It’s National Children’s Gardening Week from 25th May to 2nd June, which coincides with half term. This is a great time to swap out screen time for green time. There are so many benefits of gardening with children as Squires Garden Centres highlights in this article.

Here are a few simple gardening ideas to try this National Children’s Gardening Week…

Quirky Planters

You can transform unwanted items such as old wellies, shoes, tins and bottles into quirky plant pots. They look great and are a brilliant way to recycle unwanted items. Suttons gives the rundown on what flowers to sow this month: https://www.suttons.co.uk/flower-seeds/flowers-to-sow/may

Sew some fruit, vegetable and salad seeds

This is one of our Summer Holiday Challenges. Get some seeds that are suitable for sowing in the summer months and are easy to grow such as carrots, salad leaves, cucumbers, peas or pumpkins (which if sown May/June will be ready for Halloween). Let the kids prepare the ground, sow them, label them and care for them. Then look forward to harvest time! I find children are usually more open to eating/trying things they’ve grown themselves.

We’ve also planted some potatoes in the past.

Cress heads

An oldie, but a goodie. Remove the top of the eggs, leaving two-thirds intact. Wash the shells and carefully dry. Then decorate with felt tip pens. The usual is to draw a face to accompany the cress ‘hair’, but great creative! Next dampen some cotton wool balls in water and place one in each shell and then sprinkle some cress seeds on top. Put them in a sunny spot and in about 5-7 days it’ll be ready to harvest. Egg and cress sandwich anyone?

Encouraging wildlife into your garden

Plants provide food and shelter for wildlife. In previous years, we’ve scattered wild flower seeds and have done Beebombs, which attract butterflies, bees and other insects.

Flowering plants such as lavender, foxgloves and roses provide plenty of nectar. Birds love the humble daisy, and sunflowers are a big hit as we discovered for ourselves.

You could also add a Ladybird tower to attract this cheerful spotty bug to your garden as well as the other beneficial insects, which keep pesky aphids and greenfly at bay.

Grow sunflowers from seed

Who doesn’t love this cheery, bold and bright flower? They’re incredibly easy to grow and shoot up quickly. Now is the perfect time to sow seeds outdoors for blooms from June through to September. You can even plant a seed in an individual biodegradable pot containing a soil coin and start off indoors. The pot can then be planted directly into the ground outside when the sunflower is ready. The Big Sunflower Project has some handy hints and tips on the transition from indoor to outdoor.

Make a miniature terrarium – mini garden in a jar

We’ve not done this before, but it looks cute and fun!

• Use a clean glass jar such as a jam jar
• Add a layer of decorative stones and sand
• Top with soil
• Add moss on top that will act as grass
• Plant miniature plants or cuttings into your jar
• Get creative; add a small decorated rock or Lego characters, plastic figurines or animals

Similarly you can create a fairy or dinosaur garden. Simply sow flower seeds that are appropriate for the time of year and add decorative details such as a house, pebbles and mini ‘trees,’ and then add your figurines.

Happy gardening and please post any of your children’s’ gardening ideas or projects in the comments section below.

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The other, unintentional potluck

Anyway, I digress. I’m not talking about that kind of potluck. No, I’m speaking of the solo, I’ll grab something out of the freezer version. These meals weren’t supposed to be a game of culinary chance but they became one.

With bravado I add my batch cooks or leftovers to the freezer without labelling. I’m always one hundred percent confident that I’ll know exactly what the contents are three months or more down the line.

Spoiler alert: this isn’t the case.

Recently neither my husband or I could ascertain what was in the Tupperware languishing in the freezer. Something compelled me to mention on Facebook that we were having a ‘potluck’ lunch. The response on the post was surprising in terms of engagement. Sometimes the mundane strikes a chord. It turns out that we are not alone in having a freezer full of mystery meals.

Everyone regaled their stories of food mistaken identity: chilli con carne served with pasta (and the flip side of a Bolognese ragù served with rice), thawed sweetbreads instead of the expected chicken fillets and literally a dog’s dinner instead of an anticipated beef stew. I had no inkling about what I was defrosting for our lunch so didn’t risk an accompaniment. I knew it was bound to be something we liked; after all, I’d gone to the effort of preserving it. Unfortunately, it turned out to be homemade veal stock! Needless to say, that didn’t appeal as the main event for lunch at my desk. Although I did repurpose it for a cottage pie for dinner. The BBC’s recipe is brilliant by the way.

