Asda Good Living Magazine March 2019 by Asda

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MARCH 2019

Celebrate MOTHER’S DAY Sunday 31 March

Bring on spring!

Welcome the new season with a scrumptious afternoon tea… PLUS easy-to-make family favourites from Bake Off’s Briony

Food | Living | Health | Homes | Style

GOOD LIVING MARCH 2019

Welcome

I don’t think I’m biased when I say that my mum is the best. From dealing with toddler to teenager tantrums (of which I had many), to becoming my Sarah Thom Asda Editor confidant and partner in crime, Mum has always been there for me. And while all the time I spend with her is special, this Mother’s Day I intend to spoil her rotten. Breakfast in bed (p11), afternoon tea (p16) – the works! Because she truly deserves it… and it will ensure I remain in the good books (for a while at least). I’ve always thought of myself as a bit of a baker, believing that my ability to whip up a ‘Vicky Sponge’ without referring to a recipe was some kind of superhuman ability. That is until I became engrossed in The Great British Bake Off and realised that this ‘ability’ was actually pretty substandard. That’s why I love working with Briony May (p21) – it’s a treat to have her in the magazine and her recipes have revived my love for baking. I encourage you to try her recipes – with her help, we may all become Star Bakers!

Sarah

GET IN TOUCH editor@asdagoodliving.co.uk Like Asda

@asda #goodliving

Share your pictures #goodliving Write to The Editor, Good Living Magazine, Asda House, South Bank, Great Wilson Street, Leeds LS11 5AD Call Asda on 0800 952 0101

GOOD LIVING | 3

GOOD LIVING

ON THE COVER Blueberry scones, p18 Photograph: Toby Scott Styling: Rob Merrett Food styling: Matthew Ford

PROMISES

TO PROVIDE FAMILYFRIENDLY MEALS THAT: Save you time and money

Contents

FOOD 11 For Mum, with love Breakfast-in-bed dishes to make with the kids 16 Just her cup of tea A Mother’s Day afternoon tea for all the family 21 The family that cooks together… Bake Off star Briony’s daughter, mum and gran help her whip up yummy treats 28 Try a toastie! Iconic international dishes reworked as epic sarnies 35 Cookery masterclass: perfect pizza! Make your own hand-stretched base and tasty toppings 41 Spotlight on potatoes Why this humble root

vegetable is right back in favour 47 4 ways with purple sprouting broccoli The tender, peppery spears are oh-so versatile 51 Store-cupboard saviours Easy midweek meals to cook with budget basics LIVING 6 Sunny side up Bright yellow buys full of zing 8 #Lovefood Foodie news 85 Smart living Savvy tips from our expert panel 89 Me time This month’s best books, DVDs and TV 90 My foodie life Strictly’s Craig Revel Horwood HEALTH 59 Small wonders Four parents talk openly about their struggles

HEARST Editor Hannah Barr Deputy editor Terry Barbrook Food editor Gregor McMaster Art director Alex Nicholas Art editors Natalie Williams, Jack Cunningham Senior designer Ellie Palmer Acting chief sub editor Sue Sharrock Senior sub editor Gwennan Thomas Features writer Harriette Casey

Food assistant Vanessa Graham Digital content editor Sarah Alcock Digital content producer Bobbie Edsor Head of client services Kirsty Ware Junior account director Hannah Gee Production director Nafeesa Yousuf Senior production manager Annaliza Dowding Senior fashion writer Rebecca Shepherd

Account executive Chloe Patmore ASDA Editor Sarah Thom Good Living content planners Ellice Williams, Jo Shaw Good Living content coordinator Kelly Ward ADVERTISING Chris Hall For sales enquiries, please contact chris@ gigretail.co.uk

with fertility and joy at conceiving STYLE 65 Walk on the wild side Strut your stuff in stylish snake-print ankle boots 66 10 new season upgrades From ladylike lace to divine denim, these are S/S 2019’s top trends 71 Lust list Gorgeous gifts from George 73 3 ways to wear printed trousers Blooming lovely floral palazzo pants 76 Miracle multitaskers Six hard-working heroes beauty buffs swear by HOMES 79 One room three ways Budget-friendly tips to lift a room for spring, by blogger Rachel Southern

Good Living is published for Asda by Hearst Magazines UK, the trading name of the National Magazine Company, House of Hearst, 30 Panton Street, London SW1Y 4AJ; 020 7439 5000; hearstmagazines.co.uk. Registered in England 112955. Printed in the UK by Prinovis. Print sourced by HH Associates. Promoter is Asda Stores Ltd unless otherwise stated. © 2019 Hearst Magazines UK. All rights reserved; reproduction of any part of this magazine is not allowed without the written permission of the publishers and the institution. Prices correct at time of going to press. Product availability may vary. Good Living is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards and want to make a complaint, contact complaints@hearst.co.uk or visit hearst.co.uk/ hearst-magazines-uk-complaints-procedure. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk.

Reduce your food waste by making the most of the pack sizes you’ll find in store Are nutritionally balanced, using everyday ingredients

We test each recipe at least three times in an ordinary kitchen, to make sure it works for you first time and every time

PRICE PER SERVING When we say ‘price per serving’ on our recipes, we mean the cost of the ingredients you will need to use to create the dish, divided by the number of people the recipe serves (for example ‘serves 4’). When you see the recipes at asdagoodliving.co.uk, you will be able to put the ingredients needed straight into your shopping basket – this will show the total cost of purchasing everything you need to make the recipe, not the ‘price per serving’; see above for this definition.

LOOK OUT FOR THESE SYMBOLS: Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten-free

Dairy-free

GOOD LIVING | 5

MAIN SQUEEZE

CLEAN SCENE

Add a pop of colour to a neutral sofa with this bright cushion. Frayed yellow cushion, £6

Smarten up your sink with this striking bathroom duo. Grey and yellow stripe tumbler, £3, and dispenser, £5

Editor’s pick

sunny side up

Brighten up your home with vibrant yellows this spring WHERE TO BUY?

Wherever you find these icons, the products are available at…

BRIGHT LIGHT Switch up your interiors with a chic standing lamp. Mustard wooden floor tripod lamp, £40

George.com Asda.com/groceries In store

ROCK POOL COOL This cute and colourful sea creature is a real catch! Lobster ornament, £5

6 | ASDA.COM

SOFT TOUCH Make bathtimes blissful with these super-stylish towels. Grey and yellow stripe towels, from £4

GOOD LIVING

BEDROOM BLOOMS Give your room a breath of fresh air with this cheery set. Sunny Sunflowers double duvet cover set, £12

SITTING PRETTY

HOUSE OF LOVE

Liven up your living space with this chic cushion. Velvet-effect cushion, £5

Let Mum know how special she is with this wooden wall decoration. ‘Home Is Where My Mum Is’ plaque, £6

IN BLOSSOM Show off your favourite flowers in this vibrant, floral-patterned vase. Sunflower vase, £10

SPRING TO IT

PEDAL POWER

FINE PRINT

Bring the sunshine into your home with seasonal fresh daffs. Asda daffodils, £1

On your bike… This quirky yellow ornament is sure to raise a smile. Wire bike ornament, £4

Keep kids comfy in these all-over print PJs – just the thing for spring. Daffodil pyjamas, from £5

ASDA.COM | 7

LoveFood

FOOD EDITOR GREGOR SHARES THE LATEST FOODIE NEWS

BEST OF THE SEASON RHUBARB

‘The stalk of the town, rhubarb is cropping up everywhere right now – in pies, pickles and gin – and I welcome the arrival of these beautiful pink sticks tipped with yellowish-green leaves. It’s a versatile ingredient that works as well with savoury dishes as it does in the humble crumble. Puréed as a sauce, its delicately sharp flavour offsets the richness of oily fish, such as mackerel and salmon. I like to poach it with sugar, ginger and a splash of orange juice until it’s soft and sticky. It also works well with raspberries and strawberries and lifts a range of desserts, from tarts and cobblers to sorbets and fools.’ Grower’s Selection British Rhubarb, £2.50 (400g; 63p/100g)

Find our delicious rhubarb recipes at ASDA.GL/rhubarb

TUCK OF THE IRISH ‘St Patrick’s Day offers a green light to indulge in all things Irish – traditional dishes often enjoyed on 17 March include Irish stew or boiled bacon and cabbage, but there are other ways to join the party. Try our limited-edition Irish Stout & Steak Feast Pizza*, £2.50 (10in) or £3.50 (14in). Then, for something sweet, whip up a delicious Shamrock Shake of mint ice cream, vanilla syrup and milk, or black velvet Guinness cupcakes topped with a Baileys Irish Cream frosting. Sláinte!’

8 | ASDA.COM

GOOD LIVING IN STORE THIS MONTH

Kitchen kit

George Home 3 in 1 Sandwich, Waffle Maker & Grill, £18 A truly scrumptious peanut butter ice cream that’s just 177 calories per half-tub serving. Look out for it in stores soon. Asda Peanut Butter Ice Cream, £3** (473ml; 63p/100ml)

‘This versatile device not only makes golden toasted sandwiches and grilled Italian-style panini, it also creates deliciously fluffy waffles. Plus, its three interchangeable nonstick cooking plates are dishwasher-safe, allowing for fuss-free cleaning. The whole family will love making waffles for International Waffle Day on 25 March.’

Page turner

These crispy, skin-on American-style fries, flavoured with smoky bacon, are the ultimate side to pimp up your plate. What’s not to love? Asda Skin On Bacon Flavour Fries, £1.50 (500g; 30p/100g)

‘In a rush? Join the club! National treasure Mary Berry knows a thing or two about cooking from scratch for her busy family, and her new cookbook has more than 120 recipes for meals on the table in 20-30 minutes – crumble fish pie or upside-down rhubarb pudding should whet your appetite.’ Mary Berry Quick Cooking, £13

Chef notes

Photographs: Getty Images

wow waffles

It’s so easy to add Chinese takeaway-style flavours to noodles, meat and veg with this garlic and soy sauce – and it’s gluten-free. Free From Hoisin Stir-Fry Sauce†, 35p (120g; 29p/100g)

‘Making your own waffles (see above)? It’s so easy to create a winning batter with just a few store-cupboard essentials – flour, cornflour, eggs, milk and a splash of vanilla extract. Mix them together, ladle the batter into your preheated waffle maker and let the machine work its magic!’ Find the recipe for waffles with a maple berry compote at ASDA.GL/waffle

Cooked waffles can be frozen and heated up in the toaster at a later date

ASDA.COM | 9

Food For Mum, with love

The kids can help get Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day off to the best start, with these easy, mouthwatering breakfast recipes

Is there anything more luxurious than breakfast in bed? Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day is the perfect opportunity for Mum to enjoy a lazy morning, cosied up with a frothy cuppa and a beautiful homemade breakfast. And all our delicious recipes are so easy, the kids can help make them while Mum enjoys a bit of well-deserved me time...

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 11

Get the kids involved Our recipes are suitable for children of different ages and cooking abilities – use these symbols as a guide

BEGINNER Best for younger children or those new to cooking

BUDDING CHEF Medium skill: grown-ups may need to help

KITCHEN BOSS Ideal for more experienced mini cooks

Crumpets with avocado & chilli

Leave the chopping to a grown-up, then let the kids get creative with arranging the savoury toppings MAKES 4 READY IN 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 39p

l 4 Asda Crumpets l 2tbsp Extra Special Flame Roasted Tomato and Habanero Chilli Chutney l 1 large avocado, halved and destoned l Juice ½ lime, plus lime wedges to serve l 1 red chilli, thinly sliced (optional) l Coriander, to serve 1 Toast the crumpets according to the pack instructions and spread with the chutney. 2 Thinly slice the avocado flesh while still in the skin. Scoop out carefully with a spoon and divide between the crumpets. 3 Squeeze over the lime juice and season with ground black pepper. Top with the chilli, if using (don’t let kids handle with their fingers), sprinkle with the coriander, then serve immediately (1 crumpet per person). Energy 854kJ 204kcal

8.9g

Each 100g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.9g

5.3g 0.62g

Salt

10%

Med

13%

Med

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 854kJ/204kcal

12 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

FOOD

Frothy chai latte

With a ready-blended teabag, this delicately spiced cuppa is easy to make – and youngsters will enjoy sprinkling the ginger on top MAKES 1 READY IN 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.02

l 1 Asda Chai teabag l 150ml semi-skimmed milk l ¼tsp vanilla extract l 1 cinnamon stick, plus another to serve (optional) l Pinch ground ginger 1 Put the teabag in a mug, then fill to ⅓ of the way up with boiling water. Allow to steep for 3 mins before discarding the teabag. 2 Meanwhile, put the milk, vanilla and cinnamon stick

into a small pan and heat on a medium setting until almost simmering. 3 Take off the heat, remove the cinnamon and carefully whisk the milk for 2-3 mins until thick and frothy. 4 Pour into the mug with the tea. Sprinkle the ginger on top and serve with the dry cinnamon stick on the side, if using. Energy 293kJ 70kcal

