Asda Magazine February 2021 by Asda

FOOD

LIVING

HEALTH

HOMES

STYLE

FREE

FEBRUARY 2021

Extr a

ser t ome des ng d

Solutions to suit every budget

l ti me ial

Great value makes

Spe c

PLUS

 Perfect pancakes  Free-from dishes  Easy bakes

Share thelove

EXTRA SPECIAL DINE IN FOR TWO 1 STARTER + 1 MAIN + 2 SIDES + 1 DESSERT + 1 DRINK OR CHOCOLATES

WELCOME

WELCOME At last it’s February! It’s the shortest month, and as such edges us ever-closer to spring and the promise of warmer weather (and perhaps something resembling normal life). Despite the current restrictions, it still feels as if there’s so much more to share and get involved with, even if it is via Zoom! So this month, why not find the feel-good factor wherever it’s safe to do so. Go for what you love and do more of it. After all, love isn’t cancelled… Those in the know will be tucking into our Extra Special Dine in for Two (p12) – it means less time in the kitchen and more time spent with that special someone. Our innovation team has worked hard to bring you perfectly seasoned, gourmet-inspired mains and sides, plus indulgent starters and artisan desserts with all the showstopping theatrics you’d expect! No drama or fuss, however – they’re super-easy to cook, with dishes to suit every taste and need, including fabulous vegan and veggie options. There’s Chinese New Year to celebrate, too, with ideas for serving a simply fantastic feast (p14). And, of course, don’t forget World Nutella Day on 5 February – yes, really! This chocolatey treat is a Shrove Tuesday must, and if you’re looking for more pancake recipes and inspiration, head to p15. And as for the rest of the month? Share your HAVE YOU time as best you can, while staying safe and SEEN OUR well. A friendly voice and smiley face RECIPE SITE? makes everyone’s day. Find hundreds of great Until next time… ideas at groceries. asda.com/recipes

GET IN TOUCH

Asda promises to: Provide budget-friendly recipes to help you feed your family for less Ensure meals are nutritionally balanced, and use everyday ingredients Help reduce food waste with super-smart hacks you’ll love

Hana

Hana Keirnan, Asda Editor

Cooked up any of our recipes? Enjoyed some of our fantastic products? Let us know and share your pictures – we’d really love to hear from you. asdamagazineeditor@asda.co.uk Like Asda Follow @Asda #AsdaRecipes Share your pictures @Asda #AsdaMagazine #AsdaRecipes Write to The Editor, Asda Magazine, Asda House, South Bank, Great Wilson Street, Leeds LS11 5AD Call Asda on 0800 952 0101 Visit your local store – find it at storelocator.asda.com

28 Red velvet brownies

ASDA MAGAZINE | 3

Your great value issue!

Great-value, delicious family meal recipes, plus savvy tips, from food blogger Mimi Harrison, of Beat the Budget

33 Beat the budget Insta-cook Mimi whips up four delicious family dinners for less 40 One basket, five meals Feed the family with delicious weeknight dishes, all for less than £25 46 Meal maths The easy way to combine quality ingredients to add up to a perfect winter-warming casserole 54 Supper on a shoestring Food assistant Mandy James’ recipe for simply delicious store-cupboard pasta cacio e pepe

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 Asda.com this same price per serving will be shown, however buying all the ingredients needed may cost more – this is because it will be the total cost of purchasing everything you need to make the recipe, not the ‘price per serving’; see above for this definition.

4 | ASDA MAGAZINE

Look out for the price per serving on our recipes, which helps you plan meals on a budget* Piri piri chicken burger, p40

61p PER

SERVING

Kale & bacon pearl barley ‘risotto’, p21

25+ budget-friendly recipe ideas

Cacio e pepe, p54

Dairy-free Thai-inspired salmon curry, p25

On the cover: This month…, p10. Photograph: Vinny Whiteman. Styling: Sarah Birks. Food styling: Lorna Brash

We create fantastic recipes at pocket-friendly prices because we always have value in mind

Mimi Feeds 4 for £4!

CONTENTS FOOD 10 This month… Food news and views 15 Perfect pancakes! From savoury to sweet, and classics with a twist 21 4 ways with kale Make this versatile leafy veg the star of the show 23 Make it… Simple recipes for all your tastes and needs

KEEP IT Sweet

Lust list Our selection of this month’s feelgood best buys 70 World Book Day Claim your free book and help get kids reading 74 Life talk Actor and musician Martin Kemp on dogs, exercise and the power of talking

Try our clever ideas for making the most of leftover salad leaves…

All Live Better recipes are low in saturated fat. Reducing consumption of saturated fat contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels.

LIVING 6

Dreamy desserts to make with love…

LOOK OUT FOR THESE SYMBOLS: Vegetarian Vegan Gluten-free Dairy-free Live Better

27 The sweetest thing Impress someone special with these treats 48 Waste not, want it… Ways to use up leftover salad 52 Triple tested teatime Three families try our recipe for homemade crunchy fish fingers

CASSEROLES Make meal maths easy with mix-and-match quality ingredients that add up to an easy, comforting casserole.

PANCAKES YOU’LL LOVE From easy-prep batter to super-tasty toppings, we’ve got everything you need to serve up irresistible pancakes this Shrove Tuesday

THRIVE 55 B e kind to yourself Six pages of expert life inspiration

STYLE 63 10 picks to make you feel good… This season’s top style and homes must-haves from George 67 It’s joyful, it’s fun… it’s G21! Influencer Phoenix Brown on George’s new fashion collection 68 Three ways to wear leopard print Style combinations from George 69 Get happy! Perfect pampering toiletries that make great gifts

HOMEs 71 Safari suppers Jungle-themed tableware from George Home

COMMUNITY 72 H eart of the community How Asda colleagues are helping out…

We’re committed to giving you great-quality food at prices that won’t break the bank – every time you shop. That’s Asda price! HEARST Head of content Tory Frost Creative director Alex Nicholas Editor Claire Lavelle Food editor Gregor McMaster Art director Jack Cunningham Art editor Natalie Williams Senior designer Ellie Palmer Junior designer Emma Langschied