Groundhog Day

What became apparent from the Facebook responses was that ‘potluck’ is a common, Groundhog Day phenomenon. 

“And you do it [add unlabelled items to the freezer]regularly, believing that THIS time you’ll remember.” 

“Every time and it’s usually gravy.” 

“At least 25% of my freezer contents are categorised as Mystery Meat.”

“I do this all the time. It’s called freezer dinners round here.” 

“Happened to me last week as it goes…. Settled down for a nice chilli con carne…. Lo and behold it was Spag Bol. Wasn’t prepared mentally for it.” 

What is it in the psyche that makes us repeat the same behaviour and play freezer roulette? Does the thrill of uncertainty draw us in? Do we secretly enjoy the challenge of turning unexpected components into an enjoyable meal as if appearing on Ready Steady Cook (RIP)? Or is that we’re just a bit lazy? I suspect for me it’s the latter.

I know that I still won’t label freezer bags so this will inevitably happen again. The other thing I know is that I’m now almost certain to host my first traditional potluck. Here’s hoping that no one brings their dog’s defrosted tripe. 

What’s your most. unexpected mystery meal?

The post Potluck Meals and Freezer Roulette appeared first on The Parent Social.

Cheesy pigs in blankets 

These couldn’t be any easier. They require just three ingredients, don’t need any prep and are mess-free.

Not the Christmas variety of sausages wrapped in bacon, these are instead an American version where hot dog-style sausages – along with cheese – are encased in a puff pastry blanket.

Ingredients

(Makes 18)

• One sheet of puff pastry (approx 320g)
• Six hot dogs
• Six slices of cheese

We use Herta Classic Frankfurters, and Emmental cheese slices as they’re not too gooey but still melt really nicely. Cheddar slices would also work well.

Method

• Preheat oven to 220˚C (200c for a fan)
• Cook hotdogs as per packet instructions
• Get puff pastry to room temperature and slice into six rectangles

(Method continues after pictures)

• Place a slice of cheese on top of each rectangle leaving a margin of pastry
• Put the cooked hot dogs on top of the cheese and roll it up
• Slice each of your rolls into three even pieces and arrange on a baking tray lined with parchment paper

Grandma’s Biscuits

This is another very easy recipe with just four ingredients. It’s a great way to get the kids to eat oats. Mine aren’t huge fans but when incorporated into a biscuit, it’s a different story! You can ice these, but we don’t feel the need as they are nicely sweet just plain.

Ingredients

(makes 20)

• 55g of oats
• 110g of soft brown sugar
• 170g of Flora margarine
• 225g of self-raising flour

Method

• Pre-heat oven to 180c (160c for fan oven)
• Mix all the ingredients together and then roll the mixture into a sausage shape
• Cut discs about as long and thick as an adult’s little finger
• Press very gently onto a baking tray. Rustic is good!
• Bake for a maximum of 15 mins and allow to cool

Easy Baking Chocolate Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 100g plain flour
• 20g cocoa powder
• 140g caster sugar
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• 40g unsalted butter
• 120ml of milk
• 1 egg
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method

• Preheat oven to 180c (160c fan)
• In a mixer, add the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, salt and butter. Beat until well combined. You could also use an electric hand whisk.
• In a jug, mix the milk, egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add half of this mixture to the dry ingredients while beating. Increase mixer speed then add the rest of the liquid. Mix briefly until smooth.
• Fill paper cake cases two-thirds full with the mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes (until a skewer comes out clean).
• Leave to cool slightly then transfer to a wire rack to completely cool
• Make your favourite chocolate or plain buttercream icing (or buy one!) to top your cakes

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What are your go to baking recipes? Would love to hear in the comments below.

The post Three Easy Baking Recipes for Kids appeared first on The Parent Social.

Whilst we’ll be raising a glass (or several) this evening and I’ll be enjoying a quiet dinner out with my dad and brother, we won’t be marking that milestone with her. There’ll be no big bash or lavish celebration. Although she would actually have hated that as she didn’t like being centre of attention.

The march of time

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been without her for 24 years. It’s harder still to comprehend that she died suddenly at the age I am now. I knew it was young at the time, but now I’m acutely aware of just how so.