Each 250g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.5g

1.5g

6.8g 0.15g

Salt

Low

Med

Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 117kJ/28kcal

Nutella & mixed berry brioche bruschetta

Fruity bites that kids will love to decorate MAKES 4 READY IN 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 61p

l 2 Asda Brioche Rolls, halved lengthways l 2tbsp Nutella l 75g blueberries l 100g strawberries, hulled and sliced l 10g Asda Toasted Flaked Almonds l Mint leaves, torn l 1tsp icing sugar, to dust 1 Toast the brioche halves until golden. Spread with the Nutella and divide the berries between them. 2 Scatter over the almonds and mint, then dust with icing sugar before serving. Energy 587kJ 140kcal

6.0g

Each 72g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.8g 10.8g 0.16g

Salt

Med

Low

Med

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 816kJ/195kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 13

FOOD

White choc & toffee mocha

Kids will have fun whisking and drizzling the ingredients for this indulgent drink

MAKES 1 READY IN 5 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 65p

l 200ml semi-skimmed milk l 1tsp instant espresso coffee l 11g sachet Options White Choc l 1tsp Askeys Treat! Toffee Flavour Topping 1 In a microwave-safe mug, microwave the milk on a high setting for 45-60 secs until steaming hot. 2 Whisk in the coffee and White Choc until dissolved. 3 Drizzle Âž of the toffee in a spiral down the inside of a latte glass. Pour in the mocha, drizzle over the rest of the toffee and serve. Each 216g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

High

Low

3.2g 18.4g 0.30g 16%

High

20%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 289kJ/69kcal

Pancakes with ricotta & raspberries

Get little ones filling and rolling these ready-made pancakes before topping with the tangy fruit coulis. A treat with no cooking required! MAKES 8 READY IN 15 MINS PRICE PER SERVING ÂŁ1.64

l 1 lemon, zested and cut into wedges l 250g Asda Ricotta l 1tbsp icing sugar l 1tsp vanilla extract l 300g raspberries l 8-pack Asda Sweet Pancakes l 30g chopped pistachios 1 Add most of the zest to the ricotta, reserving a 14 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

little. Stir in the icing sugar and vanilla until smooth. 2 For the coulis, mash 50g of the raspberries with a fork and press through a sieve. Discard the pips. 3 Spoon 2tbsp of the ricotta mixture in a line down the centre of each pancake and dot with a few of the raspberries. Roll up loosely.

4 Divide the filled pancakes between 4 plates. Drizzle with the coulis and sprinkle with the pistachios and the rest of the raspberries and zest. Serve with the lemon wedges on the side. Energy

Each 269g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2,015kJ 22.6g 10.5g 26.1g 482kcal High High Med

24%

32%

53%

29%

Salt

1.02g Med

17%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 749kJ/179kcal

Photographs: Vinny Whiteman. Styling: Morag Farquhar. Food styling: Matthew Ford

Energy

624kJ 4.5g 149kcal Med

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Celebrate in style Make it a Mother’s Day to remember with the perfect gift from our range of sparkling wines, liqueurs and spirits

Photograph: Andrew Burton. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Lorna Brash

A special get-together calls for a premium Champagne. This classic number is fresh and bold with intense ripe fruit flavours. Mumm Champagne, was £33, now £20 (75cl)

Mum is sure to love celebrating with this bubbly, with its notes of green apple, pear and citrus. Cheers! Shield Prosecco, £6 (75cl)

Raise a glass of this creamy tipple: a dairy-free twist on Baileys The Original Irish Cream, with almond, soya and vanilla. Baileys Almande Dairy Free Almond Drink, £16* (70cl; £22.86/L)

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge will apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. If you look under 25 and want Selected stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection andChallenge carrier bag apply. to buy age-restricted products, you will need to prove your age. 25.charges No I.D. may no sale. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge willuntil apply, ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for Photograph shows serving suggestions. *£19 10 see March 2019. **£16.50 until 10 March 2019 details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. If you look under 25 and want to buy age-restricted products, you will need to prove your age. Challenge 25. No I.D. no sale

Treat gin lovers to this finely balanced premium spirit, which blends classic notes of juniper and citrus with soft, sweet strawberry. Beefeater London Pink, £14** (70cl; £20/L)

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 15

Just her cup of tea

Continue the Mother’s Day magic with a scrumptious afternoon tea for all the family. Think dainty sandwiches, canapés and creamy cakes…

Blueberry scones, p18

16 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

FOOD

Crab crostini

For a taste of luxury, top crisp Italian bread with delicate white crab meat dressed with basil, chilli and lemon zest MAKES 12 READY IN 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 39p

l 170g tin John West Crab Meat Chunks, drained l Zest 1 lemon, plus 2tsp juice l 1tsp olive oil l 10g basil, shredded, plus extra leaves to serve l ½ red chilli, finely chopped l 40g Extra Special Double Baked Italian Olive Oil Crostini Mix the crab with the lemon juice and the oil, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Stir in the shredded basil and chopped chilli. 2 Divide the crab mixture between the crostini and sprinkle on the zest. Garnish with the basil leaves and serve within 30 mins. Energy 98kJ 23kcal

0.6g

Each 14g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.1g

0.2g 0.20g

Salt

Med

Low

Med

<1%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 699kJ/167kcal

Coronation chicken finger sandwiches Dainty sarnies with a creamy curry, red pepper and apricots MAKES 12 READY IN 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 31p

l 4 dried apricots, diced l 1tbsp fat-free Greek-style yogurt l 3tbsp light mayonnaise l ½tsp mild curry powder l 2tbsp mango chutney l ¼ red pepper, deseeded and chopped l 140g Asda Classic Chicken Breast Slices, chopped l 8 slices Extra Special Malted Farmhouse Loaf l 50g Asda Spreadable with Real Butter spread l Rocket leaves, to garnish 1 Mix the apricots, yogurt, mayonnaise and curry powder. Stir in the chutney, red pepper and chicken. 2 Make 4 sandwiches with the bread, the spread and the chicken curry filling. 3 Cut off the crusts; slice each sandwich into 3. Serve garnished with the rocket. Energy 585kJ 140kcal

5.3g

Each 63g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.5g

3.6g 0.57g

Salt

Med

13%

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 929kJ/222kcal

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 17

Blueberry scones

A must for afternoon tea, bursting with fruit and tangy lemon curd MAKES 10 READY IN 30 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 14p

l 125g self-raising flour, plus extra to dust l Â˝tsp baking powder l 25g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing l 50g blueberries l 25g caster sugar l 75ml semi-skimmed milk l 100g light mascarpone l 2tbsp fat-free fromage frais l 50g lemon curd 1 Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Lightly grease a baking tray. 2 Sift together the flour and baking powder. Rub in the butter until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the blueberries and the sugar. Add the milk, reserving 2tsp; mix to a dough. 3 Dust a work surface with flour; pat the dough to 1.5cm thick. Cut into 10 rounds with a 5cm cutter. 4 Arrange on the tray and brush with the reserved milk. Bake for 15-18 mins until golden. Cool on a rack. Mix the mascarpone and fromage frais. Split the scones and fill with this mixture and the lemon curd. Energy 518kJ 124kcal

5.3g

Each 48g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

3.4g

5.8g 0.20g

Salt

Med

High

Med

17%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,079kJ/258kcal

18 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

Fresh cream jewelled eclairs

Flavoured with coffee, rose and pistachio, these treats taste as good as they look MAKES 14 READY IN 1 HR 15 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 29p

l 50g unsalted butter, cut into cubes l 75g Asda Strong White Bread Flour, sifted l 2 large eggs, beaten l 150g fondant icing sugar l 1tsp Extra Special Brazilian Coffee Extract l Dr. Oetker Extra Strong Food Colouring Gel in Violet and Green l 20g Asda Gold Crunch sprinkles l 50g pistachios, chopped l 2g rose petals l 200ml whipping cream

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 2 In a pan, bring the butter and 150ml cold water to the boil. Remove from the heat. 3 Add the flour; beat with a wooden spoon until the mixture forms a dough ball that leaves the sides of the pan clean. Cool for 15 mins. 4 Gradually beat in the eggs to get a stiff dough. Put in a piping bag with a 1cm plain nozzle. Pipe 14 eclairs, each 8cm long, onto the trays. 5 Bake for 25 mins without opening the oven so the eclairs puff up. Cut a small slit in the side of each to

release steam. Bake for 4 mins more. Cool on a rack. 6 To decorate, put 50g of the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in the coffee extract until it forms a thick paste. Divide the rest of the icing sugar between 2 bowls; add a drop of violet gel to one and green to the other. Add 1-2tsp cold water to each bowl and stir into a paste. 7 Spread the icing on top of the eclairs; allow to set for 5 mins. Sprinkle the coffee icing with gold crunch, the green with pistachios and the violet with rose petals. 8 Whip the cream and put in a piping bag with a round nozzle. Split the eclairs down one side and pipe in the cream. Serve within 1 hr. Energy 712kJ 170kcal

Each 47g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

High

Low

10.3g 5.6g 12.2g 0.05g 15%

High

28%

High

14%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,515kJ/362kcal

FOOD

Chocolate & raspberry meringues

Tart berries are the perfect contrast to the rich chocolate filling in these elegant desserts MAKES 8 READY IN 10 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 51p

Photographs: Toby Scott, Maja Smend. Styling: Rob Merrett. Food styling: Lorna Brash, Matthew Ford

l 1tbsp caster sugar l 50g Extra Special Peruvian Dark Chocolate l 100ml Elmlea Double l 8-pack Asda Meringue Nests l 150g raspberries l Mint sprigs, to decorate 1 Put the sugar, 25g of the chocolate and 4tbsp water in a pan. Heat gently, stirring, until melted. Simmer for 1 min. Pour into a small dish; allow to cool completely. 2 Add the melted chocolate mixture to the Elmlea and whisk together until it forms soft peaks. 3 Fill the meringue nests with the chocolate cream. Divide the raspberries between the nests and decorate with the mint. Grate over the remaining chocolate to serve. Energy

Each 53g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

4.2g

19.1g 0.04g

Salt

High

Low

601kJ 6.4g 144kcal Med

21%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,134kJ/271kcal

Instant treats! No time to cook? Try these indulgent cakes and pastries from our chilled desserts aisle

Asda Custard Slices, 87p (2-pack; 44p each)

Asda Raspberry & Prosecco Scones, ÂŁ1.85 (2-pack; 93p each)

Asda Assorted Cream Cake Selection, ÂŁ2.50 (4-pack; 63p each)

Asda Chocolate Eclairs, 87p (2-pack; 44p each)

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 19

FOOD

Briony BAKES

The family that cooks together…

Bake Off’s Briony talks about cooking through the generations and whips up some delicious recipes with help from her daughter, mum and nan Fruity soda bread snail, p22

Butterfly cakes, p23

Nana Pat’s apple pie, p25

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 21

‘Snail bread is Nora’s fave’ Bake Off semi-finalist Briony May, 34, often bakes with daughter Nora, three ‘I grew up around baking, so it felt natural to introduce Nora to the joys of making bread and cakes as soon as she was old enough. Now, we love to bake soda bread together as it’s so easy. I started experimenting with different colours and, one day, knowing how much Nora loves animals, I decided to swirl light and dark breads into a snail shape. Nora was thrilled, so we’ve been baking “snail bread” ever since! I love that she’s already understanding the magic of creating something out of eggs and flour, and she’s so proud when we finish making something. These days, we potter in the kitchen together a few times a week. It’s lovely bonding time for us, plus I’m teaching Nora important life skills.’

22 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

‘Nora always says, “I’m a star Bake Off, like Mummy”’ Fruity soda bread snail

Made with two types of dough, this cute snail has a sprinkling of juicy raisins and cranberries SERVES 6 READY IN 45 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 25p

FOR THE DARK DOUGH ● 250g wholemeal flour ● 25g cocoa powder ● ½tsp bicarbonate of soda ● 220ml semi-skimmed milk ● 1tbsp lemon juice ● 2tsp black treacle ● 50g raisins FOR THE LIGHT DOUGH ● 250g plain flour ● ½tsp bicarbonate of soda ● 175ml semi-skimmed milk ● 1tbsp lemon juice ● 2tsp golden syrup ● 50g dried cranberries

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 2 For the dark dough, stir together the flour, cocoa powder and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. 3 Put the milk and the lemon juice in a jug. Leave for 2-3 mins or until the mixture thickens, then stir in the black treacle. 4 Pour into the dry mixture and stir until it forms a soft dough. Add the raisins. 5 Transfer to a floured surface and knead briefly. 6 Repeat steps 2-5 using the

light dough ingredients. 7 Shape the 2 doughs into separate balls. For the snail’s shell, use your hands to roll the dark dough into a sausage about 45cm long. Wind it in a tight spiral and put it in the centre of a baking tray. 8 Roll the light dough into a thicker sausage, about 28cm long. Press against the bottom of the dark dough spiral in a ‘slug’ shape. 9 Bake for 30 mins, until you hear a hollow sound when the bottom of the bread is tapped. Allow to cool before serving. Energy

Each 179g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

Med

1,700kJ 3.6g 406kcal Low

20%

1.6g 16.8g 0.57g 8%

Med

19%

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 950kJ/227kcal

FOOD

‘Briony loved making butterfly cakes’ Briony’s mum, Colleen McKean, 66, encouraged her passion for baking ‘When Briony was little, supermarkets didn’t sell novelty birthday cakes, so I’d make my own Care Bear and My Little Pony versions. However, the characters didn’t always look quite like they did on TV! My mum, Pat, gave me the recipe for butterfly cupcakes and they were a firm favourite with Briony. She would go to town decorating them with sprinkles and chocolate buttons, making them look so pretty.