Workflow director Rob Buxton Deputy chief sub editor Sue Sharrock Senior sub editor Gwennan Thomas Food assistant Mandy James Digital editor Harriette Casey Content producers Emilie Wade, Ellie Lane Video producer Lydia Bowden Head of client services Kirsty Ware

Group account director Lorna East Account director Hannah Heartfield Acting account director Jay Maranan Account manager Chloe Patmore Account director, George Emma Ferguson Acting account director, George Lauren Wright Production manager, George Tom Miller

ASDA Content manager Sarah Thom Editor Hana Keirnan Asda Magazine content planners Jo Shaw, Katherine Youle Asda Magazine content coordinator Kelly Ward ADVERTISING Nicola Brame For all advertising enquiries, contact nicola.brame @asda.co.uk

Asda Magazine 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. © 2021 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. Asda Magazine 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

ASDA MAGAZINE | 5

february

Lust list

This month, it’s all about love, friendship, family and home – check out our top feelgood picks, in store and online… WHERE TO BUY

George.com

ASDA.com/groceries

In store

MOUSE OF FUN

SO LUCKY

VEGAN GENIUS

Cheer up any room with a framed print of Disney’s most famous duo. Disney Mickey & Minnie wall art, £8

The perfect gift for the perfect couple… but who deserves which mug? Lucky and Luckier mugs, £1 each

The CBBC star, also the UK’s youngest award-winning vegan chef, shares his recipes. Omari McQueen’s Best Bites Cook Book, £7

ALL DRESSED UP Help your little one look the part on World Book Day with these Hermione and doctor dress-up outfits. For more on World Book Day, see p70. Hermione outfit, from £15; Doctor costume*, £8

6 | ASDA.COM

DAISY, DAISY… Give your bedroom a spring-ready refresh with a pretty, floral-print duvet cover and matching pillowcases. Garden floral double duvet set, £12

Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. *Available online from 10 January 2021; available in store from 15 February 2021. **Price from 8-20 February 2021. †Men’s range available online only; kids’ and women’s ranges limited stores only

LIVING

FOR YOUR HONEY

COLOUR ME HAPPY

This everlasting plant in a cute pot is the gift that keeps on giving. Faux succulent in bee planter, £5

Keep the kids entertained for hours with these fun character colouring books – at pocket-money prices. Disney Princess and Marvel Avengers Colouring Books, was £1, now 90p** each

JUST GLOW FOR IT

WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

BE MINE!

Set a relaxing mood with this beautiful lamp in textured pale-green glass with a gold-coloured base. Glass table lamp, £15

Brighten up your bathroom with these cheerful statement towels, available in three sizes. Yellow bee print cotton towels, from £4 each

No romance? No problem! Raise a glass to the other special people in your life instead. Cheers! Cupid glass, £2

ALWAYS IN BLOOM Show someone special that you care with a single red rose – this fab faux bud will blossom forever! Artificial single red rose, £1

THE PERFECT MATCH Kindness is key, so get the whole family on message with this stylish collection of slogan tees and tops for adults and kids. Be kind, be cool range†, from £4

ASDA.COM | 7

FOOD

Show them you care with our Extra Special Dine in for Two, sweet treats they’ll adore and tasty new twists on much-loved favourites

Photographs: Toby Scott. Styling: Julie Patmore. Food styling: Jenna Leiter

Jam heartI biscuits, p28

BAKED

LOVE

WITH

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 9

This month… Food editor Gregor McMaster introduces dishes and drinks for treating someone special, plus best-in-season news and views

‘On a mission to eat your 5-a-day this month? Our produce aisle is bursting with versatile seasonal fresh vegetables and fruit. ‘First up is cauliflower, which isn’t just for cauli cheese! Use it to make everything from gluten-free pizza bases to tasty cauli “rice”. Or, for a spicy twist, try roasting florets with red curry paste, sugar snaps, peanuts and lime for a veggie Thai-style traybake. ‘Citrus fruits are also great now. Let their zestiness shine in salads, on sticky cake toppings, or roasted with chicken or duck. Or simply eat for a vitamin C-packed treat.’ Grower’s Selection Cauliflower, 95p; Grower’s Selection Oranges, £1.25 (5-pack; 25p each); Grower’s Selection Grapefruit, £1.35 (3-pack; 45p each)

10 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

r e w

Cauliflo

best in season

Citrus

For these seasonal ideas and more, go to ASDA.GL/ February

FOOD

WHAT WE’RE DRINKING Celebrate a special moment or toast the end of Dry Jan with these top tipples…

m t o h r f e h oven s rF e

‘Pop the cork – or even the question – with this award-winning Champagne, fizzing with aromas of fresh apple and heady vanilla.’ Henri Cachet Champagne Brut, £13.50 (75cl) ‘Just the job for pizza lovers, this veggie Italian-style classic tops a thin-crust base with red onion, mushroom, green pepper, sweetcorn and melting cheese hearts. Perfection.’ Asda Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Pizza*, £3

HAVE A HEART

HOP TO IT ‘Enjoy two classic Southern USA flavours with this wonderful blend of peach liqueur and bourbon. The deliciously balanced sweet smokiness is perfect for winter cocktails. Cheers!’ Jim Beam Peach, £13 (70cl; £18.57/L)

‘Put a smile on their face with these fun cupcakes! I love the toffee-flavoured frosting and cute frog decoration.’ Asda You Make Me Hoppy Cupcakes**, £1.50 (2-pack; 75p each)

Alcohol can only be purchased in store or delivered between 10am and 10pm in Scotland. 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 a loved one (or perhaps yourself!) to these delicious fluffy crumpets. Try them toasted and spread with creamy butter and honey – a quick win for a cosy breakfast in bed!’ Asda Heart Crumpets**, £1 (4-pack; 25p each)