She’s been out of my life longer than she was in it. However, despite the passing of time, she remains my guiding star. When I have decisions to make or am a bit unsure about something I always think what mum might have advised. I do rely more on my own instincts than I think I would if she was still here. However, mum still offers ethereal counsel. To this day she regularly dominates my stories and reminisces. Whilst a lot of the time this brings smiles, often talking about her has the power to bring me to tears still.

Missing out with mum

I was at university when mum died (I’d just turned 21). Whilst we’d always been very close, I’d got to the age where the mother/daughter relationship was melding into a real friendship one too.

We’d always done a lot together as a family. However, we were on the cusp of doing more special mother and daughter things. When I was back from uni, we’d started going out just the two of us for lunches. I took it for granted that there was a lot more of this to come. Now I lament all those lunches we never got to have, all the weekends away or special trips to the theatre that never came to fruition and the fact she wasn’t there on my wedding day. I also miss the mundane; the day-to-day details of life with mum, which I can’t properly recall. When I see photos on socials of friends out with their mums I still get a bit jealous.

Even now I find myself wanting to ask her advice on all sorts of things. Grief never completely ends. It’s waxing and waning, and evolving. So now, probably one of the hardest things to accept is that my children never met her. She’d have been besotted with them. I talk about her a lot and I do feel like my daughters do ‘know her’ as much as they can.

Amazing mum

It’s said a lot, but my mum really was the most amazing mother. She was completely selfless, always putting my brother and I first. She devoted so much time to us. From helping with homework and revision and taking us to interesting places to seemingly solving all our problems and being the ultimate confidant. She knew me better than I knew myself. Mum was our biggest champion and took so much pride in us. I remember an entire wall of our certificates neatly on display. Her love was unconditional.

Mum never treated herself but lavished a lot on us kids. We were probably a bit spoilt if I’m honest. She was a fantastic role model and was always firm but fair. Mum was a lot of fun, but we never got away with misbehaving (although she was instrumental in making me a fake ID when I was 16 or 17)! She taught me to stand up for myself and not suffer fools gladly but equally to treat everyone with respect and kindness. Mum often said I was all things to all people, but that was down to her and what she’d instilled.

Mostly like mother like daughter

I have inherited a lot of mum’s personality traits (and mannerisms) and we looked very similar in our younger years. She also loved a drink and never got hangovers. Sounds familiar! We used to finish off each other’s sentences and were completely on the same wavelength.

I feel, as they’re getting older, my relationship with my daughters is becoming similar to the one she had with me. I open my mouth and sometimes my mum jumps out! Our parenting styles, I think, are pretty alike, and family time is sacred. Probably the biggest difference though is my mum would never go out without my brother and I. I on the other hand have no such qualms.

Dad’s promise

My mum always made my dad promise that if anything ever happened to her he’d do everything possible for my brother and I. Well mum, you’d be pleased to know that he’s stayed true to his word and some. From babysitting, cleaning and hedge trimming to chauffeuring and being our Italian food and wine provider, we couldn’t be without him.

Cheers to you mum and to everything you did for us. You live on through your children and grandchildren. As my very young cousin remarked after she died: “She really charged their [my brother’s and my]batteries.” She did indeed!

The post Forever 45 – A Tribute to Mum appeared first on The Parent Social.

Low sugar and low salt ketchup

Ketchup is generally renowned for being laden with both salt and sugar. This has led to lots of reduced/low versions coming onto the market. At the end of last year, M&S launched its ‘Reduced Sugar Ketchup’. At just £1.00 for a 495g bottle this, on the face of it, appears a great healthier option. However, on closer inspection you can see that this ‘reduced’ option offers just 1.1g less sugar than Heinz’s regular tomato ketchup and contains just 0.42g less salt.

By the way, the British Heart Foundation has written a really good guide to the hidden health hazards in our food including ketchup and other favourites such as brown sauce, soy sauce, pesto and mayonnaise: How much sugar, salt and fat are in your sauces?

Real Good Tomato Ketchup

We were sent samples of Real Good Tomato Ketchup to try. This product is 100% natural with no added sugar and crucially no artificial sweeteners. It has 75% less sugar and 83% less salt than Heinz’s regular ketchup and 74% less sugar and 79% less salt than M&S’s Reduced Sugar Ketchup.