Briony never let her little hand hold her back. She tried a prosthetic, but didn’t get on with it. Instead, she found her own way, telling me: “I can manage, Mummy. I’m fine.” The first time she made the butterfly cupcakes, it felt fabulous to see her succeed; I’ll never forget her beaming smile! Cooking together really strengthened our relationship and, even now, all our family get-togethers centre on food and eating. We didn’t have the internet when Briony

Butterfly cakes

These colourful, melt-in-the-mouth sweet treats have a light crunch from the sprinkles

was young, so most of my recipes were torn out of magazines or passed on from friends or family. I kept them in a file, which I found recently and gave to Briony. I feel so proud that I helped nurture her love of baking and I love seeing her making cakes with Nora.’

MAKES 12 READY IN 30 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 10p ● 100g Asda Best for

Baking Cakes ● 100g caster sugar ● 2 medium eggs ● 1 00g self-raising flour ● 1 tsp Asda 100’s & 1000’s ● 50g strawberry jam

Briony on her seventh birthday with one of Colle en’s homemade cake s

‘Cooking together really strengthened our relationship’

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Line 12 holes of a muffin tin with cupcake cases. 2 Beat together the Asda Best for Baking Cakes and sugar until pale and fluffy, then mix in the eggs. 3 Stir in the flour and divide the mixture between the cases. Bake for 12-15 mins until risen and golden, then leave to cool completely. 4 Cut out a circle from the top of each cupcake, then cut each circle in half. Put the 100’s and 1000’s on a plate. Brush the tops of the half-circles with a little of the jam, then dip into the sprinkles to coat. 5 Put 1tsp jam into the hollow on top of each cake, then arrange the half-circles at an angle to look like butterfly wings. Serve and enjoy. Energy

Each 41g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.8g

12.3g 0.21g

Salt

Med

High

Med

616kJ 7.0g 147kcal Med

10%

14%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,502kJ/359kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 23

Briony aged three with ‘Nana Pat’, her brother and dad in 1988

‘Briony has inherited the family baking genes’ 24 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

FOOD

‘Baking is in our blood’ Briony’s granny May Howell, aka ‘Nana Pat’, 93, passed on her pastry skills ‘Growing up on a farm in Northern Ireland during the war, everything was homemade and I soon realised I was good at making pastry. I have cold hands, so I don’t melt the butter and the pastry gets lots of air in it. Sponges, however, are my downfall – I never seem to get them to rise! When Colleen was little, she’d always be so content rolling out pastry and playing about with it. And something edible, such as jam tarts, would usually come out of it all!

Nana Pat’s apple pie

Fresh blueberries add a delicious, jammy twist to a comforting traditional recipe

Interviews: Caroline Benjamin. Photographs: Stuart Ovenden. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Lorna Brash. Hair and make-up: Roisin Donaghy @ Joy Goodman

SERVES 10 READY IN 50 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 21p ● 3 Bramley apples,

peeled, cored and thickly sliced ● 2tbsp caster sugar ● Pinch ground nutmeg ● 225g self-raising flour, plus extra to dust ● 50g Trex, cut into small pieces ● 50g Asda Best for Baking Biscuits & Pastry, cut into small pieces ● 1 large egg, beaten ● 50g blueberries 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 2 Put the apples in a pan with 4tbsp water and cook gently until tender,

stirring occasionally to avoid burning. 3 Take off the heat, stir in 1tbsp of the sugar and the nutmeg, then leave to cool. 4 Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the Trex and Asda Best for Baking Biscuits & Pastry. Rub in the fat with your fingertips until it resembles very fine breadcrumbs. 5 Add the beaten egg and use a blunt-bladed knife to mix it into a ball. If it’s too dry, add up to 1tbsp cold water. 6 Divide the dough into 2 halves. Roll out one piece on a floured surface to fit a 21cm round pie dish.

My apple pie has always been the real favourite, though. Colleen and I loved baking it together and our family tradition was to have it after plaice and chips on Fridays. I used Bramley apples if I could and cooked them first – I think this makes the pie filling really soft and comforting and gives it a better flavour. I’d add different spices, such as nutmeg or cinnamon, but if I put cloves in, little Colleen would fish them out because she didn’t like the taste! We both enjoyed the process of creating something out of nothing

and I was delighted to pass on my skills. In fact, I was so passionate about baking that I even became a home economics teacher in a school for children with special needs. Before today, I hadn’t made an apple pie in a while because I have arthritis in my hands and shoulder. But, luckily, Briony has inherited the family baking genes and now she keeps me supplied with cake. I couldn’t be more proud of the incredible baker she’s become.’

7 Line the dish with the pastry, leaving a 2cm edge overhanging, and add the apples and blueberries. Dampen the edge of the pastry with cold water. 8 Roll out the other half of the dough into a 24cm round and lay it on top of the filling. Press the pastry edges together firmly, then trim off the excess. 9 Brush the top of the apple pie with cold water; sprinkle on the remaining caster sugar. 10 Use a cookie cutter to cut out a few star shapes from the top of the pastry to allow steam to escape. 11 Bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30 mins until golden on top. Each 106g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Energy 789kJ 189kcal

8.4g

2.4g

7.1g

0.35g

Med

12%

Med

12%

Salt

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 745kJ/178kcal

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 25

Try a toastie!

Inspired by dishes from the UK and Europe, our toasted sandwiches are perfect whether you watch the rugby or not

IRELAND ENGLAND

WALES 28 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

FRANCE

FOOD

WALES

Ham Welsh rarebit

Ale adds rich flavour to the cheese topping on this open sarnie, jazzed up with succulent ham MAKES 2 READY IN 20 MINS PRICE PER SERVING ÂŁ1.07

SCOTLAND

l 50g Asda 30% Less Fat Mature British Cheese, grated l 60ml skimmed milk l 15g plain flour l 1 level tsp Asda Dijon Mustard l 2tbsp ale (or extra milk) l 1 egg yolk l 2 slices bloomer loaf l 2 slices Extra Special British Slow Cured Wiltshire Ham

l 1tsp Worcestershire sauce 1 Preheat the grill to a medium setting. 2 Mix the cheese with the milk and heat in a small pan, stirring, until melted. 3 Add the flour, mustard and ale or extra milk, then simmer for 2 mins until the mixture thickens

to a paste. Allow to cool for 5 mins then stir in the egg yolk until smooth and combined. 4 Toast the slices of bread on one side. Top the untoasted sides with a slice of ham, dollop on the cheese mixture, then toast under the grill for 2 mins. Add the Worcestershire sauce and toast until the cheese is melted, bubbling and golden, then serve. Energy

Each 172g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

5.3g

4.0g 1.67g

Salt

Med

Low

Med

1,389kJ 11.5g 332kcal Med

17%

16%

27%

28%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 808kJ/193kcal

ITALY If you look under 25 and want to buy age-restricted products, you will need to prove your age. Challenge 25. No I.D. no sale

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 29

FRANCE

French onion soup toasted baguette

Inspired by the classic soup, crisp French bread is filled with caramelised onions and gooey cheese MAKES 2 READY IN 30 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 70p

ENGLAND Full English muffin

Think all-day breakfast in a fluffy toasted muffin, bursting with all the flavours of a fry-up MAKES 2 READY IN 30 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.08

l 1tbsp rapeseed oil l 2 Extra Special Light & Lean Pork Sausages l 30g Asda Sliced Mushrooms l 2 Butcher’s Selection Reduced Fat Smoked Bacon Medallions l 4tbsp Asda No Added Sugar Baked Beans, heated according to the pack instructions l 2 Asda Muffins, split into halves l 2 medium eggs 1 Heat 1tsp of the oil in a large frying pan over a medium setting. Add the sausages and fry for 10-15 mins, turning regularly, until cooked through. Set aside. 2 Add the mushrooms to the same pan and cook for 2 mins, then push to one side of the pan. Add the bacon and 30 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

cook for 2 mins on each side, while stirring the mushrooms occasionally. 3 Slice the sausages lengthways. Top the muffin bases with the bacon, sausages and mushrooms, then spoon over the beans. Finish with the muffin tops and press down firmly. 4 Heat a griddle pan over a high setting and brush with a little oil. Cook the muffins for 2-3 mins on each side, turning carefully, until crisp with visible char lines. 5 Heat the remaining oil in a small nonstick frying pan. Fry the eggs until the whites are just set. Season with black pepper, top each muffin with an egg and serve. Energy

Each 280g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

3.6g

4.5g 2.77g

Salt

Low

High

1,757kJ 16.5g 420kcal Med

21%

24%

18%

46%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 628kJ/150kcal

l 10g Flora Light l 1 large onion, sliced l 1 clove garlic, crushed l 1tsp red wine vinegar l 2 sprigs thyme, plus extra to serve l ½ reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, made up to 100ml l 200g Baker’s Selection Freshly Baked White Baguette l 40g Emmental, sliced l 1tbsp Asda Coarse Grain French Mustard 1 Melt the Flora in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the sliced onion and the garlic then cook for 8-10 mins, stirring regularly. 2 Add the vinegar and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any stuck-on bits. Add the thyme sprigs and pour in the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook over a low heat for 10 mins until the liquid is reduced. 3 Preheat the grill to a medium setting. 4 Meanwhile, split the baguette down the middle without cutting all the way through. Scoop out some of the bread to make a hollow; discard or save to make breadcrumbs. 5 Put the baguette on a baking tray and spoon the

onions into the hollow. Top with the Emmental slices and the mustard. Grill on the tray for 3-4 mins until the cheese has melted. 6 Sprinkle the baguette with the extra thyme sprigs and cut in half to serve. Energy

Each 289g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1,790kJ 10.4g 4.9g 428kcal Med Med

21%

15%

25%

Salt

9.0g 1.79g Low

10%

Med

30%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 619kJ/148kcal

FOOD

IRELAND

Irish stew toastie with a tangy Guinness sauce

Satisfyingly hearty thanks to the beef, potatoes and cheese – plus a splash of ‘the black stuff’ MAKES 2 READY IN 1 HR PRICE PER SERVING 95p

l 100ml Guinness l 75g Asda Brown Sauce l 1tsp cider vinegar l 1tsp Worcestershire sauce l 15g Flora Light l 4 slices thick-cut seeded bread l 50g drained tinned new potatoes in water, sliced l ½ small carrot, grated and drained on kitchen roll l 30g Asda 30% Less Fat Mature British Cheese, grated l 4 slices Asda Finely Sliced Pastrami l 1 spring onion, trimmed and sliced 1 Put the Guinness, brown sauce, cider vinegar and Worcestershire sauce in a pan. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 mins, stirring often,

until the sauce is thick and glossy. Allow to cool. 2 Spread one side of each slice of bread with the Flora. Lay one slice, spread side down, on a chopping board. Add half the sliced potatoes, grated carrot, cheese, pastrami and spring onion, then top with half the Guinness sauce. 3 Top with the second slice of bread, spread side up. 4 Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make another sandwich. 5 To toast, heat a large nonstick frying pan and dry-fry each sandwich individually, for 3 mins on each side, then serve. Energy

Each 290g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

4.1g

7.8g 1.97g

Salt

Low

High

1,954kJ 14.2g 467kcal Med

23%

20%

21%

33%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 674kJ/161kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 31

FOOD

ITALY

Toasted ciabatta tricolore Inspired by the Italian flag and iconic salad, this veggie option is full of fresh flavours MAKES 4 READY IN 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 95p

1 Top the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls with the tomato, mozzarella, spinach and basil. Drizzle with the balsamic glaze and finish with the tops of the rolls. 2 To toast, heat a nonstick frying pan over a high heat. Dry-fry each sandwich individually, for 2 mins on each side, with a heat-safe plate on top to weigh it down. 3 Once toasted, set aside for 1 min to rest before slicing in half to serve.

SCOTLAND Smoked salmon & chive soft cheese toastie Tender flakes of Scottish salmon and light, creamy cheese add a delicate richness that’s balanced by the tang of the gherkins MAKES 2 READY IN 15 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £2.14

l 120g pack Asda Kiln Roasted Salmon Flakes l 60g Asda Light Soft Cheese l 50g spinach, roughly chopped l 2 pickled baby gherkins, sliced l 4 slices Asda Wholemeal Tin Bread l 15g Flora Light l Dill, to serve (optional)

l Mixed tomato and red onion salad, to serve 1 Mix together the salmon, soft cheese, spinach and gherkins. Spread one side of each piece of bread with the Flora. Lay one slice, spread side down, on a chopping board. Add half the salmon mixture. 2 Top with the second slice of bread, spread side up.