SPICE IT UP ‘This fun, gently spiced crisp gingerbread is made for sharing with someone special. Pop the kettle on for your favourite brew, then tuck in together. They’ll love it – and you, too.’ Asda Heart Sharing Gingerbread**, 59p ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 11

Fillippoi Sansovinoi Proseccoi

Extra Special Green Vegetable Medley

b topping

Cheddar crum

Extra Special Dauphinoise Potatoes

12 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

Extra Special Breaded Camemberts with Cranberry & Port Dip

i s r l d oin stea e r u t a m k y a d 28Extra Special Sirloini Steak with Pinki Peppercorn Butteri

FOOD

Your choice… ‘Looking for a totally vegan selection? Check out these delicious plant-based dishes that are included in our great-value Dine in for Two…’

Vegan menu

EXTRA SPECIAL DINE IN FOR TWO 1 STARTER + 1 MAIN + 2 SIDES + 1 DESSERT + 1 DRINK OR CHOCOLATES

Starter

Extra Special Duckless Spring Ro lls With tasty duck-style pieces, wate r chestnuts and veg, plus a rich hoisin dipping sauce

Main

Melt to

ntre

w o r b n l i a e ce e v er

Extra Special ‘Mel t My Heart’ Burgers

Tender meat-free, pepper-seasoned burgers with a sundried tomato and chilli cheese-al ternative melt

Extra Special Trip le Cooked Chunky Ch ips

Wonderfully golden and fluffy, mad e from Maris Piper potatoes with a crack of sea salt and black pepper

Extra Special Pea Crush

Prepared with British-grown peas , finished with vibrant mint, red chilli and garli c

Extra Special Melting Reveal Chocolate Dome

Dessert

Extra Special Chocolate Ganache Hearts

Made with a Belgian dark chocolate and coconut cream ganache plus a raspberry com pote centre

‘Treat someone to a gourmet meal at home with our Extra Special Dine in for Two. There’s something for everyone from our selection of dishes, with meat, seafood and veggie/vegan options to mix and match. Simply pick a starter, a main, two sides, a dessert and a drink or chocolates – all for £15*.’

Drink

Fentimans Pink Rhubarb Tonic Wate r

A premium tonic, with notes of tang y rhubarb and vintage sweets – tart and refre shing all at once!

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 13

Veggie noodle s

FOOD

isp d cr

Crunchy a n

It’s Chinese new year!

‘Choose from our great-value range of ready-to-heat starters, sides and mains, and serve up an oriental takeaway-style feast to celebrate Chinese New Year on 12 February.’

Asda Prawn Toast, was £2.50, now £2.35* (200g; £1.18/100g)

14 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

Asda Egg Fried Rice, was £1.60, now £1.20* (300g; 40p/100g)

Asda Sweet & Sour Chicken, was £3.50, now £2.50* (400g; 63p/100g)

Asda Vegetable Chow Mein, was £3.50, now £2.50* (400g; 63p/100g)

Photographs: Toby Scott, Ant Duncan, Getty Images. Styling: Julie Patmore, Rob Merrett. Food styling: Jenna Leiter

Sweet and sou r

FOOD

From classics with a twist to inspiring mealtime solutions, Shrove Tuesday (16 February) is the perfect excuse to get creative. Bring on the batter! ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 15

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE THE NEW CLASSIC Lemon drizzle & blueberry poppy seed pancakes

A tasty combo of two fruit pancake faves, with a sprinkling of seeds for crunch MAKES 8 SERVINGS READY IN 25 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 50p ● 1½tbsp poppy seeds ● 155g pack Asda Pancake

Shaker

● 290ml semi-skimmed

milk

● 20g unsalted butter,

cut into 8 cubes

● 3tbsp Extra Special

Lemon Curd

● 1 lemon, zested and cut

into wedges, to serve

● 250g blueberries ● 1tbsp icing sugar, to dust

1 Add the poppy seeds to the dry mixture in the

shaker; shake to mix well. Add the milk and shake according to the pack instructions until combined. 2 In a 20cm nonstick frying pan, heat 1 cube butter on a medium setting until melted and barely frothing. Add enough batter to create a thin pancake, tilting the pan to cover the base. Fry for 1-2 mins until the pancake no longer sticks. Flip, then fry for 1 min. Put on a plate. 3 Repeat with the rest of the butter and batter until

you have 8 pancakes. 4 Drizzle each pancake with a little lemon curd, fold in half twice to form a wedge shape, and arrange, overlapping, on a platter. 5 Sprinkle over the zest and blueberries, drizzle with the remaining curd, dust with the icing sugar and serve with the lemon wedges. Energy

Each 100g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Med

Low

695kJ 5.7g 166kcal Med

2.5g 13%

11.0g 0.18g Med

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 695kJ/166kcal

Asda Pancake Shaker, £1 (155g; 65p/100g) 16 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

Mix 1tbsp gin into the lemon curd for an adults-only twist!

TOP TIP

FOOD

THE NEW SAVOURY Full English vegan pancake

Turn pancakes into a meal with our Plant Based range plus loads of colourful, fresh vegetables SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINS, PRICE PER SERVING £1.92 ● 4 Plant Based

Meat-Free Sausages ● 250g pack Extra Special Baby Portobello Mushrooms ● 4 This Isn’t Bacon Plant-Based Rashers ● 100g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes ● 100g baby leaf spinach ● 150g self-raising flour ● ½tsp baking powder ● 290ml unsweetened oat milk alternative ● 1tbsp rapeseed oil ● 10g flat-leaf parsley, chopped

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 2 Put the sausages on a baking tray. Roast in the oven for 10 mins, adding the mushrooms after 5 mins. 3 Add the ‘bacon’, cherry tomatoes and spinach to the tray. Season with pepper and return to the oven for 10 mins until the rashers are crisp and the toms are starting to burst. 4 Meanwhile, mix together the flour, baking powder and oat milk alternative in a jug. This will make it easier to

pour the batter into the pan. 5 Heat a little of the oil in a nonstick frying pan over a medium setting, then add enough batter to create a pancake 2-3mm thick, tilting the pan to cover the base evenly. Cook for 1-2 mins until the pancake no longer sticks, then flip carefully with a fish slice and cook for 1 min more. 6 Repeat until you have 4 pancakes, then put on individual warmed plates. 7 Divide the sausages, bacon and veg between the pancakes. Sprinkle with the parsley to serve. Energy

