Rblended w oil

Family Kitchen

Dairy Alternatives If you suspect that you or a family member suffer from milk allergy or intolerance, it is important to consult your doctor or a dietician before cutting milk and dairy products out of your diet MILK ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE According to NHS Chioces, there are three conditions that cause a reaction to milk:

IgE-mediated milk allergy One type of milk allergy is known as IgE-mediated milk allergy. This can cause reactions that usually occur within a few minutes of having cows' milk. It can cause severe reactions, but more often the symptoms are mild.

Symptoms can include rashes (hives), swollen lips, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and difficulty breathing.

In some cases milk allergy can cause anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction that results in difficulty breathing, swollen lips or mouth, and collapse. If this happens, call 999 immediately and describe to the operator what is happening.

Non-IgE-mediated milk allergy Another type of milk allergy is known as nonIgE-mediated cows' milk protein allergy. This has previously been referred to as cows' milk protein intolerance.

This type of allergy is distinct from IgEmediated milk allergy and lactose intolerance.

It can occur in adults, but is more common in babies and children.

Children with this allergy can experience symptoms the first time they drink cows' milk.

The symptoms include eczema, vomiting, diar-

rhoea and stomach cramps. Rashes (hives) and breathing problems do not occur. These are symptoms of IgE-mediated milk allergy.

Symptoms take longer to occur than in IgE-mediated milk allergy. They can occur from between a few hours and a few days after having milk. Because the symptoms are delayed,

it may take some time for this allergy to be discovered. There is no easy test for the allergy.

Children who have non-IgE-mediated cows' milk protein allergy often grow out of it by the time they go to school. In rare cases it can persist into adulthood.

Koko Dairy Free Milk & Yogurt Alternatives Koko Dairy Free Original and Plain are fresh tasting and versatile milk and yogurt alternatives. They taste great on breakfast cereals, mixed up in a healthy smoothie or in your favourite sweet or savoury cooking.

Koko Dairy Free Original is also perfect in tea and coffee or on its own as a refreshing, cold drink.

Made from freshly-pressed coconuts and with added

like dairy it tastes. And, it’s free from artificial colours,

calcium and vitamins, Koko Dairy Free is dairy, soya,

preservatives and flavourings.

gluten and nut free and perfect for allergy sufferers,

What’s more, there are 2 delicious flavours of fruit

vegans or anyone seeking a healthy lifestyle. The range

yogurt alternatives in strawberry and coconut and lemon

has a fresh, clean flavour which makes it highly versatile

which are available in 2 x 125g packs and are perfect as

and an excellent dairy substitute.

You’ll be surprised just how much

a convenient snack or dessert. All products are available in Tesco from £1.50.

41

Arla Lactofree® Lactose intolerance is the term given to the condition where the body is unable to produce enough of the enzyme lactase which breaks down lactose, the sugar which is found in milk and other dairy products.

It means that lactose cannot be digested properly causing uncomfortable symptoms such as an upset stomach, an irritable bowel, bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea, wind and nausea.

The symptoms can vary in severity and occur between 30 minutes and two hours after consuming dairy. It’s a common digestive disorder which affects around 15% of British people although it often goes undiagnosed.

While it is easily manageable, many people who suffer from lactose intolerance wrongly assume they have to cut all dairy out of their diet which can mean missing out on important nutrients including calcium and vitamin D which is needed for the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and protein which contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

However, Arla Lactofree® products means that those with lactose intolerance don’t have to miss out. All of the products in the range are real dairy but with the lactose removed*.

Lactose intolerance Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar mainly found in milk and dairy products.

Lactose intolerance can cause symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea.

Lactose intolerance in children If your child is lactose intolerant, they may be able to consume small amounts of lactose without experiencing symptoms. This is quite safe, but you may need to experiment to find out how much they can comfortably eat or drink.

This is achieved by adding an enzyme to cows’ milk which breaks down the lactose.

As a result, the products – including milk, cheese, yogurt and spread – look the same, taste the same and cook the same as standard dairy products and have the same nutritional benefits, but without the digestive discomfort.

The Arla Lactofree® range includes skimmed, semi-skimmed, whole and chocolate dairy drink, natural yogurt, real fruit yogurts, spreadable blend of butter and rapeseed oil, cream, soft white cheese, mild, mature and grated cheddar.

Thanks to the variety in the range, lactose intolerance sufferers can continue to enjoy the great taste of dairy with Arla Lactofree® and no longer have to compromise on their favourite dishes. *We use rigorous scientific testing to ensure that Arla Lactofree® products contains no lactose, using accurate accredited tests, enabling us to detect lactose at a trace level of 0.03%. At this level our tests show that there is no lactose present in Arla Lactofree®.

If your child is unable to tolerate any lactose, your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for nutritional advice because it's important for young children to have certain nutrients in their diet to ensure healthy growth and development.