32 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

3 Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make another sandwich. 4 To toast, heat a nonstick frying pan on high. Dry-fry each sandwich individually, for 3 mins on each side. 5 Top with dill if using and serve with the salad. Energy

Each 208g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.9g

3.5g 1.85g

Salt

Low

High

1,636kJ 15.2g 391kcal Med

20%

22%

15%

31%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 787kJ/188kcal

Energy

Each 220g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.6g

5.5g 0.90g

Salt

Low

Med

1,335kJ 5.7g 319kcal Low

16%

13%

15%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 607kJ/145kcal

Photographs: Toby Scott. Styling: Morag Farquhar. Food styling: Matthew Ford

l 4 Baker’s Selection Ciabatta Rolls, split in half l 4-pack Extra Special Hand Picked Vine Ripened Tomatoes, thickly sliced l 125g ball light mozzarella, torn l 50g spinach l 10g basil l 1tbsp balsamic glaze

FOOD

cookery masterclass

Perfect pizza!

It’s easy to rustle up a hand-stretched base at home – Good Living Food Editor and former pizza chef Gregor shows you how

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 35

v & n e ck

Pizza Margherita

This simple combination of cheese, tomato and basil is an all-time classic MAKES 2 PIZZAS (EACH SERVES 6) READY IN 45 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 26p

l 400g McDougalls ‘00’ Extra Fine Premium Plain Flour, plus extra to dust l 7g sachet Asda Easy-Bake Yeast l 1tsp sugar l 4tsp rapeseed oil l 400g can Napolina Cherry Tomatoes in Rich Tomato Juice l 2 cloves garlic, crushed l 2tsp mixed dried herbs l 125g pack Asda Light Mozzarella, torn l 10g basil leaves

Energy 669kJ 160kcal

2.6g

Each 80g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.0g

1.9g 0.06g

Salt

Med

Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 837kJ/200kcal

36 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

4 5

Use our base to create your own pizzas with family-fave toppings – turn to p38 for our suggestions to get you started!

Pizza Margherita

g Kin

1 Put the flour, yeast and sugar into a bowl, then make a well in the middle. Add 300ml slightly warm (not hot) water. 2 Add the oil. Bring the mixture together with a wooden spoon until it forms a soft, sticky dough. 3 Knead on a floured surface for 6 mins until smooth. Cover with a tea towel and leave to rise a little. Meanwhile, make the sauce. Put the tomatoes, garlic and herbs in a large pan and season with black pepper. Simmer for 10 mins or until thickened. Set aside. 4 Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Stretch the dough into 2 round pizza bases about 5mm thick. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper, sprinkle lightly with flour then lay the bases on top. 5 Spread the tomato sauce evenly over the bases. 6 Top with the mozzarella and basil. Bake for 12-18 mins until the crust is crisp and golden. Serve immediately.

Ch i

pra wn

a t i j a ev g f

FOOD

feta pizz

co ian Korean

BBQ chicken

& ch

Beetroo t&

MAKE IT EASY! Save time with our kit – just add water, olive oil and toppings.

i t oren

illi

a s u a S

l f e g

Free From Gluten Free Pizza Kit, £1.99 (180g; £1.11/100g)

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 37

FOOD

Use our base recipe on p36 for pizzas baked in just 12-18 mins

Chicken & veg fajita

This smoky, spicy pizza is inspired by classic Tex-Mex dishes MAKES 2 PIZZAS (EACH SERVES 6) READY IN 1 HR PRICE PER SERVING 49p

Make 2 bases and the tomato sauce; stir in ½tsp smoked paprika. Top each base with half the sauce. Divide 200g Asda Mexican Fajita Chicken Breast Slices,

½ x 198g tin sweetcorn, drained, 1 red onion, sliced, 100g frozen sliced mixed peppers and 125g light mozzarella, torn, between them. Bake as before.

Energy

Each 122g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.1g

3.7g 0.13g

Salt

Low

807kJ 2.9g 193kcal Low

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 661kJ/158kcal

For a gluten-free version, visit ASDA.GL/gfpizza

Beetroot & feta pizza bianco

Earthy, nutty flavours shine through in this easy, tomato-free ‘white pizza’ MAKES 2 PIZZAS (EACH SERVES 6) READY IN 50 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 26p

Make 2 bases. Divide 2tbsp reduced-fat crème fraîche between the bases and spread over. Divide 300g Asda British Cooked Beetroot, drained and thinly

sliced, 1tbsp chopped hazelnuts and 100g Asda Greek Feta, crumbled, between them. Bake as before. Divide 10g dill, 20g watercress and zest 1 lemon

between them, then season with black pepper. Energy

Each 75g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.7g

2.9g 0.27g

Salt

Med

Low

Med

759kJ 4.4g 182kcal Med

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,013kJ/242kcal

Korean BBQ chicken

Chilli and ginger add heat to this scrumptiously sticky, garlicky topping MAKES 2 PIZZAS (EACH SERVES 6) READY IN 1 HR PRICE PER SERVING 60p

Make 2 bases. Mix 4tbsp Sharwoods Korean BBQ Cooking Sauce with 1 clove garlic, crushed, a 2cm piece ginger, grated, and 1tbsp sesame seeds. Toss with

2 x 200g packs Asda Classic Chicken Breast Slices. Divide between the bases. Top with 2 spring onions, sliced, 2tbsp grated mozzarella and 1 red chilli,

sliced. Bake as before then sprinkle with coriander. Energy

Each 86g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.9g

2.4g 0.16g

Salt

Low

853kJ 3.3g 204kcal Med

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 992kJ/237kcal

Sausage florentine

Tasty pork meets egg and spinach in this gem of a dish Make 2 bases and the tomato sauce. Squeeze excess liquid from 50g frozen spinach, thawed. Roll the meat from 2 Extra Special Light & Lean Pork

Sausages into 1cm balls. Divide the sauce, spinach, meat, 1tbsp chopped sage and 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil between the bases. Top with 2 eggs (1 each) and

1tsp chilli flakes between them. Bake as before. Energy 755kJ 180kcal

3.8g

Each 97g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.8g

2.0g 0.23g

Salt

Med

Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 778kJ/186kcal

King prawn & chilli

With peppery rocket and a fiery kick, this seafood pizza is sure to impress MAKES 2 PIZZAS (EACH SERVES 6) READY IN 45 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 44p

Make 2 bases and the tomato sauce. Toss a 150g pack Asda Cooked & Peeled King Prawns with 1tsp rapeseed oil and 1 red chilli, thinly sliced. 38 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

Season with fresh ground black pepper. Divide the tomato sauce and the prawns between the bases, then bake as before. Divide 30g Asda Strong Wild

Rocket between the 2 pizzas, to serve. Energy 629kJ 150kcal

1.8g

Each 84g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.3g

1.8g 0.18g

Salt

Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 749kJ/179kcal

Photographs: Ant Duncan. Styling: Sarah Birks. Food styling: Lorna Brash

MAKES 2 PIZZAS (EACH SERVES 6) READY IN 1 HR PRICE PER SERVING 34p

Brazilian-style fish stew

Spinach, ricotta & asparagus gnocchi

Easy meals all under 300percalories serving

Baked balsamic chicken and Mediterranean veg

FIND THESE RECIPES, PLUS MORE AT ASDA.GL/lowcaloriemeals Follow us @ASDA on Instagram and Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration

Glazed cod loin with butternut squash

FOOD

SPOTLIGHT ON

Potatoes

Roast it, mash it, fry it, smash it – it’s time to fall back in love with the humble yet super-versatile spud

Grower’s Selection British Jacket Potatoes

Grower’s Selection Maris Piper Potatoes

Extra Special Marabel Potatoes

Grower’s Selection Red Potatoes Extra Special British Jazzy Potatoes

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 41

Fall in love with spuds again

Brown butter-fried cumin potato cubes

Red chilli, tomatoes and spring onions give these spiced tatties a fresh flavour

Once the go-to side on UK tables, the humble potato has fallen out of favour in recent years. Which is a shame, because spuds are actually pretty awesome. Here are our top 10 reasons to reignite your love affair… ● They’re the ultimate comfort food; a forkful of nostalgia, just like Mum used to make. ● They’re oh-so versatile: grate, slice, layer, bake, boil, fry or mash them. ● They can last for weeks if stored in a cool, dry and dark place. ● They are on budget: a tasty jacket won’t break the bank. ● There’s a spud for all seasons, from potato salad to buttery mash. ● They’re zero-waste if you eat them skin-on. ● They are super-easy and speedy to cook. ● They provide fibre, vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. ● They are kid-friendly: low in fat and sodium, and so very tasty! ● Eating gluten-free? Spuds are on the menu.

Fancy a new mash-up on an old fave? Try our flavour-packed recipes… 42 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 36p

1 Put 800g Grower’s Selection Maris Piper Potatoes, peeled and cubed, in a pan and cover with cold water. Bring to the boil and simmer for 15 mins until tender. Drain and steam dry for 5 mins. 2 Meanwhile, put 2tsp cumin seeds and 1tsp brown mustard seeds in a nonstick frying pan over a medium heat. Fry for 1 min, then add 40g unsalted butter, cubed, and 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped. 3 Once the butter starts to foam, increase the heat and

Crushed roast mini potatoes with garlic & rosemary

With a hit of roasted garlic cloves, these small spuds are seriously moreish SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 28p

1 Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. 2 Put 1kg Extra Special British Jazzy Potatoes in a pan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil then simmer for 20-25 mins until tender. Drain and leave to steam dry in the pan for 5 mins. 3 Transfer the potatoes

to a large baking tray and crush each one with the back of a fork until it starts to split open. 4 Toss the potatoes and 2 whole cloves garlic in 2tbsp rapeseed oil and roast for 40 mins until golden and crisp. 5 In the final 8 mins of cooking, sprinkle 1 clove garlic, finely chopped, and 15g rosemary, finely chopped, over the potatoes, then toss until evenly coated. Season with freshly ground black pepper to serve. Energy 659kJ 157kcal

4.0g

Each 173g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.3g

2.1g 0.02g

Salt

Low

<1%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 381kJ/91kcal

cook for 1 min until it starts to turn golden. Add the potatoes to the pan and toss in the butter. Fry for 5 mins until starting to crisp. 4 Remove from the heat and toss with 2 tomatoes, deseeded and chopped, 2 spring onions, finely sliced, 10g fresh coriander, finely chopped, 1 red chilli, finely sliced and the zest and juice ½ lemon. Season with black pepper to serve. Energy 726kJ 173kcal

5.7g

Each 177g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

3.5g

2.3g 0.02g

Salt

Med

Low

18%

<1%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 410kJ/98kcal

FOOD

Creamy Parmesan, parsley & mustard mash

This hearty, cheesy mash has a tasty hit of coarse-grain mustard SERVES 6 READY IN 40 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 34p

1 Put 4 Grower’s Selection British Jacket Potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks, in a pan of cold water. Add 1 reduced-salt vegetable stock cube, 2 bay leaves, 2 cloves garlic, peeled, and 2 sprigs thyme. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20-25 mins

Lemon & thyme smashed potatoes

Citrus and herb flavours combine to create a zesty ‘smash’, with extra zing from tangy capers SERVES 6 READY IN 40 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 30p

Photographs: Stuart Ovenden. Styling: Olivia Wardle. Food styling: Matthew Ford

1 Put 1kg Extra Special Marabel Potatoes in a large pan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Simmer for 25-30 mins until tender. Drain and leave to steam dry for 5 mins. 2 Meanwhile, put 20g

unsalted butter, cubed, 1tbsp capers, 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped, zest ½ lemon and 2 sprigs thyme, leaves picked, in a small pan over a low heat. Once the butter has melted, simmer for 2 mins, then remove

until tender. Drain and leave to steam dry for 2 mins, discarding the bay leaves and thyme. 2 Mash the potatoes and garlic until smooth. 3 Add 2tbsp olive oil, 75ml semi-skimmed milk, 10g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, 2tbsp

coarse-grain mustard and 40g Parmesan, finely grated, then fold in with a large metal spoon. Season with freshly ground black pepper to serve. Energy 871kJ 208kcal

8.4g

Each 164g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.3g

2.0g 0.48g

Salt

10%

Med

12%

Low

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 531kJ/127kcal

from the heat and stir in the juice ½ lemon. 3 Roughly smash the potatoes with a potato masher, breaking them up into smaller chunks but not mashing completely. Drizzle evenly with the lemon and thyme butter and season with freshly ground black pepper to serve. Energy

Each 173g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.7g

1.6g 0.22g

Salt

Low

717kJ 2.9g 171kcal Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 414kJ/99kcal

Turmeric & cumin roast potatoes

Flaked almonds add bite to these crisp, aromatic roasties SERVES 6 READY IN 1 HR 10 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 29p

1 Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Preheat a heavy-based roasting tray. 2 Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add 1kg Grower’s Selection British Red Potatoes, peeled and quartered, and boil for 10 mins until starting to soften. Drain and leave to steam dry for 5 mins. 3 Pour 2tbsp rapeseed oil into the preheated baking

tray, carefully add the potatoes and turn in the oil until evenly coated. Roast for 30 mins, turning halfway, until golden and crisp. 4 Mix together ½tsp ground turmeric and 1tsp ground cumin. Sprinkle the spices over the cooked potatoes, followed by 2tbsp flaked almonds. Return to the oven to cook for 10 mins

until the almonds are golden and the spices are fragrant. 5 Toss the potatoes in 15g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, and 1tbsp orange zest, then season with freshly ground black pepper to serve. Energy