In a nutshell:

• No added sugar
• No artificial sweeteners
• Natural, plant-based ingredients, vegan
• Free from 14 top-listed allergens
• Over 80% less salt
• Award winning taste
• World Food Innovation Award Winner
• Recyclable packaging and powered by renewable energy

The taste test

I am not a fan of ketchup myself, but the rest of the family are huge fans so I left them to do the taste testing. Our go to is Heinz, but I’m always looking for healthier options, which don’t compromise on taste so I was very interested to see what they thought. For last night’s dinner I made fishcakes, which my children always slather with ketchup!

The first observation was that the consistency was a little more like tomato puree than our usual brand. In terms of flavour they said that it tasted exactly like Heinz just ‘a little more tomatoey’ (I take this to be a big plus!). They all said that it tasted perfectly sweet so were amazed that it contained no added sugar.

The verdict: They loved this product and have said that they would like me to buy this brand going forward as it tastes exactly how they want it to taste and is healthier. Winner!

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Real Good Tomato Ketchup is available to buy at Ocado, Wholefoods Market London stores, selected Co-ops & health food shops. 

Check out some of Real Good’s recipes here.

The post The Genuine Low Sugar, Low Salt Ketchup: Real Good Ketchup appeared first on The Parent Social.

What did 80s and 90s kids collect?

• Pokémon cards – The 90s card trading game. The release of the augmented reality game Pokémon GO in 2016 reignited interest in the franchise and the trading cards got a new audience. Some are really valuable now
  
• Care Bears – Multi-coloured plush stuffed bears that had their own TV show

• Lego – My brother and I had a massive collection. As popular today as it’s always been

• Beanie Babies – iconic plush, under-stuffed animals  
• POGs – Err cardboard discs that you could stack and flip

• Panini Stickers – My brother and I used to collect these in albums for major football tournaments. Part of the fun was doing swapsies with friends; I even recall a market stall where you could riffle through their extensive collection and do swaps for a few pence. I still collect Panini stickers for major football tournaments.

• Marbles – the more colours they had the more ‘valuable’ they were. We used to play on drains at school
• Warhammer – my husband used to collect and paint theses 3D miniatures then play the tabletop game with his older brother
• Body Shop bath pearls – If you know, you know

• Strawberry Shortcake dolls – a character originally developed by American Greetings to appear on its greeting cards, it became so popular it was quickly re-imagined as a doll
• Polly Pocket – micro-figurines, which were less than an inch tall. She could be played with in miniature play sets (the original was based on a make-up compact)

Eraser Collection

As mentioned, I used to collect erasers. Sounds odd, but I wasn’t the only one. My friends and I used to have 100s of them between us. They were small, cheap, tactile, colourful and came in infinite designs, which often resembled other things (loved my post box one!). They’d often have special features such as a ‘display case’ or the crème de le crème be a ‘smelly!’   

Collecting Smurfs

My Smurf collection deserves a special mention. I loved watching the Smurfs cartoon series during the weekend in the 80s. It was something the whole family enjoyed. We even used to call my dad Papa Smurf! These little blue creatures were very much a part of popular culture at the time (there was even Smurf ice-cream in Italy!).

The collectible figures soon appeared in my local gift shop in Streatham. I wasn’t into dolls but enjoyed collecting things, so these little characters really appealed. Starting with basic ones, I then moved onto hunting out rarer ones. Then there were special edition ones tied to things like the Olympics. I built a massive collection, which was probably nearing 100. Sadly, by 14 I’d totally outgrown Smurfs, so sold them for a quick buck at a car boot sale. Someone bought them within minutes of us arriving so knew their value. I’m rather gutted as certain collections go for £1000s. I later found a few that had missed the chop (pictured above – not much of a collection).

The allure of collecting

I think the draw of collecting comes from having a connection with a particular subject be it a place, programme, game or brand or a type of object that captivates. I used to love looking through tickets I’d hoarded as they were a reminder of family trips and interesting places. Sometimes it’s just about the actual look and haptic quality of items.

It’s not only about accumulating items but also about engaging with ‘your tribe’ or entering an imaginary world. For grown-ups nostalgia plays a big part; collecting is also quite comforting. Then there’s rarity and treasure hunting. As a kid, if you found a super rare you were the talk of the playground. Don’t even get started on the rush to collect special editions!

What my children collect/ed

One of my twins is an avid shell and fossil collector. She loves shells simply because they’re pretty. However, it was Mary Anning prompted the fascination and collection of ammonites, belemnites and even coprolites ! My other twin has a collection of gemstones and crystals. All three enjoy collecting buttons.    