Each 277g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1,182kJ 8.6g 283kcal Med

14%

12%

Salt

1.7g

1.9g

1.19g

Low

Med

20%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 427kJ/102kcal

Plant Based 6 Meat-Free Sausages, £2.35 (270g; 87p/100g) Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 17

THE NEW SWEET Salted caramel & maple pancake stack

● 10g pecans, chopped ● 135g self-raising flour ● 2tsp baking powder ● 1tsp ground cinnamon ● 150ml semi-skimmed

milk

● 1 large egg, lightly

beaten

● 2tbsp salted caramel

sauce

● 15g unsalted butter,

cut into 6 cubes

● 2-3 chunks Extra Special

Chocolate Honeycomb, roughly chopped ● 2tbsp maple syrup, to serve

1 Put the pecans in a dry frying pan and cook over a medium heat for 2-3 mins until light golden. Set aside. 2 Whisk the flour together with the baking powder and ground cinnamon until combined. 3 Make a well in the middle and pour in the milk, egg and caramel sauce. Whisk until smooth, drawing the flour in from the edges, then set aside to stand for 1-2 mins until thickened. 4 Heat 1 cube of the butter in a nonstick frying pan over a medium heat. Add a ladleful of the pancake batter and fry for 3-5 mins on each side until golden and risen. Repeat until all the batter is used up. 5 Arrange the pancakes in a stack, then top with the chopped honeycomb and pecans. Drizzle with the maple syrup to serve. Energy

Each 81g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Med

847kJ 7.1g 203kcal Med

10%

3.5g 10.5g 0.70g 18%

Med

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,046kJ/250kcal

18 | ASDA.COM

Photographs: Ant Duncan. Styling: Rob Merrett. Food styling: Jenna Leiter

A spoonful of cinnamon in the batter adds a subtle warmth to these fluffy dessert pancakes MAKES 6 SERVINGS READY IN 25 MINS PRICE PER SERVING 38p

FOOD

THE ESSENTIALS Everything you need for a perfect pancake day, from batter mixes and delicious ready-made varieties to handy cooking equipment

LET’S GET COOKING Bought your ingredients? Now why not get some helpful tools to cook with. Switch things up with this handy waffle maker, for a batter-based alternative Or keep kids happy with a frying pan with a fun Pepper Pig design.

QUICK & EASY

TOPPING IT ALL OFF Love a chocolatey pancake filling? Or prefer good old lemon and sugar? Whatever your favourite topping, we’ve got it covered…

THE KIT

Salter Deep Fill Waffle Maker*, was £24.96, now £18†

Nutella, was £2.90, now £2** (350g; 57p/100g)

Tefal 25cm Peppa Pig Pancake pan and squeezy bottle*, was £18, now £12**

JUST EAT

GOOD TO GO

Billington’s Golden Granulated Sugar, was £1.39, now £1** (500g; 20p/100g)

MIX IT UP These mixes are perfect for a fuss-free pancake day, whatever your favourite flavour – with a gluten-free and dairy-free option, too. Asda Free From Pancake Shaker, £1 (155g; 65p/ 100g); Asda American Style Choc-Chip Pancake Mix, £1 (155g; 65p/100g); Asda Batter Mix, £1.50 (480g; 31p/100g)

Short on time? Try a tasty ready-made pancake. Asda 6 Chocolate Hazelnut Crêpes, £1.09 (6-pack; 18p each); Baker’s Selection Milk Chocolate Chip Pancakes, £1 (5-pack; 20p each); Baker’s Selection Maple Pancakes, £1 (5-pack; 20p each)

Rowse Runny Honey, was £2.85, now £2 (340g; 59p/100g) ASDA.COM | 19

FOOD Vegan green veg spaghetti

Grower’s Selection Curly Kale*

50p

4 WAYS WITH… Crunchy kale & Parmesan crisps

Kale

This dark, leafy green is super-versatile and adds an earthy flavour to breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Enjoy!

Kale & bacon pearl barley ‘risotto’

Apple & kale smoothie bowl Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. *Grower’s Selection British Unwashed Sliced Curly Kale, 50p (150g; 33p/kg)

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 21

FOOD

This pasta dish is sauced with a tasty kale pesto SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING £1.24 1 Soak 30g almonds, chopped, in boiling water for 10 mins, then drain. 2 Wash 150g sliced kale, remove the woody stems, and put ½ in a sieve over the sink with 80g frozen peas. Pour over boiling water, allow to cool, then squeeze out excess liquid. 3 Process the almonds, blanched kale and peas, 1 clove garlic, crushed, 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 30g basil, and the zest and juice 1 lemon until smooth. 4 Cook 250g spaghetti in boiling water for 6 mins. 5 Add the remaining kale, 120g frozen peas, 160g

Tenderstem broccoli, chopped, and a 125g pack Extra Special Asparagus Tips, chopped. Cook for 2-3 mins until veg is tender and pasta is al dente. 6 Drain the spaghetti and veg, reserving 50ml of the cooking water. Stir in the kale pesto; thin with a little of the water, if needed. 7 Divide between 4 plates and top with 20g almonds, chopped, extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil to serve. Energy

1 of your 5-a-day

Each 400g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2.4g

4.8g 0.04g

Salt

Low

1,958kJ 18.0g 468kcal Med

23%

26%

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 490kJ/117kcal

Crunchy kale & Parmesan crisps

These crinkly baked kale bites make a delicious snack or crouton-style topper for soups and salads SERVES 4 READY IN 20 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 32p