Each 178g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.5g

1.6g 0.02g

Salt

Low

894kJ 6.8g 214kcal Med

11%

10%

<1%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 502kJ/120kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 43

Free choices Enjoy delicious free-from food and drink with all the flavours you love FREE FROM AT A GLANCE

Gluten free

Wheat free

Lactose free

Dairy free

Mighty Cheddar Soya free

No need to miss out on full-on Cheddar taste with this no-lactose cheese. Arla Lactofree Mature Cheddar Cheese, £1.80 (200g; £9/kg)

Coffee heaven This irresistible dairy-free coffee is good to go! Starbucks Almond Plant-Based Iced Coffee, £1.59 (220ml; 72p/100ml)

A cottage cheese with all the flavour of the regular version but none of the lactose. Arla Lactofree Cottage Cheese, £1.50 (200g; 75p/100g)

flavour filled For a wonderfully hearty pie without the gluten, try this Free From treat filled with slow-cooked British steak in rich gravy. Delicious! Free From Gluten Free Steak & Gravy Pie, £1.25 (200g; 63p/100g) 44 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

Photographs: Clare Winfield. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Jenna Leiter

cheese, please

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lovely layers Enjoy lasagne but want to avoid gluten? This chilled ready meal teams wheat-free pasta with a tasty British beef ragu, all topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and Regato cheese. Free From Beef Lasagne, £2.40 (400g; £6/kg)

Spread the word This dairy-free spread is 60% lower in saturated fat than butter, and ideal for vegan bakes. Flora Dairy Free, £1.99 (500g; £3.98/kg)

Nice slices

Grab a spoon

Scrumptious in a sarnie, this vegan cheese alternative is free from dairy, gluten and soya, fortified with vitamin B12 and kosher, too. Violife Original Flavour Slices, £2.50 (200g; £12.50/kg)

With no added sugars, this vegan alternative to plain yogurt is delicious with fruit and muesli – and easy to cook with. Alpro Plain Unsweetened, £1.60 (500g; 32p/100g)

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 45

FOOD

Broccoli, beef & noodle stir-fry

4 WAYS WITH… Broccoli pesto on griddled flatbread bruschetta

Purple sprouting broccoli

Add colour and a delicate, peppery flavour to savoury dishes with these tender, versatile spears

Broccoli & goat’s cheese tart

Grilled broccoli salad with a honey dressing ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 47

FOOD

Asian-style spices add flavour and a kick of heat to this hearty, takeaway-style main SERVES 4 READY IN 20 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.62

1 Cut a 250g pack Extra Special Purple Sprouting Broccoli into short lengths. Cook in a pan of boiling water for 2 mins. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen roll. 2 Add a 250g pack Asda Oodles of Egg Noodles to the water and simmer for 4 mins. Drain and toss with 1tsp sesame oil. Set aside. 3 Heat 1tsp rapeseed oil in a wok or large frying pan, add a 350g pack Butcher’s Selection Beef Stir-Fry and cook, stirring, on a high heat, for 4 mins. Transfer to a bowl.

4 Heat 2tsp rapeseed oil in the same frying pan. Add the broccoli, 3 spring onions, sliced, 1 red chilli, sliced, 1cm ginger, peeled and grated and 1 clove garlic, crushed, then stir-fry for 4 mins. 5 Add the beef and its juices, the noodles, 2tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce and 2tbsp oyster sauce, then heat through. Divide the stir-fry between 4 bowls. Serve immediately. Energy

Each 294g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.1g

3.5g 2.56g

Salt

Low

High

1,698kJ 8.5g 406kcal Low

20%

12%

11%

43%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 577kJ/138kcal

Broccoli & goat’s cheese tart Two types of goat’s cheese give a tang to this fantastic savoury flan

SERVES 8 READY IN 1 HR PRICE PER SERVING 58p

1 Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Line a 20cm round fluted flan tin with baking paper. 2 Lightly roll out 375g Asda Ready Rolled Puff Pastry and use to line the tin. Prick with a fork, line with baking paper, add baking beans, then bake blind for 10 mins. 3 Meanwhile, add 125g Extra Special Purple Sprouting Broccoli to a pan of boiling water. Cook for 5 mins, drain and pat dry with kitchen roll. 4 Slice 1 red onion. Fry in 1tsp rapeseed oil for 5 mins. 5 Remove the baking beans and paper, then

48 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

add the broccoli and onion to the pastry case. Sprinkle with 1tsp thyme leaves. 6 Mix 60g Asda Soft Goat’s Cheese with 125g reduced-fat crème fraîche and 2 large eggs, beaten, until smooth. Season with black pepper. Grate 75g Asda Hard Goat’s Cheese and add most of it to the mixture. Pour into the flan case and sprinkle with the remaining hard cheese. Bake for 30 mins or until just set. Serve hot or cold. Energy

Each 132g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1,226kJ 19.8g 10.7g 293kcal Med High

15%

28%

54%

Salt

2.4g 0.77g Low

Med

13%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 929kJ/222kcal

Broccoli pesto on griddled flatbread bruschetta

Broccoli and beetroot come together in this tasty, colourful spin on an Italian classic SERVES 4 READY IN 20 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 94p

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 2 Chop a 250g pack Extra Special Purple Sprouting Broccoli and add to a pan of boiling water, reserving a few raw sprigs. Simmer for 4 mins, then drain well. 3 Chop 1 Grower’s Selection British Cooked Beetroot. Put in a food processor with the cooked broccoli, 10g basil, a pinch dried chilli flakes, 25g pine nuts, 1 clove garlic, chopped, 25g Parmesan, grated, 2tbsp olive oil and 2tsp lemon juice.

Season with black pepper; pulse until just combined. 4 Cut 4 Asda Plain Folded Flatbreads into triangles and brush with 1tbsp olive oil. Put on a baking tray; bake for 5 mins to crisp. 5 Spread with the pesto; garnish with the reserved broccoli sprigs and a few small basil leaves before serving. Keep any leftover pesto covered in the fridge for up to a week. Energy

Each 143g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

3.0g

3.9g 0.43g

Salt

Med

Low

1,221kJ 17.2g 292kcal Med

15%

of your 5-a-day

25%

15%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 854kJ/204kcal

Grilled broccoli salad with a honey dressing

Sprinkled with feta and toasted almonds, this easy dish is bursting with flavours and textures SERVES 4 READY IN 15 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 60p

1 Put 25g flaked almonds in a dry frying pan and toss over a medium heat until golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside. 2 Whisk together 2tbsp rapeseed oil, 1tbsp honey, 1tbsp cider vinegar and 1 clove garlic, crushed. Season with black pepper. 3 Add a 250g pack Extra Special Purple Sprouting Broccoli to a large pan of boiling water then simmer for 2 mins. Drain, rinse under cold running water and pat dry with kitchen roll. Brush all over

with 1tsp rapeseed oil. 4 Heat a grill or griddle pan over a high setting and cook the broccoli for 3-4 mins, turning occasionally, until charred and tender but still with ‘bite’. Put the broccoli on a serving dish and toss with the honey dressing. 5 Crumble over 100g Asda Greek Feta and sprinkle with the toasted almonds before serving. Energy

Each 110g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

4.3g

5.4g 0.65g

Salt

Med

Low

Med

851kJ 15.4g 204kcal Med

10%

22%

11%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 774kJ/185kcal

Photographs: Stuart Ovenden. Styling: Olivia Wardle. Food styling: Matthew Ford

Broccoli, beef & noodle stir-fry

WEEKNIGHT WINNERS

£1.04 per serving

GLU TEN-FRE E

Lentil dhal with cucumber salad, p54

Store-cupboard saviours

For quick-fix midweek comfort food on a budget, the ingredients you already have in your larder are the secret to success ONE-PAN WO NDE R UNDER 500 CALORI ES VEG AN CHO ICE READY IN 15 MIN S

Chicken & apricot couscous, p52

Baked spaghetti pie with peppers & courgette, p53

Jalapeño sweetcorn fritters, p54

Pork steaks with tomato butter beans, p55 ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 51

£1.29 per serving

ONE-PAN WONDER

Chicken & apricot couscous

Spicy harissa, sweet apricots and tart pomegranate seeds give this Moroccan-inspired dish a tempting bite SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINS

● 1tsp rapeseed oil ● 300g Butcher’s Selection Diced British Chicken Breast ● 1 red onion, quartered ● 300g couscous ● 1tbsp harissa paste ● 1 reduced-salt chicken stock cube, dissolved in 250ml boiling water ● 6 dried apricots, cut in half ● Juice and zest 1 lemon ● 25g pack coriander, chopped 52 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

● 15g parsley, roughly chopped ● 225g cherry tomatoes, quartered ● 1tbsp pomegranate seeds

1 Heat the oil in a nonstick pan over a medium setting. Add the diced chicken breast and red onion and fry for 10-15 mins until the chicken is cooked through. 2 Stir in the couscous and harissa paste and fry for 2 mins. Remove

from the heat and add the chicken stock and apricots. Cover with a lid and leave to stand for 10 mins until the couscous is soft. 3 Fluff the couscous with a fork, then stir through the lemon juice, coriander, parsley and tomatoes. Season with black pepper and sprinkle with the lemon zest and pomegranate seeds to serve. Energy

1 of your 5-a-day

Each 299g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.6g

8.1g 0.42g

Salt

Low

1,364kJ 3.3g 326kcal Low

16%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 456kJ/109kcal

WEEKNIGHT WINNERS

VEGAN CHOICE

Baked spaghetti pie with peppers & courgette

A vegan take on a family pasta bake, this winning Mediterranean-style dish is packed with veg SERVES 4 READY IN 40 MINS

● 1tsp rapeseed oil ● 1 red onion, finely chopped ● 1 courgette, sliced ● 100g Scratch Cook frozen Sliced Mixed Peppers ● 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes ● 180g pack mild baby spinach ● 250g Asda Spaghetti ● 100g Violife Original Flavour Block cheese alternative, thinly sliced ● 10g flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, to serve

1 Heat the oil in a pan over a high setting. Add the onion, courgette and peppers and cook for 2 mins until softened. Add the tomatoes, bring to the boil, then simmer for 10 mins. Add the spinach and allow to wilt into the sauce. Season with black pepper. 2 Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in a pan of boiling water for 10 mins. 3 Preheat the grill on high. Drain the pasta and return to the pan, then mix into the tomato and courgette sauce. Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish and top with the cheese alternative. 4 Grill for 10 mins until golden and bubbling. Sprinkle with the parsley and black pepper to serve. Energy

4 of your 5-a-day

Each 480g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

1,587kJ 8.6g 379kcal Low

19%

12%

5.8g 29%

87p per serving

11.5g 0.62g Low

13%

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 331kJ/79kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 53

GLUTEN-FREE

Lentil dhal with cucumber salad

This simple veggie recipe, with refreshing cucumber, is a tasty alternative to a midweek curry SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINS

per serving

READY IN 15 MINS Jalapeño sweetcorn fritters

These tasty fritters are packed with crunchy sweetcorn and the chilli kick is perfectly matched with a zingy salad SERVES 4 READY IN 15 MINS

● 326g tin sweetcorn, drained ● 1 small courgette, coarsely grated ● 2 spring onions, finely sliced ● 2tbsp jalapeños from a jar, drained and finely chopped ● 1tsp Asda Cajun Seasoning ● 80g plain flour ● ½tsp baking powder ● 1 egg, beaten ● 1tbsp rapeseed oil ● 3 tomatoes, finely sliced ● 85g pack Asda Watercress ● 15g coriander, finely chopped ● Zest and juice 1 lime ● 4tbsp reduced-fat soured cream

1 Mix together the sweetcorn, courgette, half the spring onions, half 54 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

the jalapeños, the Cajun seasoning, flour and baking powder. Stir through the egg until evenly combined. 2 Heat the oil in a nonstick frying pan. Fry tablespoonfuls of the batter for 3 mins on each side until golden and cooked through. Set aside on a plate lined with kitchen paper. 3 For the salad, mix together the remaining spring onions and jalapeños, the tomatoes, watercress, coriander, lime zest and juice. Serve with the fritters topped with the soured cream and black pepper. 2 of your 5-a-day

Energy 827kJ 198kcal

5.0g

Each 238g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.7g

8.1g 0.74g

Salt

10%

Low

Med

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 347kJ/83kcal

1 Heat 1tsp of the oil in a pan over a medium setting. Add the carrot and curry powder; fry for 2 mins. Stir in the lentils, coconut milk and 150ml water. 2 Bring to the boil and simmer for 10 mins. Add the cauliflower and spinach and cook for 5 mins more. 3 Mix together the cucumber, spring onions, lime zest and juice. 4 Heat the remaining oil in a nonstick pan over a high setting. Fry the eggs for 3-5 mins until the whites are just set. 5 Divide the dhal and salad between 4 plates. Top each with an egg, the chilli and coriander and a sprinkle of black pepper. Serve with the lime wedges. Energy

3 of your 5-a-day

Each 430g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

5.2g

4.3g 0.39g

Salt

Low

1,241kJ 12.9g 297kcal Low

15%

18%

26%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 289kJ/69kcal

Photographs: Jonathan Kennedy. Styling: Rob Merrett. Food styling: Cate Dixon

91p

● 2tsp rapeseed oil ● 1 carrot, finely chopped ● 1tbsp Asda Mild Curry Powder ● 2 x 390g tins Asda Green Lentils in Water, drained and rinsed ● 200ml reduced-fat coconut milk ● 200g Frozen for Freshness Cauliflower ● 180g pack mild baby spinach ● ½ cucumber, deseeded and roughly chopped ● 2 spring onions, finely sliced ● Zest and juice ½ lime, plus lime wedges to serve ● 4 medium eggs ● 1 red chilli, finely sliced ● 10g coriander, chopped

WEEKNIGHT WINNERS

£1.28 per serving

UNDER 500 CALORIES

Pork steaks with tomato butter beans

Full of rich, rustic flavours, this is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser SERVES 4 READY IN 40 MINS

● 2tsp rapeseed oil ● 1 red onion, finely chopped ● 2 cloves garlic, finely sliced ● 25g pack basil, stalks finely chopped and leaves torn ● 1 bulb fennel, sliced ● 400g tin chopped tomatoes ● 2 x 400g tins Asda Butter Beans in Water, drained and rinsed ● 4 Butcher’s Selection Pork Loin Steaks ● 60g pack wild rocket

● 2tbsp Asda Reduced Fat Green Pesto, mixed with 1tbsp water ● Crusty bread, to serve

1 Heat the oil in a pan over a low setting. Add the onion, garlic and basil stalks, cover with a lid and cook for 10 mins until softened. 2 Stir in the fennel, tomatoes and beans; season with black pepper. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 mins, stirring occasionally, until thickened.