Panini stickers, marbles, stamps, Lego, coins and Pokemon cards have made the cut with my kids.

However, every generation has its new trends and below are what my Gen Zedders have collected/are collecting:

• Lego Create The World Trading Cards – exclusive to Sainsbury’s, kids were going nuts for them
• Beanie Boos – the successor to the Beanie Babies of the 80s; they have bigger eyes (!?)

• Jellycats – These soft toys have been around since 1999, but have exploded in popularity in the last few years. The range has expanded significantly from the  original bunnies and includes everything from sushi and seafood to succulents and sausage dogs 
  
  
• LOL dolls –  Billed as the ‘ultimate unboxing toy,’ LOL Surprise! Dolls landed in February 2017. Each layer reveals a surprise in the way of the doll itself, outfit, accessories and stickers – the perfect mix ‘n match collection with coveted rares 

• Red Noses – Red noses for comic relief have been around for decades. However, in 2022 things got really serious with different ones to collect. Everyone was desperate to get hold of a super rare Cam the Chameleon

What did you used to collect? What do your children love collecting now? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to know!

The post Collecting and Collectibles – A Timeless Appeal appeared first on The Parent Social.

Winter cooking is my favourite. I find it so much easier to come up with family meal ideas when it’s cold as we’re big fans of stick-to-your-ribs casseroles, stews and one-pots as well as comforting pasta dishes.

Here are six of our favourite winter warmers:

Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya

This Cajun-inspired chicken and chorizo jambalaya has become a firm family favourite. It’s a wonderfully simple one-pot, which is filling and packed with flavour. In short, the perfect winter warmer.

Ingredients (Serves 5)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 chicken breasts, chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 200g of cooking chorizo, sliced
• 1.5 tbsp of Cajun seasoning
• 320g long grain rice
• 400g can plum tomato
• 500 ml chicken stock

Method

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet with a lid and add the chopped chicken breasts. Fry until they’re lightly browned (approximately 5-8 minutes)
2. Remove the chicken and set aside. Add a little more oil if required and gently fry the onion until soft and translucent (approximately 3-4 minutes)
3. Add the red pepper, garlic and chorizo alongside the Cajun seasoning and cook for a further 5 minutes
4. Reintroduce the chicken along with the long grain rice. Add the tomatoes and chicken stock
5. Cover the pan and simmer for 20-25 minutes (stirring occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick) until the rice is tender

Pork, Chorizo and Cannellini Bean Stew

This has been on our meal planner for years and it really lends itself to winter cooking. It’s a hearty dish, extremely cheap and easy to make, and the kids love it. The pork cooks for a long time so becomes very tender. I love it with crusty bread so I can dunk and mop up the lovely sauce. I often make more than necessary so that we can have the leftovers the next day served with rice.

Ingredients (serves 5) 

• 850g pork shoulder steaks/pork shoulder
• 400g tin cannellini beans
• 250g of cooking chorizo (chorizo ring or several packs of the ready chopped)
• 2  x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
• 2 large red onions
• 4 garlic cloves
• 4 teaspoons paprika

Method

1. Slice the pork into strips and fry off in a casserole dish (which has a lid) until brown all over. Remove from the pan and drain off the fat
2. Cut the chorizo into small chunks (or use the ready cubed) and add to the pan; brown off for two minutes then add the chopped onions, four teaspoons of paprika and the chopped garlic. Fry for a further two minutes until the onion has softened
3. Add the pork back to the pan along with ½ a pint of water and the tinned tomatoes. Season to taste
4. Simmer for one hour on a low heat with the lid on. Remove the lid, add the cannellini beans and simmer for a further 30 minutes

Winter Vegetable Soup

Winter cooking in a nutshell! This is my George’s Marvellous Medicine concoction, which I created when my go to recipe disappeared. It can be adjusted according to taste so don’t worry about deviating from the below quantities. I’d already adapted the original as it was too parsnipy for us. It’s really quick and easy to make, and surprisingly filling.