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 2 Put 200g sliced curly kale, washed and woody stems removed, in a large bowl. Drizzle over 1tbsp rapeseed oil then use your hands to toss together until the kale is coated. 3 Sprinkle over 15g Parmesan, finely grated, and 1 sprig rosemary, chopped, then season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat. 4 Arrange the kale on the baking trays, in a single

layer. Bake for 12-15 mins, until very crisp – if the trays are on different shelves, switch halfway through. Check the kale while it’s cooking, too, to make sure it’s crisping but not starting to burn. If some of the leaves appear to be overdone while others are undercooked, gently move them around on the trays. 5 Allow the crisps to cool fully before serving. Energy 253kJ 60kcal

4.6g

Each 42g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.0g

0.6g 0.11g

Salt

Med

Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 602kJ/144kcal

Kale & bacon pearl barley ‘risotto’

Apple & kale smoothie bowl

SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR PRICE PER SERVING 62p

SERVES 4 READY IN 8 MINS, PLUS CHILLING PRICE PER SERVING 49p

Earthy kale works well with smoky bacon in a dish that’s simpler to cook than a traditional rice risotto 1 Heat 1tbsp rapeseed oil in a pan and cook 1 onion, finely chopped, over a medium setting, for 6 mins or until softened. 2 Add 1 clove garlic, chopped, and 4 rashers streaky bacon, thinly sliced. Cook for 3-5 mins until the bacon is starting to colour and turn crispy. 3 Stir in 200g Asda Pearl Barley, rinsed, and 2 sprigs thyme. Add 2 reduced-salt chicken stock cubes, made up to 800ml with boiling water, to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 mins, stirring occasionally.

22 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

4 Stir in 100g sliced curly kale, washed, with woody stems removed. Cook for 10-15 mins, topping up with hot water if needed. 5 When the pearl barley is tender, stir in 2tbsp reduced-fat crème fraîche and season with freshly ground black pepper. 6 Take the pan off the heat, remove the thyme, divide between 4 bowls and scatter over 20g Parmesan, shaved, to serve. Energy

Each 336g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

4.0g

2.4g 1.28g

Salt

Low

1,392kJ 11.1g 333kcal Med

17%

16%

20%

21%

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

This fruity, nutty vegan smoothie is so thick and creamy, you need a spoon! Ideal for breakfast

1 Halve 3 ripe Grower’s Selection Granny Smith Apples and remove the cores. Peel 2½ of them and cut into chunks; leave the remaining ½ apple unpeeled and set aside. 2 Peel 1 ripe banana and cut into 1cm slices. 3 Put the apple chunks and banana in a blender with 30g Grower’s Selection British Unwashed Sliced Curly Kale, washed, 2tbsp peanut butter and 300ml unsweetened almond milk alternative. Whizz together until smoothly combined.

4 Divide the smoothie mixture between 4 bowls, then put in the fridge for 10 mins to chill. 5 Cut the reserved ½ apple into thin slices. 6 To serve, carefully float the apple slices on the surface of the smoothie, then scatter with toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and flaked almonds. (Or substitute your choice of seed and nut mixture.) Energy

1 of your 5-a-day

Each 215g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

603kJ 5.4g 144kcal Low

0.9g 17.8g 0.22g 5%

Med

20%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 280kJ/67kcal

Photographs: Jonathan Kennedy, Toby Scott, Maja Smend. Styling: Sarah Birks, Tamzin Ferdinando, Rob Merrett. Food styling: Cate Dixon, Matthew Ford, Ellie Mulligan

Vegan green veg spaghetti

FOOD FROM TASTY VEGGIE DISHES TO FREE-FROM MIDWEEK MEALS, OUR EASY RECIPES ARE HERE FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS

Make it… VEGETARIAN Moroccan-style stuffed red peppers

Sweet pointed red peppers are roasted with a sautéed veg and spicy cous cous filling SERVES 4 READY IN 40 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.41 ● 1tsp rapeseed oil ● 1 small aubergine,

● 3tbsp pomegranate

● 1 red onion, finely

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 2 Heat the oil in a pan and fry the aubergine, onion, garlic, courgette, cumin, coriander and oregano on low for 10 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened. 3 Make the cous cous according to the pack instructions, then stir in

cut into 1cm chunks

chopped ● 2 cloves garlic, crushed ● 1 medium courgette, cut into 1cm chunks ● 1tsp ground cumin ● 1tsp ground coriander ● 1tsp dried oregano ● 100g sachet Asda Spicy Vegetable Cous Cous ● Zest and juice ½ lemon, plus wedges to serve ● 25g pack flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped ● 4 Extra Special Sweet Pointed Peppers, halved lengthways and seeds removed

seeds

the fried vegetables, lemon zest and juice, and parsley, saving a little to garnish. 4 Arrange the peppers in a roasting dish, cut side up, and stuff with the cous cous mixture. Cover with foil and roast for 10 mins. Remove the foil and cook for 10-15 mins until the peppers are soft.

5 Top with the pomegranate and remaining parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

2 of your 5-a-day

Energy 754kJ 180kcal

2.6g

Each 322g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.6g 10.6g 0.39g

Salt

Low

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 234kJ/56kcal

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 23

Make it… GLUTEN-FREE Sweet potato & sausage pizza

A tasty base of nutty sweet potato mash is topped with sausage chunks and two types of cheese SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.15 ● 4 medium sweet

potatoes, peeled and cut into 2cm chunks ● 100g ground almonds ● 2tsp smoked paprika ● 1tsp dried oregano ● 1tsp rapeseed oil, plus extra for greasing ● 1 large red onion, sliced ● 2 Extra Special Classic Pork Sausages, meat squeezed out of casings ● 2tsp fennel seeds ● 4tbsp tomato passata 24 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

with basil

● ½ x 125g ball light

mozzarella, torn and patted dry ● 6 cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered ● 10g Parmesan shavings ● Watercress, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. 2 Put the sweet potato in a bowl with 1tbsp water, cover with clingfilm and

microwave on high for 15 mins until very soft. Leave to cool slightly. Mash with the almonds, paprika and oregano until smooth. 3 Line a large baking tray with nonstick baking paper and lightly grease. Spread the sweet potato mixture into a 5mm deep rectangle. Bake for 10 mins. 4 Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pan on high and add the onion, sausages and fennel. Fry for 6 mins, breaking up the sausage meat with the back of a wooden spoon. 5 Spread the passata over the pizza base, leaving 2cm around the edge. Top

with the sausage mixture, mozzarella and tomatoes. Return to the oven for 10-15 mins until crisp and golden. 6 Top with the Parmesan, watercress and a grind of black pepper to serve. Energy