3 Meanwhile, heat a frying pan or griddle over a high setting and fry the pork steaks for 5-6 mins on each side until cooked through. 4 Stir the basil leaves through the beans and top with the pork. Sprinkle with the rocket, drizzle with the pesto and serve with crusty bread. Energy

2 of your 5-a-day

Each 444g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.8g

7.5g 0.53g

Salt

Low

1,635kJ 8.4g 391kcal Low

20%

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 368kJ/88kcal

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 55

Nice as pie Treat the family to a mouthwatering lattice bake or meat pie from our quality range

elebrate British Pie Week this month (4-10 March) by serving up a hearty treat from our great chilled selection. Choose a classic deep-fill pie generously filled with Red Tractor Assured British meat that’s been slow-cooked in a rich gravy for maximum flavour and tenderness.

Or try a creamy British chicken and bacon filling encased in a golden puff pastry lattice. Each is ready to enjoy in 35 minutes or less – just heat through in the oven, then tuck in. Look out for special offers on our fantastic range of tasty pies online and in store now – and enjoy!

Asda Chicken & Bacon Puff Pastry Lattice, £3.38 (500g; 68p/100g) or 2 for £5

56 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

Photographs: Andrew Burton. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Lorna Brash

Asda Chicken & Bacon Puff Pastry Lattice

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for

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1.76

3.38

each

Asda Slow Cooked Steak & Gravy Deep Fill Puff Pastry Pie

Asda Slow Cooked Steak & Gravy Deep Fill Puff Pastry Pie, £3.38 (550g; 61p/100g) or 2 for £5

Asda Slow Cooked Steak & Ale Deep Fill Puff Pastry Pie, £3.38 (550g; 61p/100g) or 2 for £5

Asda Slow Cooked Chicken & Gravy Deep Fill Puff Pastry Pie, £3.38 (550g; 61p/100g) or 2 for £5

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 57

Health Words: Harriette Casey. Photograph: Liz Gregg

Small wonderS The road to parenthood via IVF can be rocky, but for many, it’s well worth the journey

rying for a baby isn’t always a straightforward affair, with infertility now affecting around one in seven couples in the UK (approximately 3.5 million people)*. For many, the next option is to look at IVF treatment, which can

*Source: nhs.uk

involve medication, injections, multiple clinic visits – sometimes racking up high fees – not to mention all that patience, emotion and finger-crossing. But this commitment and investment can have life-changing results. This

month, we meet four parents who’ve dealt with the challenges of IVF – and introduce us to their own little miracles (above), including two sets of twins and one set of triplets! Turn the page to read their frank and heartwarming stories...

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 59

NATASHA DAVEY, 30, a dental assistant, and her husband Wayne, 31, used Asda medication for their IVF treatment. Their son Ethan is four.

GARY BIDWELL, 34, an operations REBECCA WOOLDRIDGE, 45, is a parenting NICK DENNES, 45, an account manager, continued IVF alone after breaking up with her partner and conceived twins Sebastian and Freya, one, using a donor.

60 | GOOD LIVING

blogger*. She and her husband David, 50, have a son Felix, four, and conceived their triplets, Amelie, Maya-Albertine and Etta, two, through IVF.

manager, and his wife Mel, 34, tried four rounds of IVF before having twins Oliver and Toby, one, using Access Fertility.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

The miracle of science Four parents who faced fertility issues open up about the highs and lows of IVF treatment and the joys of parenthood

*mummytotripletsandbro.com

Having a baby (or three) can be a magical, life-altering experience, especially if it’s taken more than a few attempts to get there. Natasha, Nick, Rebecca and Gary know all too well about navigating the challenges of infertility and IVF with humour, dedication and the right support… You all experienced problems while trying to conceive naturally. What fertility issues did you have? Natasha: I had polycystic ovaries [where the egg is not released from the sac and so ovulation does not take place] and endometriosis, so the eggs that I produced weren’t good quality. And my husband had some issues with the motility and quantity of his sperm. Nick: With my partner, we had a case of totally unexplained infertility. We tried for two years, then did three cycles of IVF together. After the relationship ended, I tried IVF alone and was successful first time. Gary: Same for us – ours was unexplained, too. We’d been trying for three-and-a-half years before we tried IVF. We had four failed attempts (two fresh embryos and two frozen) with the NHS, then we went with Access Fertility and got our boys! Rebecca: I had a low egg reserve. We were trying for six years and did four rounds of IVF in that time, all of which were unsuccessful. We were on holiday before our fifth cycle when we found out I was pregnant with Felix, so we had conceived naturally. After that, we had secondary infertility so, two-and-a-half years

later, we tried IVF again in Cyprus and had our three girls. How did going through IVF affect you physically and emotionally? Nick: If you’d told me I would be having self-administered injections daily, I would have said never. But it becomes par for the course. Natasha: I was really excited in the beginning, but over time, I just felt down about it. I didn’t really want to be around friends who had children because I felt bad about feeling jealous. Rebecca: After discovering our secondary infertility, we were financially and emotionally spent.

‘When I go home and see my little boys’ faces, everything is OK’

I did a lot of meditation and hypnotherapy and that really helped me to stay positive. Gary: I went into this process quite positive, but it does chip away at you each time it doesn’t work. How did you fund your treatment? Natasha: In our area, you only get one free cycle on the NHS, so we had to fund the four additional ones ourselves. Our parents helped out a bit, but mostly we used our savings. Nick: My mum was amazing – she helped out and came with me to Greece for my treatment. Gary: We had four cycles on the NHS, including frozen embryos. The first one worked, but we lost the baby after six weeks. After our NHS cycles, we found Access Fertility. You pay an upfront cost and, at the end, if you don’t have a baby, you get 100% of your money back. It just took the pressure off a bit. Did you have a good support network during the treatment? Gary: I told my friends what we were going through, but we didn’t really talk about it. As a man, you go down the pub and no one wants to have a conversation about kids. Seeing my mates was a bit of a break from it all. Natasha: The first time we tried, we were so excited, we told everyone. Then, when it didn’t work, we had that heart-wrenching feeling of ‘Oh no, we have to tell everyone’. The more it went on, the less I told people. How did it affect your relationship with your other halves? Nick: For me, it brought out the differences in our relationship. GOOD LIVING | 61

Lots of relationships don’t survive IVF and I was very lucky that I felt in a solid enough position to make the decision to go it alone. Rebecca: There were moments towards the end that it felt like we weren’t supporting each other because we were so worn out. But I’ll always respect David for the fact that he never blamed me, even though it was my issue… Natasha: I’m sure we nearly got divorced three times! At the beginning, we used to have arguments all the time, but then we said, ‘Right, we’re only going to talk about it for a set time every day and that’s it.’ That really helped. Did anyone suggest any weird tips for helping you to conceive? Natasha: I used to eat the core of a pineapple – I heard it would make your uterus really sticky and help the embryo attach. I didn’t let Wayne wear tight pants, get in a Jacuzzi or carry his phone in his pocket. I used to call him at work to check he wasn’t sitting down for too long. Can you describe the moment you found out you were pregnant? Rebecca: With the triplets, I cried. I think it was disbelief; that first day, we just thought: ‘What are we going to do?’ Natasha: I was really naughty and 62 | GOOD LIVING

‘I couldn’t believe it when they said they could see a heartbeat – and then a second one!’ took a test at home the day before we were due to find out. I didn’t sleep the whole night and then, when the clinic confirmed it, we both cried for an hour. Nick: I’d done a test, so I knew I was pregnant, but a week before my six-week scan, I had a bleed. I really thought that was it. I couldn’t believe it when they said they could see a heartbeat – and then a second one! Gary: We took so many tests before we could believe it. We took one every day until we went back to the clinic and had it confirmed. There were lots of tears of joy. Is there anything you wish you’d known before you became a parent? Nick: All those parenting books on my bookshelf – I really should have read them before giving birth because you don’t have time afterwards. Gary: I think it’s astonishing how much you can love someone that you haven’t spent any time with and

you’ve only known for minutes. It’s something you can’t explain to someone who’s not a parent; you can’t prepare yourself for it. Has parenting changed you? Nick: I think having wanted this for so long, I’ve never worked so hard, had so little sleep and yet felt so invigorated. Being a parent is a really big challenge and lots of hard work, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I enjoy my life more now. Natasha: I think I was quite selfish before, whereas I’m not any more. I always think of Ethan first. Gary: It’s definitely matured me as a person; I’m more relaxed. With work and life, you can get quite uptight, but actually, those things don’t bother me any more because I know when I go home and see my little boys’ faces, everything is OK. And I also have a newfound respect for mums – especially mums of twins and triplets – because it is hard work.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

a performance of The Tiger Who Came to Tea at Birmingham Town Hall and she thought the tiger was a fox. You can imagine… Natasha: Ethan hated wearing his nappy when he was two and would rip if off everywhere we went. On holiday, we were near the swimming pool and he just ripped off his swimwear nappy and started swinging it around. There were ‘things’ in it and we had to scoop him and everything up in a towel and take him to the

bathroom. I was so embarrassed. What’s the strangest thing that’s ever triggered a tantrum? Natasha: Ethan asked me to peel an orange for him, so I peeled it, and then he had a tantrum because I’d started peeling the orange. You can’t win! Rebecca: For us, it’ll be the wrong coloured plate, or they all want the same Paw Patrol fork. They like to have the same thing, which is why it’s good to dress them the same. Best thing about being a parent? Natasha: I think it’s just having someone love you so much, who relies on you so much. I can’t really put it into words. Rebecca: The unconditional love is the best bit. That was what I really wanted – I wanted to know exactly what it was like to love like a mum. Gary: Seeing their faces in the morning. When they wake up and recognise who you are, you can’t beat that. Especially now that they’re getting their own personalities and giving so much back to you; just seeing their smiles melts my heart. Nick: Baby laughter. It makes everything OK and every day is a mini adventure.

Interview: Harriette Casey. Photographs: Liz Gregg. Hair and make-up: Roisin Donaghy

ivf: your Questions answered

‘Having wanted this for so long, I’ve never worked so hard, yet felt so invigorated’ Rebecca: The feminist in me will hate me for saying this, but I feel like it’s validated me as a person. This is me, this is what I was supposed to do and I Iove it. What’s the funniest thing your children have ever done? Rebecca: The way Etta currently mispronounces ‘fox’ is exactly what you think it might be – she just shouts it over and over. We went to

● What does IVF involve? In vitro fertilisation is the process where eggs are removed from the ovaries, fertilised outside the body, then replaced in the womb. In a typical ‘cycle’, one or two embryos may be transferred to the womb, while any remaining embryos may be frozen for future IVF. ● How much does IVF cost? Free treatment is available

on the NHS if certain criteria are met, but where you live will determine how many free cycles you can receive. Additional cycles with private clinics can cost up to £5,000 each. ‘We know a lot of people have to pay for additional cycles,’ says Asda’s Superintendent Pharmacist Faisal Tuddy. ‘This is why, since 2010, Asda has sold IVF drugs on a

not-for-profit basis.’ For details, visit your local Asda Pharmacy. ● Where can I find support? For information and discussions on IVF, fertilityfriends.co.uk has a busy online forum that covers a range of fertility issues. Or try Fertility Network UK, which has a free support line on 0121 323 5025, where you can speak to a trained nurse in confidence.

GOOD LIVING | 63

Words: Rebecca Shepherd. Photograph: Louisa Parry. Stylist: Julie Patmore

Style Ankle boots*, 3-8, £20

walk on the wild side Mirror mirror on the wall, which boot is the fiercest of them all? Find the answer at George…

nimal prints are once again having a moment. But this season, there’s a new king of the fashion jungle: say hello to snake print. Perfect for striking style into any wardrobe, these faux-python ankle boots are

seriously standout – and we’ve fallen prey to them! Available in enviable emerald green, these beauties work brilliantly with everything from officewear to off-duty denim. Hunt them down and scale up your spring look this month.