Ingredients (serves 5) 

• Salted butter – 75g
• Two small leeks (sliced) approximately 165g
• 1 small onion – 125g (I use frozen chopped onions)
• Carrots – 500g
• Parsnips – 230g
• 1 large potato – approximately 200g (peeled and roughly chopped)
• 1 litre of vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Melt the butter in a casserole dish, add the leeks and onion and gently heat until softened. This should take approximately five minutes

2. Peel and very roughly chop the carrots, parsnips and potato if using a food processor (recommended) or chop smaller if not. I still use my trusty 15-year-old Babycook for this!

3. Add the carrot, potato and parsnip to the leek and onion and fry until softened

4. Add one litre of hot vegetable stock (as per pack instructions) to cover all the veg, add pepper to taste and bring to the boil

5. Simmer gently for 20-25 minutes with the lid on until all the vegetables are tender

6. Blitz with a hand stick blender or similar to desired consistency (add milk if you like a bit thinner)

7. Check seasoning and adjust accordingly. Add garnish if you fancy and serve with some warm crusty bread.

Meatball, cannellini and cavolo nero casserole

Don’t let the number of ingredients put you off. This winter warmer is easy to make and actually makes use of many items you’ll probably already have in your store cupboard. I don’t know whether this should be categorised as a soup or a casserole, but what I do know is that it’s a hugely satisfying, filling and flavourful dish.

Ingredients (serves 6)

• 48 mini beef meatballs (approximately 800g)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 3 medium-sized carrots
• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 large garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp of chilli flakes
• 200ml of dry red wine
• 3 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 litre of beef stock
• 200g of cavolo nero (remove stalks)
• 1 x 400g tin of cannellini beans
• 3 sprigs of thyme
• 1 tsp of white pepper

Method

1. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to a large pan and fry the meatballs until browned all over (approximately 10 minutes). Remove and drain the fat from the pan
2. Add the remainder of the oil to the pan and gently cook the onion, garlic, carrots and bay leaf until soft (approximately 10 minutes)
3. Pour in the wine and wait for it to start bubbling. Then add the tomato purée, beans, stock, chili flakes and thyme and give a good stir.
4. Add the meatballs back to the pan and cook on a medium heat for 15 minutes ensuring the meatballs have no pink bits.
5. Stir in the white pepper and cavolo nero and cook until that latter has wilted (approximately 2 minutes).
6. Season with salt and a little bit of black pepper

Spaghetti Carbonara

The children would have spaghetti carbonara twice a week, every week if they could. It’s ridiculously easy to make and is the ultimate comfort food so perfect for winter cooking. This one is based on the recipe from the bible of Italian cooking: The Silver Spoon cookbook. This means there is no cream in the ingredients list!

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 25g butter
• 100g cubed pancetta
• 3 whole peeled garlic cloves (recipe says one clove but even three isn’t very strong)
• One pack of spaghetti
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 40g Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• 40g Pecorino (freshly grated)
• Salt and pepper

Method 

1. Melt the butter in a pan, add pancetta and garlic cloves and cook until garlic turns brown. Discard the garlic
2. Meanwhile cook the spaghetti for a minute less than packet instructions say in a large pan of salted boiling water
3. Drain the pasta, add to the pancetta and mix to coat
4. Remove pan from heat and pour in the eggs – my children prefer the egg to be better cooked so I usually leave on the heat for a few seconds longer
5. Add half the Parmesan and half the Pecorino and season to taste with pepper. Mix well, add the remaining cheese and mix again.

Winter Cooking Sausage and Bean Casserole

Ingredients (serves 4-5)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 12 high quality pork sausages
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 celery sticks, sliced
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 3 tbsp tomato purèe
• 2 tbsp flour
• 250ml red wine
• 1litre of fresh chicken stock (hot)
• 1 x 400g can of cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

Method

1. Heat oil in a casserole dish (or large frying pan) over a medium heat. Add the sausages and fry until browned all over. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Add the onion, celery and thyme sprigs to the pan and cook for 5 minutes; stir to prevent sticking.
3. Add the tomato purèe and flour and cook for one minute.
4. Pour in the red wine, bring to the boil and then simmer until reduced to a third.
5. Add the stock to the pan, and once boiling reduce heat to a fast simmer
6. Diagonally halve each sausage and add back to the pan. Simmer for a further 15 minutes ensuring they are cooked through
7. Stir in the beans and cook for a further 5 minutes. Season to taste.

What are you favourite recipes for winter cooking? Please share them below.

This article first appeared on VINOCIBO.

The post 6 Family Winter Warmers: Embracing Winter Cooking appeared first on The Parent Social.