Each 342g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Med

Low

2,061kJ 25.7g 492kcal High

25%

37%

5.5g 15.4g 0.82g

28%

Low

17%

14%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 602kJ/144kcal

Extra Special 6 Classic Pork Sausages, £2.25 (400g; 56p/100g) or 2 for £4

FOOD

Make it… DAIRY-FREE Thai-inspired salmon curry

Coconut milk adds a delicious creaminess to this veg-packed curry with tender chunks of salmon SERVES 6 READY IN 30 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.98

● Juice 1 lime, plus extra

● 1tsp rapeseed oil ● 4 shallots, thinly sliced ● 3 large cloves garlic,

● Cooked rice, to serve

finely crushed

● 5cm thumb-sized piece

ginger, finely grated

● 2tbsp Asda Red Thai

Curry Paste

● 400ml reduced-fat

coconut milk

● 1 Oxo 25% Less Salt

removed), cut into 3cm chunks ● 1 aubergine, cut into 3cm chunks ● 160g Extra Special Hand Picked Tenderstem Broccoli, halved if large ● 160g sugarsnap peas ● 140g pack baby corn, halved lengthways

to serve

(optional)

1 Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic and ginger and fry for 5 mins until starting to soften but not taking on any colour. 2 Add the curry paste and fry for 1-2 mins until fragrant. Mix in the coconut milk, stock and fish sauce.

Energy

Each 368g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1,940kJ 18.8g 6.6g 464kcal Med High

23%

27%

33%

Salt

4.4g 1.73g Low

Med

29%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 527kJ/126kcal

Photographs: Maja Smend. Styling: Rob Merrett. Food styling: Cate Dixon

Vegetable Stock Cube, made up to 300ml

● 1tbsp fish sauce ● 4 salmon fillets (skin

wedges to serve

● 1 red chilli, thinly sliced ● Handful basil leaves,

3 Bring to the boil then add the salmon, aubergine, broccoli, sugarsnaps and corn. Cover and simmer gently for 8 mins until the veg is tender and the salmon is starting to flake. 4 Mix through the lime juice and season to taste with black pepper. 5 Top the curry with the chilli, basil and a grind of pepper, then serve with lime wedges and rice, if you like.

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 25

FOOD

The sweetest thing Rustle up a decadent treat for somebody special with these totally adorable ideas. We love them…

Red velvet brownies, p28

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 27

● 250g unsalted butter ● 400g white chocolate,

chopped

● 250g caster sugar ● 4 large eggs ● 100g soft brown

sugar

● 1tsp white wine

vinegar

Red velvet brownies

This stunning twist on a classic treat uses tasty white chocolate in the brownie mix to make the red colour stand out – and the extra chocolate swirled over the top looks amazing, too MAKES 24 SERVINGS READY IN 50 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 32p

● 1tsp vanilla extract ● 100g plain flour ● 20g cocoa, sifted ● 3tsp Dr. Oetker Extra

Strong Food Colour Gel in Red

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. Grease a 20cm x 30cm rectangular cake tin and line with baking paper. 2 Put the butter and 200g of the chopped white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, making

Jam heart biscuits

These DIY versions of fruity jam-filled sandwich biscuits are made from crunchy shortbread MAKES 8 READY IN 35 MINS, PLUS COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 8p ● 50g Asda Best for Baking

Biscuits & Pastry spread ● 25g caster sugar ● 75g plain flour, plus extra for dusting ● 1tbsp cornflour ● 3tbsp jam (we used 1tbsp each apricot, raspberry and blackcurrant) ● 1tsp icing sugar, for dusting 1 Beat the spread and caster sugar until smooth,

28 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

then mix in the flour, cornflour and 1tbsp water to give a smooth paste. 2 Turn out onto a lightly floured work surface and knead briefly until the mixture comes together in a ball. Roll out to 3mm thick, then use a 4.5cm fluted cutter to cut out 16 biscuits, rerolling the dough as necessary. Put on a baking tray lined with baking paper.

sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Heat for 5 mins, stirring frequently, until fully melted. Add the caster sugar and stir through. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool for 10 mins. 3 Meanwhile, put the eggs in a clean bowl and whisk for 3 mins until lightened in colour. Sprinkle over the brown sugar and whisk again until fully combined. 4 Add the egg mixture to the cooled white chocolate mixture and stir gently to combine. Stir through the white wine vinegar and vanilla extract. 5 Sprinkle over the plain flour and the cocoa powder, then fold through until combined. Add the red food gel and stir gently until fully

incorporated. Pour into the lined tin and level out the surface. 6 Melt the remaining 200g white chocolate in a bowl over simmering water as before, then pour over the top of the brownie mix in a swirling motion. Use a skewer or the tip of a thin knife to marble through. 7 Bake for 35 mins or until almost fully set. 8 Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 10 mins. Transfer to a wire rack and cut into a grid of 6 x 4 to give 24 brownies. Leave to cool completely before serving.

3 Use a small heart-shaped cutter or template to cut a ‘heart’ out of the middle of 8 of the cookies. Put the hearts on the baking tray with the biscuits and chill for 30 mins. 4 Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. 5 Bake the biscuits for 12-15 mins until lightly golden. Leave on a rack

to cool completely. 6 Spread the bases of the 8 whole biscuits with the jam, then carefully sandwich the heart-cutout biscuits on top. Dust with the icing sugar to serve.