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available from 10 March 2019

GEORGE.COM | 65

Dress**, 8-24, £22

new season upgrades Fro m sle ek slip s to m us t-have mules, George has the S/S 2019 trends you need on your radar

Coat*, 8-24, £28; skirt**, 8-20, £12.50

DRESS CODE THE ESSENTIAL TRENCH A tailored trench coat is the gift that keeps on giving. It’ll help to weatherproof your look on rainy days and double up as a lightweight throw-on when the sun is shining. Team with jeans, a T-shirt and trainers for off-duty days, or wear it all done up and cinched in at the waist for sophisticated style. 66 | GEORGE.COM

Fashion’s love affair with the midi dress is still going strong, and this season’s update comes in the form of a shirt dress. Wear it buttoned up with heels or flats, or undone over a tee and your fave jeans to take you through spring and way beyond.

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available from 25 March 2019. **Available from 18 March 2019. †Available from 17 March 2019. ††Available from 10 March 2019

STYLE & BEAUTY Top†, 8-24, £8; skirt**, 8-24, £12.50; trainers††, 3-6, £12.50

WHITE WALKERS

UNDERWEAR AS OUTERWEAR Once upon a time, slips were only ever worn beneath a skirt or dress. Fast forward to 2019 and slips are starting to see the light of day – and they’re perfect for taking your wardrobe from winter into spring. Pair a fitted top with this knee-grazing red number and slip on some dressed-down kicks for a casual-cool look. Dress**, 8-24, £18

Shoes can make or break an outfit, and white footwear is 2019’s hottest trend. Tick off style and practicality with a fresh pair of trainers, or update your going-out ‘shoedrobe’ with a pair of white mules with a heel. Both work wonders with wide-leg trousers, maxi dresses and jeans alike. The possibilities are endless!

Jumpsuit**, 8-24, £18; trainers††, as before

Mules†, 3-8, £19

Skirt**, 8-24, £12.50

POWERFUL PRINTS Blouse**, 8-24, £10

This season, nothing screams ‘Hello spring!’ better than punchy prints and blooming gorgeous florals. The easiest way to get on board? Opt for a flower-patterned dress, or a blouse with a smaller, all-over ditsy print. GEORGE.COM | 67

GO FOR GOLD

From chunky earrings to statement necklaces, gold is the metallic hue to sport this spring. Go big and bold, with ornate details, gems and pearls, and faux enamel in rich colours.

Multi-necklace, £7; coat*, 8-24, £20; T-shirt**, 8-24, £5

DREAMY DENIM

Clockwise from right: necklace, £12.50; locket, £6; earrings, £5; bracelet, £6

Jeans are never out of style and now is the time to explore softer colours and the latest relaxed silhouettes. Make wide-leg jeans in worn-in blue or a cool button-down dress your new go-to.

Blouse*, 8-24, £18; belted jeans*, 8-20, £18

7 RETRO STYLE A huge trend in the 1970s, broderie anglaise – a pretty, lace-like fabric – is staging a comeback and it’s safe to say we’re sold! Float through the changing seasons effortlessly in a frilly white blouse, lightweight jeans and boots. Team with a skirt and sandals in summer. 68 | GEORGE.COM

Jeans*, 8-20, £18

Dress† 8-24, £18

STYLE & BEAUTY

AT YOUR SERVICE If there’s one trend to steal the show, it’s all things utility related. Think belted jumpsuits and boiler suits or tailored trousers and tops with jumbo pocket detailing – believe us when we say this look is suitable for any and every occasion. Need a casual daytime outfit? Team with flats and a biker jacket. Party to go to? Switch to heels and a smart blazer. Jumpsuit*, 8-24, £25

9 HEADS UP Headbands are #trending and it’s easy to see why. From bold geo patterns and tropical prints to silky textures and knotted styles, these brilliant accessories ooze 1990s nostalgia and will up your hair game in an instant. Below: headbands, £4 each

Words: Rebecca Shepherd

Below: Alice bands, £5 each

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available from 18 March 2019. **Available from 3 March 2019. †Available from 25 March 2019

GEORGE.COM | 69

STYLE & BEAUTY

lust list Tre a t s o m e o n e s p e c i a l , o r yo u r s e l f, to a g o rg e o u s g i f t f ro m G e o rg e . Yo u k n ow yo u w a n t to …

Clockwise from bottom left: boots*, 3-9, £20; bucket bag**, £16; jumper†, S-XL, £14; sandals*, 3-9, £19; dress†, 8-22, £16; yellow bag, £5; pyjama set††, 8-22, £12.50; necklace, £7; earrings, £4; pendant‡, £6 Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available from 31 March 2019. **Available from 16 April 2019. †Available from 18 March 2019. ††Available from 21 March 2019. ‡Available from 1 March 2019

GEORGE.COM | 71

STYLE & BEAUTY

3 ways to weaR D re s s to im p re s s th is M oth e r ’s D ay in ve r s atil e f l o r a l - p r int p a la z zo pant s from George – tr y these mix-and-match st yling suggestions

Dressed-down cool

This spring, trouser hems have gone super-sized and we’re all for it. For a relaxed look, team your palazzos with an effortless cold-shoulder top, black bag and a pair of fresh white trainers. The print is the star of the show, so let it do the talking!

Perfect match

Fortune favours the bold, so go head-to-toe in an all-over printed two-piece that’s perfect for the new season. Team with a chunky heel to add height, a bag in a neutral colour and statement earrings. Who knew matchy-matchy could work so brilliantly?

Top*, 8-24, £4

Suit up

If you’re after a more formal look, go for a boxy blazer. Make like the fash pack and drape yours over a plain white tee or fitted top that’s tucked into your trousers to create some shape. Then, just add jewellery and a circular cross-body bag.

Top‡, 8-24, £8

Top*, 8-24, £14

Trousers*, 8-24, £16

Jacket*, 8-24, £25

Bag, £14 Earrings, £4

Words: Rebecca Shepherd

Bag†, £14

Trainers**, 3-6, £12.50

Bag, £14

Necklace, £7 Sandals††, 4-9, £19

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available from 18 March 2019. **Available from 10 March 2019. †Available from 16 April 2019. ††Available from 31 March 2019. ‡Available from 17 March 2019

Earrings, £4

GEORGE.COM | 73

Miracle Multi

taskers

T h e d o -it-all h ero e s that ever y b e a ut y b uf f sh o uld own

76 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

1 THE CULT CURE-ALL

Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream, £5.50 (400g) Donna says: ‘Not just for nappy rash, this cream also has antiseptic properties, so it can work wonders on skin breakouts. The zinc oxide it contains can reduce inflammation and form a protective layer that’ll help to shield skin against irritants. Plus, it has lanolin, to help moisturise, soften and soothe. With its thick, chalky texture, Sudocrem is best used at night – let it sink in while you sleep. Who knew it could do so much?’

2 THE TOP-TO-TOE TREAT

Bio-Oil Specialist Skincare Oil, £8.95 (60ml) Donna says: ‘This amazing oil works like a moisturiser and serum in one. Use it daily to help keep your skin soft and supple, and improve the appearance of wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. And that’s not all! It can even help to fade scars and stretchmarks as well as treat ultra-dry skin areas such as cuticles and heels. What more could you want?’

Follow Donna on Instagram @thebeautyed. Photograph: Lucky If Sharp

’

e could all do with a little more time in the day,’ says beauty blogger Donna Francis. ‘Most of us have barely enough space in our schedules to shower and brush our teeth, never mind carry out a full regime of cleansing, toning and moisturising. And as for all the extras – facial oil, eye cream, SPF and so on – it’s easy to forget or simply not bother! The good news is, you don’t actually need to dedicate so much time (or money) to your beauty routine because cutting down on skincare steps can be done without compromising on results. The secret? Invest in a few affordable, versatile gems that do more than one thing. And, in turn, they’ll streamline your beauty collection and save you time, money and cupboard space. Meet my six skin saviours…’

STYLE & BEAUTY

3 THE ALL-IN-ONE BEAUTY BALM

Garnier SkinActive BB Cream Original, was £9.99, now £5 (50ml) Donna says: ‘A hard-working moisturiser and make-up base in one, this works like a regular day cream but also adds a little coverage to help disguise blemishes and even out skin tone. Meanwhile, illuminating mineral pigments boost your complexion with a healthy-looking glow. This hard-working balm even contains SPF15. Result!’

4 THE ONE-POT WONDER

Extra Special Manuka Honey, £6.35 (227g; £2.80/100g) Donna says: ‘Time to raid the larder! Honey is actually a great all-rounder for your skin. Dab a small blob on a blemish and let it work its antibacterial magic. Or use it as a cleanser – dilute a spoonful with a few drops of warm water and gently massage into your skin before rinsing off. Try it as a face mask on its own or mixed with oats and lemon juice. If you lick it, so be it!’

the SKIN and HAIR hero

Asda Cold-Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, £1.98 (283ml; 70p/100ml) Donna says: ‘A Jack-of-all trades, coconut oil makes a great all-over moisturiser in small amounts, and can be used as an alternative to shaving cream. A little on the ends of your hair can help to tame frizz, too. And try it as a make-up remover: melt a tiny amount and use on a cotton pad to wipe away eyeshadow and even waterproof mascara! Who said it was just for baking?’

6 THE 3-in-1

FACE CREAM

nspa Expert Daily-Rejuvenate Cream SPF30, £10 (50ml) Donna says: ‘Want more than just rehydration from your day cream? This triple-action formula with SPF30 works hard to protect skin from sun damage, while hydrating ingredients help to give skin a healthy glow and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Think of it as a real triple whammy.’

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 77

Homes ONE ROOM THREE WAYS

revamp your living room with just a few stylish updates from george Home

‘There’s no better season for a room revamp than spring,’ says Rachel Southern, founder of blog In to the Potting Shed. ‘It’s the ideal time to introduce more colour into your home, and you don’t have to spend a fortune, either. With great basics like a neutral sofa or coffee table, giving your living area a makeover can be as simple as buying a new cushion or a fabulous potted plant.’ Turn the page for more of Rachel’s living room inspo… On side table, from left: Succulent in pot, £6. Terrazzo table lamp, £20. Mixer glass, £5 (4-pack). On sofa, from left: Ribbed texture weave cushion, Aztec cushion, brushed striped cushion, Terrazzo cushion, all £6 each. Cotton striped throw, £15. On coffee table, from left: Pink tealight holder, £7 (2-pack). Vase, £5. Hanging wire fern, £10. On floor: Berber shaggy rug*, from £50. Velvet cushion, £5. Terrazzo planter, £25

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Online only

GEORGE.COM | 79

sun seeker ‘Bring the outdoors in with vibrant, summer prints,’ says Rachel. ‘Earthy tones like soft beige, pinks and greens are set to be big in 2019 – and you can’t go wrong with a tassel! Summer is on its way.’

Get the look

Dip into this showy trend with these pretty pieces

WE LOVE

Cactus in bell jar, £12

Diamond throw, £12

Cut out tall candle holder, £5

Geo pom pom cushion, £7 80 | GEORGE.COM

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Online only

HOMES

On windowsill, from left: Balloon unicorn ornament, £10. Neon-effect LED Love decorative light, £10. On side table: Telephone moneybox, £8. Curved lamp, £20. On sofa, from left: Jumbo cord cushion in Duck Egg, £7. Unicorn cushion, £6. Galaxy geo cushion, £5. Supersoft throw in Grey, £4. Jumbo cord cushion in Pink, £7. On coffee table: Tealight holders, £9 (3-pack). Narwhal ornament, £7. Vase, £6. Cube tealight holder, £2. On floor: Crushed velvet effect rug*, from £10. Velvet effect cushion, £5

back to the future ‘Add some soft touches to your living space with beautiful dusky pink accessories, contrasted with a hint of pastel turquoise for a more grown-up feel,’ says Rachel. ‘Go all-out with fun, retro accessories, like this pink telephone moneybox, or throw in a neon light for a slightly more rock and roll edge. Voila!’

Get the look

Your home will look out of this world with these bold, retro-futuristic accessories

Metallic cushion, £6

Quilted throw, £15

WE LOVE

Bulb desk lamp, £18

Pineapple ornament, £6 GEORGE.COM | 81

HOMES

On side table: Sloth ornament, £8. Bulb table lamp, £18. On sofa, from left: Geo tassel cushion, £6. Sloth cushion, £5. Geo triangle cushion*, £6. Pom pom throw, £20. Geo cushion, £6. On coffee table: Origami elephant ornament, £5. Etched tealight holder, £3. Matte vase, £6. Frosted vase, £4. Wire house tealight holder, £3. On floor: Flat weave markmaking rug*, from £20

Geo for iT ‘Create a clean but cosy, minimalist look with on-trend geometric shapes and monochrome accessories,’ says Rachel. ‘Add pops of vibrant colour, like this mustard throw – team with light blue for a fabulous colour combination. A selection of potted plants and foliage introduces lovely fresh green shades, too.’