Ideas for eliminating the January blues and banishing ‘Blue Monday’

Themed Film Nights

We always watch a lot of Christmas films in December, but after Boxing Day that’s it! To fill the void in January, pick a theme for each weekend, such as 1980s classics (I’m really enjoying re-visiting these with my kids) or comedies, and watch a series of films together. Don’t forget the popcorn and cozy blankets!

Plan a Future Trip

Research and plan a big day out, weekend away or even a family holiday. It’s something to look forward to and the anticipation and excitement of planning gives everyone a boost. We had a wonderful time plotting our route and stop offs for a European road trip. Not quite as far afield, but we’re excited about going on the City of London Mystery Adventure, which I got as a family present at Christmas. My mother-in-law coincidentally got me a voucher for another Mystery Guide so we’re thinking that we may head to Oxford for our next adventure and make a weekend of it.

January bakeoff

Get the cookbooks out and try out new recipes as a family. Bake some biscuits, make homemade pizzas or sausage rolls, be adventurous with an unfamiliar country’s cuisine or create a delicious dessert. Cooking together is a great activity plus you get to enjoy the results. I cherished our bake-alongs on Zoom with friends during lockdown.

Arts and Crafts

Gather some art supplies and bits and pieces from around the house – think spare buttons, bits of wrapping paper, ribbon, old cards – and get creative. You can paint, make crafts or even create a family scrapbook with photos and memories.

Games, Cards and Puzzles

Break out the games and cards and have a family games night. It’s something we do regularly. We have lots of favourite board games and play a variety of card games – including poker – but also like more active games.

The surprise hit of 2023/2024 is Chicken vs Hotdog. It’s a silly game, but so much fun, and kids and adults love it equally; it went down a storm at the New Year’s Eve party!

We’re also fans of jigsaws. It’s a great collaborative experience and actually very relaxing.

Home Spa Day

Relax together with a home spa day. Chill out, put your feet up, put on face masks and have some calming music in the background. You could add in some yoga, give massages and have an all round pamper. It’s also a good opportunity to pay attention to those winter chapped hands and lips.

Walks in January

There’s nothing nicer when it’s cold and crisp (and sunny if you’re lucky) than to rug up and head out for a nature walk. Exploring the winter landscape can be really refreshing. There’s still plenty to see even if it seems a barren time of year on the surface; if there’s snow so much the better. Our National Trust membership comes into its own.

Learn Something New in January Hobby Month

My eldest daughter started learning a bit of Italian with Duolingo last year. I want to get the rest of the family doing this too. Knitting is seeing a huge resurgence, and a lot of this could be down to its dopamine-releasing effect. Similarly crochet has become very popular. You could keep it even simpler and learn a new card game together.

Indoor Gardening

Start a windowsill garden with herbs or small vegetables. We did well with our Eden Greens Microgreen Grow Kit. It’s a great way to bring some green inside and maybe sprout an interest in gardening. You could get even more creative and make a miniature terrarium.

Become a Twitcher

The birds really need a helping hand at this time of year. Leaving food out will attract lots of feathered friends, which are fascinating to watch. The Big Garden Birdwatch, which is taking place the 26th to the 28th of January, is a great activity to take part in. As well as helping collect vital data about the UK’s bird population, it’s the perfect opportunity to take an hour out and get closer to nature.

Would love to hear your ideas; please share below!

The post 10 Ways to Beat the January Blues appeared first on The Parent Social.

What age do they stop believing in Father Christmas?

In honesty, I’m sure my youngest two at 11 didn’t believe last year, and questions were raised way before that. I think they were hedging their bets. It’s also years since we visited Father Christmas at a grotto. However, last Christmas I kept up the pretence (my eldest had long known the truth and was a helpful accomplice). There were lists for Santa and a tray of goodies were left out on Christmas Eve. Then on Christmas Day most of the presents were from Father Christmas! This year, it’s the official goodbye even though we haven’t specifically discussed it.

I’m glad they’ve come to their own conclusions. It would have been awkward if they still believed in Father Christmas now that they’re at secondary school. However, it is yet another reminder that they’re growing up fast .

Does it ruin the magic?

It’s sad that we’ll no longer be watching Father Christmas’ progress on Santa Tracker. We won’t be leaving out carrots for Rudolph and I’ll never again utter the immortal words: “has he been?”. However, there’s still plenty to be excited about. I can see that the kids love and appreciate what the festive season means and offers. They’ve even said that presents are only part of it. They enjoy being with family and extended family, having time together, playing games and sharing special food.