For babies with lactose intolerance, lactosefree formula milk is available to buy from pharmacies and supermarkets. However, soya formula isn't recommended for children under six months because it contains hormones that may interfere with your baby's future physical and sexual development.

TOP TIP

If you are looking for alternatives to dairy products, either because of an allergy or an intolerance, or simply for health reasons, try the new chilled ‘Free From’ range of milk, spread, yogurt, dessert and cheese alternatives from Tesco.

The range is not only free from dairy, it's gluten and wheat free too, plus all the products are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.

The range includes milk, cheese and dessert alternatives and is available in selected stores – for more information visit realfood.tesco.com/our-food/ new-in-store/chilled-free-fromdairy-range.html Breastfed babies may benefit from lactase substitute drops to help their bodies digest the lactose in breast milk.

For many children, lactose intolerance is only temporary and will improve after a few weeks. After this point it's safe to gradually reintroduce milk and dairy products into their diet.

Source: NHS Choices

Protein For some people, their dairy intolerance may be because they are unable to break down the protein component rather than lactose. We are all different and some may be more sensitive than others and it important to be able to establish your own intolerance levels.

Useful Resources For more information on Lactose Intolerance: www.nhs.uk/Conditions/lactose-intolerance/ Pages/Introduction.aspx For more information on food allergy: www.allergyuk.org/information-and-advice/ conditions-and-symptoms/36-food-allergy F

Not all cows' milk is the same a 2 Milk™ is nutritious cows’ milk with a difference – many people find it easy to digest. Why? Unlike regular cows’ milk, it’s naturally free from the A1 protein that can trigger symptoms often associated with milk intolerance. a 2 Milk™ is different because our cows are different.

We select cows that naturally produce milk with the A2 protein that many people find easy to digest. a 2 Milk™ is naturally gentle on sensitive tummies.

Nothing added, nothing taken away.

❝

After having normal milk I would get really bloated … Since using a2 I no longer feel bloated and the great thing is it’s delicious cows’ milk.” Gemma W

❝ ❝

This has changed my little boy’s life. My son is now able to drink milk and we're all using this milk now.” Netmum … since a2 they have been drinking double quantities and actually asking for milk!” Netmum

Go to www.a2milk.co.uk to find out more.

In a poll of 155 Netmums members, 85% would recommend a2 Milk™ to a friend. a2 Milk™ is not suitable for cows' milk protein allergy. If you have been medically diagnosed with any milk intolerance, seek advice from your doctor before use.

43

DELICIOUS....

Family Kitchen

If you or a family member are either lactose intolerant, have a milk protein allergy or have decided to give up dairy for other reasons, here are three fabulous recipes to whet your dairy free appetites from food journalist Katy Salter’s book, Dairy-Free Delicious

Coconut Milk Ice Cream This ice cream is so luscious and creamy that you’ll never hanker after the store-bought stuff again.

Once you’ve mastered the coconut base, you can leave the vanilla out if you want to play up the coconut flavour – to make a coconut and mango ice cream for example. Or you can make the cinnamon crunch variation. It’s the contrast between the smooth, creamy base and the buried treasure of the golden nuggets that makes this cinnamon ice cream ridiculously addictive.

INGREDIENTS

For Cinnamon Crunch Flavour

For Vanilla Flavour

 5 egg yolks

 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

 75g golden caster sugar

 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

 Seeds of 1 vanilla pod or ½-1 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)

 2 teaspoons corn flour

 35g crunchy cinnamon cereal flakes (such as Curiously Cinnamon), roughly chopped into small pieces (check the label to make sure it’s dairy-free)

 300ml coconut milk  200ml coconut cream

 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract You will need  Ice-cream maker

METHOD (Makes about 600ml)

❶ Whisk the egg yolks, sugar and cornflour together in a bowl.

❷ Pour the coconut milk and cream into a saucepan and stir in the vanilla seeds or powder, if using, and the vanilla extract. Heat until simmering over a low-medium heat, removing it just when it starts to bubble around the edges of the pan; don’t let it boil.

❸ Pour onto the egg yolk and sugar mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly with a balloon whisk to combine. Once you’ve got a smooth custard, return it to the pan and cook over a very low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until it is moderately thick – be patient and don’t be tempted to turn the heat up, it will thicken eventually. It’s thick enough when it can pass the spoon test: when the custard coats the back of your wooden spoon and you run a finger down the back of it, it should leave a clear line. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

❹ Once cooled, churn in an ice-cream maker according to the instructions. Pour into an airtight container and freeze for a couple of hours before serving. Any extra ice cream will store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Photography © Laura Edw

ards

For Cinnamon Crunch Flavour Prepare the ice cream as above, adding the vanilla and ground cinnamon with the coconut milk and cream in the saucepan. Continue as instructed until the ice cream has churned in the ice-cream maker.