Get the look

Work a calm vibe with minimalist shapes and subdued shades

Chevron throw, £12 82 | GEORGE.COM

WE LOVE

Geo cushion, £6 Origami vases, £12 (3-pack)

Geometric wire light**, £20

Selected stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Online only. **Bulb not included

Ask the experts Each month, our panel answers your burning questions

HOMES

PARENTING

GARDENING BEAUTY PETS

TECH

MONEY

Verity Mann of the Good Housekeeping Institute talks spring cleaning hacks Zena Goldman, founder of zenas-suitcase.co.uk, shares secrets for throwing the ultimate kids’ party

Smart

Living

Lifestyle and gardening expert Kara O’Reilly on adding colour to your garden this month Make-up artist and writer Carly Hobbs talks night creams. Follow her on Instagram @carlytoptip Veterinary surgeon Cat Henstridge shares tips for nurturing nature. Find more at catthevet.com Tech writer Owen Gough picks the top machines for creating barista-inspired coffee at home Ricky Willis, the blogger behind skintdad.co.uk, helps you book a holiday without overspending

QUICK HACK

‘HOW DO I… get rid of pet hair in my house?’ 1 Put on a pair of washing-up gloves, then wet the fingers slightly. 2 Slowly brush your hands over surfaces and fabrics. The static this creates and the textured palms of the gloves work to remove hair. 3 Clean the gloves in hot water – take care not to let the hair block your sink!

HOMES

This month’s big question

ASK verity…

‘Any tips for making spring cleaning easier?’ Get prepped Put all the essentials in a household caddy, so you can carry them from room to room rather than having to return to the cupboard under the kitchen sink every five minutes. Stock it with: rubber gloves; microfibre cloths (use a different colour for each room to avoid spreading germs); a multi-surface cleaning spray such as Dettol Anti-Bacterial Surface Cleanser, £1.50* (750ml; 20p/100ml); multi-surface polish; bleach; CIF Power & Shine Bathroom Wipes, £1.50 (60-pack; 3p each); and an old toothbrush. You’ll also

need a dustpan and brush and a mop and bucket. Think ahead Try these tips to save yourself time and trouble. Put an empty baking tray on the bottom of your oven to catch cooking spills. Put sheets of newspaper in bin liners to absorb leaks or liquids. And spend a few minutes spraying shower surfaces with a multi-purpose bathroom cleaner after every use to stop limescale build-up.

ASDA.COM | 85

PARENTING ASK zena...

‘How can I throw a great kids’ party?’ Dream theme Picking a theme makes it easy to style your party. Whether your child loves robots, unicorns or princesses, you’ll find partyware to match in the George Home range. Look out for these Robot Napkins, £1.50 (20-pack; 8p each) or 3 for £3, and Robot Plates, £1.50 (16-pack; 9p each) or 3 for £3. Or put your stamp on the event by making your own. Ask guests to dress up, too! Action stations Why not set up a colouring table with themed printouts for little ones to colour in? Or organise a biscuit decorating station with digestives and icing pens? You could also set up a table for temporary tattoos, coloured hairspray or even a nail bar, with a grown-up on hand to help.

Narwhal Napkins, £1.50 (20-pack; 8p each) or 3 for £3

Narwhal Plates, £1.50 (16-pack; 9p each) or 3 for £3

Let them eat cake Every party needs a celebration cake! Match it to the theme or go for something spectacular, like this Asda Rainbow Jazzie Cake, £13 (serves 20), with colourful sponge layers, funky frosting and all-over sprinkles. Lunch bunch As an alternative to a buffet, pick up some brown paper lunch bags and pop a sandwich, small bag of popcorn, yogurt, piece of fruit, sweet treat and a small juice box in each one. The kids will love the novelty of having their own bag and you’ll avoid wasting food. Plus, it may stop them eating too many sweets! Bags of fun Handing out party bags is a lovely way for your child to thank everyone for making their birthday special. Asda has a top selection of party favours, from pencils to toys. Think age-appropriate, fun and useful and your party bags will be the talk of the playground.

86 | ASDA.COM

Favour Bags, £1.50 (8-pack; 19p each)

George Home Plastic Snake Party Favours, £2 (8-pack; 25p each) or 3 for £5

George Home Musical Party Favours, £2 (8-pack; 25p each) or 3 for £5

Smart

Living

GARDENING ASK KARA...

‘How can I brighten up my garden?’ Flower power March is when your garden is about to burst into life, so give it an extra lift by introducing some spring bedding. Go traditional with pansies and primulas; or modern with euphorbia and lavender. Bulb moment If you forgot to plant spring bulbs last autumn, pick up some of the later varieties, such as tulips and irises. Pop them into pots and position around your garden for additional seasonal colour. Beautiful hanging flower baskets are great, too. Paint by numbers Take a look at your planters: it’s easy to revamp them with a coat of garden

paint. Or liven up your patio with a few jazzy pots like the Flamingo plant pot, £12. Go all-out Decorative items – think ornaments, mirrors and mobiles – can add personality to your outdoor patch. So unleash your imagination! If you love a garden gnome, check out the George Home range, including this Grandma gnome, £6. Or add ambiance with outdoor lighting – try the Pineapple String Lights, £8.

BEAUTY

Ask carly...

‘Which overnight skincare should I use?’ ● nspa Beauty Rituals Bouncy Night Cream, £7* (50ml) This treatment in a tub contains shea butter and orange oil. Suitable for all skin types, it also has hyaluronic acid and tetrapeptides, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. ● Simple Regeneration Age Resisting Night Cream, £6** (50ml) This smoothing superstar uses green tea and mushroom extract among other ingredients, to help

revitalise and restore skin as you snooze. It’s suitable for sensitive skin, too. ● Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Lift Night Cream, £5 (50ml) Formulated for age 40+, this features Olay’s Skin Renewal Complex. Sweep the provitamin B5 and niacinamide-infused moisturiser across your jawline for a lifted, more radiant appearance. ● L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect

Re-Hydrating Cream Night, £14.95† (50ml) A fave with beauty pros, this cream rehydrates all types of mature skin and may help to reduce the appearance of age spots. ASDA.COM | 87

Smart

Living PETS

MONEY ASK ricky…

ASK cat...

‘How can I get my kids into wildlife?’

TECH

wait to see who arrives to peck at it! Help a hedgehog Do your bit to help save wildlife by creating a ‘hedgehog highway’ through your garden. It allows these cute critters to travel freely in their hunt for food – and you might even spot Mrs Tiggy-Winkle! You can also buy hedgehog houses, but they are a fun family DIY project,

too. Find details and more outdoor ideas at ASDA.GL/dadventures. Woodland wanderers A walk in the woods can often spark a passion for nature. Snowdrops are in flower at this time of year and the trees budding. If you tread softly, you may even see wild rabbits.

ASK owen...

‘Which coffee machine should I go for?’

Style + substance Small but mighty, this coffee maker uses 15-bar pump pressure to deliver top-quality cuppas. Nescafé Dolce Gusto Mini Me Automatic by Krups, £109.96

Home-brewed With all the bells and whistles (hello, milk frother) to make barista-style coffee at home. De’Longhi Pump Espresso Machine, £104.96

Capsule king Compatible with Asda Extra Special and Nespresso capsules for the perfect cup. George Home Black Pod Coffee Machine, £60

Need for speed? Get your favourite coffee ready to go with just one tap of a button. Less waiting, more choosing! Bosch TAS1402GB Tassimo, £69.96

88 | ASDA.COM

Search engine Whether you’re booking flights, hotels or a whole package holiday, start with a search on comparison sites. Skyscanner.net is good for comparing airline prices for the cheapest deal (just make sure to check your baggage allowance before you book as it can vary greatly between airlines). Trivago.co.uk is useful for comparing hotels, or if you’re looking to compare package deals, take a look at travelSupermarket.com. Kids go free Buy travel insurance as early as possible so you have cover in place before you go – to avoid any nasty unplanned payments. With Asda Travel Insurance, up to three kids under the age of 18 go free with each insured adult when you go to Asda direct*, so you can get the whole family covered with just a few clicks.

Photographs: Getty Images

Feed the birds As the weather starts to get less chilly, it’s a good time to get the kids interested in nature. Wild birds are always grateful for food, and putting some out is a great way to attract them. Fill a bird feeder with Wild Bird Seed Mix, £4 (4kg; £1/kg), or place a Wild Bird Peanut Candle, £1.75, on your bird table. Then

‘Any advice for booking a holiday on a budget?’

GOOD LIVING WE REVIEW THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT SO YOU CAN KICK BACK & UNWIND…

Me time

Deputy Editor Terry Barbrook chooses the latest DVDs, books and TV for the perfect night in… BOOK OF THE MONTH Widows’ Revenge by Lynda La Plante, £7 ‘Enjoyed last year’s hit film Widows? Yeah, me too. But do you remember the classic 1983 British TV show it was based on – and Dolly Rawlins’s epic perm? Well, this is a sequel to the book of the show (still with me?). It picks up after the heist and a major twist finds Dolly’s crew on the run from a deadly criminal mastermind. If you like crime thrillers with strong female characters and a pinch of noir, this one’s for you.’

For Freddie by Rachael Bland, £8 ‘We were incredibly lucky here at Good Living to interview Rachael Bland of the podcast You, Me and the Big C – along with her co-presenters Deborah James and Lauren Mahon – before Rachael died last year, at the age of just 40. This book is her final gift to her young son Freddie; part memoir, part advice, it’ll have you in floods of tears, whether or not cancer has affected you or someone you love. Ultimately, this is one of the most life-affirming books I’ve ever read. I can’t recommend it enough.’

MUST-WATCH SERIES Santa Clarita Diet, season 3 If you love zombie horror comedies (and why wouldn’t you?), check out this Netflix show. The third series drops this month and again, Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant have to conceal Drew’s new flesh-eating habit. Funnier than it sounds.

the dvds to watch ROCK BIOPIC

Bohemian Rhapsody, £10 ‘I grew up in a house filled with Queen’s music, so I was seriously giddy over this! Rami Malek captures singer Freddie Mercury perfectly.’ Release date 4 March

FANTASY

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, £10 ‘There are many reasons to watch this, including full-on action sequences, but it’s Ezra Miller’s cheekbones that really steal the show.’ Release date 18 March

THRILLER

The Girl in the Spider’s Web, £10 ‘Lisbeth Salander, aka the girl with the dragon tattoo, is a computer hacker on a mission to wreak revenge. Worth a look for star Claire Foy’s hair alone.’ Release date 25 March

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 89

GOOD LIVING

MY FOODIE LIFE

‘I trained as a chef, but hated being in the kitchen’

What was your favourite dish when you were a child? Lasagne. We loved cooking it as a family. One person would do the ragu, another the white sauce and it was a team effort to layer it up. We still have competitions to see who does it best. Do you still cook? Yes, it’s my favourite thing to do. I love experimenting and my signature dish is now seafood lasagne. You trained as a chef, didn’t you? Yes, I won a few competitions when I was still at school and left to become an apprentice chef. I learned to do all the sauces and could break eggs with both hands, but I didn’t really enjoy it as I hated being in the kitchen – so I went into television and trained as a cameraman. I was also dancing at the time and eventually that took over. Who inspired your love of food? My grandma Phyllis, who died recently. She once cooked for the King of Thailand. I have very fond and vivid

‘

My grandma cooked for the King of Thailand

’

memories of her gutting and scaling fish and making her famous fishcakes. I spent time with her before she died and she taught me some of her secret recipes, which I’m in the process of turning into a cookery book. What’s your daily diet like? I don’t diet but I am careful with my food – high protein, low carbs. I cook really well for myself. I like a venison

steak with steamed vegetables, and on Sundays, I love a traditional roast – and I do it properly. It’s a weekly treat I can’t live without. You suffer from osteoporosis. Do you follow any special diet? Not really. I just make sure I don’t have too many fats and that I get enough calcium – and exercise. Everything in moderation. Dream dinner party guests? Stephen Fry, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland – and we’d have to have Fred and Ginger, too. They could provide the after-dinner entertainment. What British food do you enjoy? Toad in the hole and Cornish pasties. I can’t resist them. Favourite Australian dishes? There were only ever barbecues back home, so salads and marinades took centre stage. The men would do the barbecuing and everyone else would bring salads. I remember Auntie June once tripped over while clutching her rice and peas salad. The whole lot went flying. We were laughing our heads off, but she wasn’t too thrilled. Craig’s third autobiography, In Strictest Confidence (Michael O’Mara Books) is out now

CRAIG’S FOODIE HITS AND MISSES

HATE IT

‘I really don’t like offal – I always avoid it!’ 90 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

GUILTY PLEASURE ‘Naughty food heaven would be a double pepperoni pizza.’

RATE IT

‘Sausages and mash, followed by an apple pie with vanilla ice cream.’

Interview: Susan Springate. Photographs: Getty Images

Craig Revel Horwood, 54, was born and raised in Australia and now lives in Hampshire. A choreographer and dancer, he’s best known for being Strictly Come Dancing ’s most outspoken judge

Asda Good Living Magazine March 2019

Articles inside

Fresh Cream Jewelled Eclairs

Smoked Salmon & Chive Soft Cheese Toastie

French Onion Soup Toasted Baguette

Crab Crostini

Blueberry Scones