The run up to Christmas minus Father Christmas

The start of advent is a very exciting time for all of us. I don’t let anyone play Christmas music in the house before December 1st. That means everyone’s ecstatic when they can finally unleash the festive tunes. Then of course there’s the advent calendars (old favourites and new)! Starting every day with chocolate; what’s not to enjoy about that!? We also love our annual advent candle.

Whilst we do have an Elf on the Shelf, I’ve never subscribed to the whole narrative. Neither have I spent hours I don’t have agonising over 24 creative ideas for him. Cheerfully, my twins enjoy setting up elf for the rest of us to enjoy. We’ve never done the whole North Pole breakfast thing on the first of December. However, I do dress the table festively and make special hot chocolates. This year I’ve even bought them personalised mugs.

The Christmas books come out with the advent calendars. We’ll still be reading Santa is coming to Surrey and Santa is coming to London alongside other favourites including Mog’s Christmas, which is one of my eldest’s favourites despite being a mature 14!

We might not be visiting Santa in his grotto. However, we always do something special. We’ve been to National Trust Christmas events, seen a production of The Nutcracker and done tours of the London lights. This year, we’re going to Christmas at Kew, which will be wonderful.

The kids want to make a gingerbread house, and we generally do a lot more baking in December. I’m going to attempt ricciarelli for the first time.

I no longer have to provide explanations/answer awkward questions. For the first time, I won’t have to do different wrapping and labelling for Santa presents and our presents. What a relief! My husband won’t have to avoid Santa traps at 2am, and can now have his whisky earlier! I’m happy that us hardworking parents now get all the credit! On that note, I’ve noticed that the girls are being more conservative with their lists. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still plenty on there but there isn’t quite the wild abandon of previous years. Plus they all now get a lot of joy from giving presents too!

Embracing the Christmas spirit

The children are looking forward to plenty of family time, and passing on the magic of Father Christmas to their young cousin; and that’s what it’s all about.

It’s a wonderful time even without the big man in red.

PS love some of the ideas here: How to tell your children Santa isn’t real

The post When Children Stop Believing in Father Christmas appeared first on The Parent Social.

Physical Health: A Cornerstone of Well-being

Encouraging children to engage in regular physical activities is crucial for their physical development. Exercise helps to build strong bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and supports a healthy weight.

Parents and caregivers should foster a positive environment around physical activity, incorporating fun and engaging activities that children can enjoy. This could include sports, dancing, or even a simple walk in the park.

Mental Health: A Vital Aspect of Development

Mental health is just as important as physical health when it comes to the well-being of children. Fostering a positive and supportive environment at home and in school can significantly contribute to a child’s mental health.

Encouraging open communication, building self-esteem, and promoting resilience are key aspects to focus on. It is also important to recognize the signs of mental health issues and seek professional help when needed.

Nutritional well-being: Fuelling the Body and Mind

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for the physical and mental development of children. Ensuring that children receive the necessary nutrients can support their growth, improve concentration, and boost their energy levels.

Parents and caregivers should prioritize whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods and sugar.

Cost-effective Health Solutions

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive. There are various cost-effective solutions available to support the physical and mental well-being of children. For instance, many communities offer free or low-cost sports programs and activities.

Additionally, utilizing resources like the BuzzRx savings card can help to reduce the cost of prescription medications, ensuring that children have access to the necessary health resources they need.

Conclusion

Nurturing healthy habits in children is essential for their overall development and well-being. By focusing on physical health, mental health, and nutrition, parents and caregivers can provide a solid foundation for children to thrive. Additionally, exploring cost-effective solutions can help to alleviate the financial burden associated with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Let us work together to support the next generation in living happy, healthy lives.

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About the author

Mitchell Windich lives in Los Angeles, California, and is a dedicated health enthusiast with a keen interest in holistic well-being. With over a decade of experience in the health and wellness sector, he has garnered valuable expertise in promoting a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Mitchell, 40 years old, holds a master’s degree in nutrition and has been featured in several health-focused webinars discussing strategies for achieving optimal health and vitality.

Photo credit: FreePick

The post Nurturing Healthy Habits: A Guide to Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being in Children appeared first on The Parent Social.