At this stage, when it is a soft-serve consistency, fold in the cinnamon cereal pieces. Freeze as above.

Enjoy!

45

Ultimate Fish Finger Sandwich with Chipotle Mayo & Rocket

METHOD (Serves 2)

For the Fish Fingers

❶ Preheat the oven to its lowest setting. ❷ Skin the fish fillets if necessary and cut into

 200g sustainable white fish fillets, such as pollack  40g plain four  1 egg, beaten  70g panko breadcrumbs  3 tablespoons vegetable or sunflower oil  Sea salt  Freshly ground black pepper

strips 2–3cm wide, using a sharp knife.

❸ Mix the flour with some salt and pepper on a plate. Put the bowl of beaten egg next to it, the panko breadcrumbs on another plate next to that, and finally a clean plate. Using kitchen tongs, roll the fish strips in the seasoned flour to coat. Shake off any excess and then carefully dip in the beaten egg with the tongs, before rolling in the panko breadcrumbs – each ‘finger’ should be thoroughly coated with the breadcrumbs.

Place the fish fingers on the clean plate.

For the Sandwiches  1 teaspoon chipotle paste  2 tablespoons good-quality mayonnaise (check the label to make sure it’s dairy free)  4 slices white sourdough bread  1 handful of fresh rocket

Photography © Lau

INGREDIENTS

ra Edwards

The fish finger sandwich is a British classic. Food historians trace its roots back to the 1980s, the golden era of frozen dinners and suspiciously orange breadcrumbs.

It was a time when we weren’t afraid to double-carb by stuffing fish fingers inside bendy white bread. As much as shop-bought fish fingers are still a guilty pleasure, homemade ones, coated in crisp panko and sandwiched between fresh sourdough, are in another league altogether.

❹ Heat the oil in a large, heavy-bottomed frying pan over a high heat. Test whether the oil is hot enough by dropping in a breadcrumb – it should start sizzling immediately. Add the fish

fingers to the hot oil and fry in a couple of batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until the breadcrumbs are crisp and golden and the fish is cooked through. Use the kitchen tongs to lift the fish fingers and brown the sides. Keep the first batch warm on a plate in the low oven.

❺ Meanwhile, mix the chipotle paste and mayonnaise together in a bowl. Cut the sourdough slices in half and spread the chipotle mayo on each. Add a small handful of rocket to one half, top with a couple of fish fingers and the other half slice of bread. Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Prawn Risotto

Don’t be wary about making risotto – it’s not complicated, just methodical. There’s something meditative about standing at the stove, stirring with your wooden spoon, while the grains of rice grow fat on wine and stock. The reward for your patience is a creamy risotto with plump prawns and the zesty, sunny flavours of peas, mint and lemon...

INGREDIENTS

METHOD (Serves 4)

 2 tablespoons olive oil  1 onion, finely diced  2 garlic cloves, crushed  2 sticks of celery, trimmed and very finely sliced  280g Arborio risotto rice  225ml dry white wine  750ml hot fish (or chicken) stock  180g raw king prawns  150g frozen peas  1 spring onion (white and green part), finely sliced on the diagonal  Finely grated zest of ½ lemon  1½ teaspoons finely chopped mint  Swirl of extra-virgin olive oil  Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

❶ Heat the oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed

Laura Edwards

❷ Turn the heat down to low-medium again and add a ladleful of stock. Stir with a wooden spoon until the rice has absorbed the stock. Repeat, adding a ladleful at a time and stirring, while it absorbs, until you have added all the stock and the rice grains are plump and tender. Season generously.

❸ Stir in the prawns and peas and cook for 2 minutes, then cover and cook for a further

About the author Katy Salter is a writer and editor, specialising in food and travel.

She contributes to The Guardian and The Telegraph, and most of the UK’s major food titles. She has also been short-listed for several major awards for her journalism.

46

Photography ©

saucepan or flameproof casserole over a low-medium heat. Fry the onion, garlic and celery gently for 10 minutes until softened.

Turn the heat up a little, add the rice and stir to coat in the oil and vegetables. Fry for 1 minute, then pour in the wine and simmer for 1 minute.

2 minutes until the prawns are cooked through. Stir in the spring onion, most of the lemon zest and 1 teaspoon of the mint, add the extra-virgin olive oil, then remove from the heat and leave to sit with the lid on for a couple of minutes. Check the seasoning, garnish with the remaining mint and lemon zest, and serve. Enjoy!

In her spare time, Katy edits the website Dairyfreedelicious.com, which features recipes, product reviews and eating out inspiration for food lovers who can’t do dairy. These three recipes can be found in her first cookbook, Dairy-Free Delicious.

Dairy-Free Delicious by Katy Salter (Quadrille, £18.99)

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