Energy

Each 58g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

High

Low

1,073kJ 15.1g 256kcal High

13%

22%

8.7g 23.8g 0.10g

44%

High

26%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,849kJ/442kcal

Energy 462kJ 110kcal

4.6g

Each 27g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.1g

6.5g 0.08g

Salt

Med

High

Low

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,711kJ/409kcal

TOP TIP If

you don’t have a heart-shaped cookie cutter, draw a heart about 2cm across onto a piece of card, cut it out and use as a template

FOOD

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 29

FOOD Salted caramel panna cotta

An indulgent, creamy pud topped with decadent chocolate spread, nutty praline and a sticky caramel sauce. Simply delicious! MAKES 8 SERVINGS READY IN 25 MINS, PLUS CHILLING AND COOLING PRICE PER SERVING 64p

Photographs: Toby Scott. Styling: Julie Patmore. Food styling: Jenna Leiter

● 4½ leaves gelatine ● 250ml semi-skimmed milk ● 400ml whipping cream ● 5tbsp salted caramel sauce ● 20g flaked almonds ● 40g caster sugar ● 4tbsp Lindt Chocolate Spread

1 Soak the gelatine in water in a small bowl for 5 mins until soft. 2 Heat the milk, cream and 4tbsp of the caramel sauce in a pan on a medium setting for 2-3 mins until steam is starting to rise but the mixture hasn’t reached simmering point. Remove from the heat. 3 Squeeze the excess water from the gelatine. Add the gelatine to the warm milk mixture and stir to combine until smooth. 4 Pour into 8 small ramekins and chill for at least 6 hrs or until set. 5 To make the praline, spread the almonds on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Put the sugar in a pan set over a medium heat and cook for 4-5 mins until it has turned into a deep caramel. Swirl the pan to make sure it caramelises evenly – but don’t stir. 6 Pour the caramel over the almonds and leave to set. Turn out onto a board and finely chop. 7 To serve, decorate each panna cotta with a little of the remaining 1tbsp caramel sauce, the chocolate spread and chopped praline. Energy

Each 106g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

16%

36%

1,313kJ 25.4g 14.8g 18.0g 0.17g 314kcal High High Med Low

74%

20%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 1,238kJ/296kcal

30 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

TOP TIP The panna cotta can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days before decorating

FOOD FEED

4 £4 FOR

BEAT THE BUDGET

Insta-chef and budget recipe whizz Mimi Harrison feeds four people for under £4*

*Price does not include the cost of store-cupboard staples, listed as such in the ingredients. Based on prices at time of going to press; subject to change

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 33

HOW MIMI takes flavour to the next level Insta-chef Mimi Harrison (@beatthebudget) shares her top tips for making the most of store cupboard herbs and spices FINISH OFF WITH HERBS A sprinkling of herbs adds flavour, texture and contrast, elevating any budget meal. I love mint or coriander on curries, basil or parsley on tomato dishes, and thyme or rosemary in creamy recipes. However, there are no strict rules, so get creative! ‘BLOOM’ YOUR SPICES To make the most of their flavour, add near the start of cooking. Fry the ‘base’ ingredients, such as onions or garlic, then add the spices to let them infuse the oil. After 1 min, add the stock to prevent the spices burning. EXPLORE UMAMI This fifth taste is the savoury punch you get from such ingredients as mushrooms, Parmesan, anchovies, soy and walnuts. Experiment to see where you can add it!

34 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

82p PER

SERVING*

FOOD Ham, leek & sweet potato mini calzones

Think pasties made with pizza dough, wrapped around a hearty filling of ham and fresh veg and served with a tangy onion salad SERVES 4 READY IN 55 MINS ● 1 medium leek, finely chopped ● 1 medium sweet potato, diced ● 150g wafer-thin cooked ham,

sliced into strips

● 125g light mascarpone ● 2tsp wholegrain mustard ● 290g pack Asda Pizza Mix ● Mixed leaf salad, to serve ● ¼ red onion, thinly sliced, to serve

STORE CUPBOARD

● 1tbsp olive oil ● ½ reduced-salt chicken stock

cube, made up to 200ml

77p

● 1 egg, beaten, to glaze

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/ Gas 4. Line a large baking tray with baking paper. 2 For the filling, heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan, on a low setting. Add the leek and sweet potato, season with black pepper, then fry gently for 8 mins or until the veg has softened. 3 Add the stock to the pan and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 mins, until the liquid starts to thicken. 4 Stir in the ham, mascarpone and mustard; leave to cool for 15-20 mins. 5 Meanwhile, make the pizza mix into a dough according to pack instructions. Knead for 5 mins. Divide into 4 balls. 6 Roll each ball into a circle about 10cm in diameter. Add ¼ of the filling on one half of each circle, leaving a border around the edge. Dab the borders with a little water, fold over to form a semicircle, then crimp together to seal. 7 Put on the baking tray, brush with egg and bake for 25-30 mins or until golden brown. Top the salad leaves with the onion and serve on the side. Energy

Each 344g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2,447kJ 21.0g 10.7g 585kcal Med High

29%

30%

54%

Salt

8.9g 1.79g Low

10%

Med

30%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 711kJ/170kcal

PER

SERVING*

Sweet chilli tofu with soy broccoli & rice

Tofu soaks up the caramelised, sweet chilli flavours from chargrilling, while oven-roasting the broccoli with soy adds an extra hit of umami SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINS ● 1 head broccoli, cut into florets ● 400g firm-textured tofu, cubed

and patted dry with kitchen roll

● 3tbsp sweet chilli sauce ● Juice 1 lime ● 250g rice, cooked according to

the pack instructions, to serve

● 2 spring onions, sliced, to serve ● 1tbsp torn coriander, to serve

STORE CUPBOARD

● 1tbsp reduced-salt soy sauce ● 2tbsp vegetable oil ● 1tbsp cornflour ● 1 reduced-salt vegetable stock

cube made up to 300ml

1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/ Gas 6. 2 On a baking tray, toss the broccoli with the soy sauce and ½ the oil to

Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. *Price per serving shown does not include the cost of store-cupboard staples, listed as such in the ingredients. Based on prices at time of going to press; subject to change

coat. Pop in the oven for 20 mins. 3 Meanwhile, put the tofu in a bowl with the sweet chilli sauce. Stir to coat. 4 Heat the remaining oil in a large nonstick frying pan on medium-high. Add the tofu and cook for 12-14 mins, turning, until nicely charred all over. 5 Add the cornflour to the bowl the tofu was in. Mix with any chilli sauce left in it, then gradually stir in the stock. 6 Pour the mixture into the pan and boil until thickened. Add the lime juice. 7 Divide the rice between 4 plates. Top with the broccoli, tofu, spring onions and coriander to serve. Energy

1 of your 5-a-day

Each 469g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.9g

8.4g 0.61g

Salt

Low

1,982kJ 13.6g 474kcal Low

24%

19%

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 423kJ/101kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 35

FOOD

85p PER

SERVING*

Vegan tabbouleh-inspired pomegranate salad

PER

SERVING*

Prawn arrabiata pasta with charred aubergine

Arrabiata means ‘angry’ – a nod to the fiery kick of chilli in this perfect combo of comforting pasta, juicy prawns and smoky aubergines SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINS ● 400g tin peeled plum tomatoes ● 1 fresh red chilli, chopped (and

deseeded if you prefer less heat) ● 2 cloves garlic, chopped ● 1 aubergine, cut into lengthways slices about 1cm thick ● 250g Asda Penne Pasta ● 150g Asda Cooked & Peeled Cold Water Prawns ● Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish STORE CUPBOARD ● 1tbsp olive oil ● 1tbsp tomato purée ● 1½ reduced-salt fish stock cubes, made up to 200ml ● ½tbsp honey 1 Whizz the tomatoes in a blender with the chilli and garlic to form a sauce. 2 Add the oil and the tomato purée to a large nonstick pan. Fry over a low heat for 3 mins or until darkened. 3 Add the blended sauce to the pan 36 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

and simmer for 5 mins. Add the fish stock and honey and simmer gently for 10-15 mins until reduced by a third. 4 Meanwhile, heat a griddle pan on a high setting. Add the aubergine slices and fry for 1-2 mins on each side or until dark char lines appear. Cut into bite-size strips. 5 Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the penne pasta and set a timer for 2 mins shy of the cooking time on the pack instructions. Drain well. 6 Add the pasta to the pan of sauce; cook for 2 mins until al dente. Stir in the prawns and ½ the aubergine, then heat through for 1 min. Top with the remaining aubergine and sprinkle with black pepper and the parsley to serve. Energy

2 of your 5-a-day

Each 342g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

0.7g

8.6g 0.55g

Salt

Low

1,359kJ 4.4g 325kcal Low

16%

10%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 397kJ/95kcal

● 200g giant cous cous ● 6 tomatoes, finely chopped ● 1 red onion, finely chopped ● 1 cucumber, finely chopped ● 3tbsp finely chopped mint ● 3tbsp finely chopped

flat-leaf parsley

● 1 lemon ● Seeds 1 pomegranate

STORE CUPBOARD

● 2tbsp olive oil

1 Cook the giant cous cous according to the pack instructions. (Or add to a large pan of boiling water and simmer gently for 18 mins.) 2 Meanwhile, put the tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, mint and parsley in a large mixing bowl. Stir very gently to combine. 3 When the cous cous is cooked, drain well in a sieve, rinse with cold water to cool and refresh, then drain again. 4 Fold the cous cous into the salad veg mixture, dress with the olive oil, then halve the lemon and squeeze over, sprinkling the juice evenly. Season with ground black pepper then scatter with the pomegranate seeds to serve. Energy

3 of your 5-a-day

Each 393g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

1,283kJ 7.1g 307kcal Low

15%

10%

0.8g 11.4g 0.04g 4%

Low

13%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 326kJ/78kcal

*Price per serving shown does not include the cost of store-cupboard staples, listed as such in the ingredients. Based on prices at time of going to press; subject to change

Photographs: Dan Jones. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Lottie Covell

98p

Get in the mood for spring with this Middle Eastern-style cous cous salad, bursting with fresh green herbs and gemlike fruits SERVES 4 READY IN 25 MINS

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

Stir it up! Celebrate Chinese New Year this month with an easy-prep, great-value meal…

Multi Buy from

85P

Selected stir-fry products*

3 for

250

Photograph: Toby Scott. Styling: Julie Patmore. Food styling: Jenna Leiter

Our delicious meat-free beef-style strips are perfect for this Asian-style veggie dish

Plant-based ‘beef’ in black bean sauce

This simple-to-make one-pan dish is perfect for a tasty family meal that’s ready in minutes SERVES 4 READY IN 15 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.77 ● 1tbsp rapeseed oil ● 3 cloves garlic, sliced ● 5cm piece fresh ginger,

cut into matchsticks

● 2 spring onions, sliced ● 1 red chilli, sliced ● 150g Plant Based

Meat-Free Beef Style Strips ● 320g pack Asda Mushroom Stir-Fry ● 1 reduced-salt veg stock

cube, made up to 100ml

● 300g pack fresh

Asda Egg Noodles ● 170g sachet Asda Black Bean Stir-Fry Sauce ● 15g sesame seeds ● 10g coriander, to serve 1 Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the garlic, ginger, spring onions and ½ the chilli; fry for 2

mins over a low heat. 2 Add the ‘beef’ strips and cook for 3 mins. Add the veg stir-fry mix and stock, then cook for 5 mins on medium. 3 Toss through the noodles and cook for 2 mins. Stir in the sauce and cook for 3 mins until heated through. Top with the remaining chilli, sesame seeds and coriander to serve. Energy

1 of your 5-a-day

Each 285g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

1.4g

6.8g 0.83g

Salt

Low

1,347kJ 13.7g 322kcal Med

16%

20%

14%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 473kJ/113kcal

Asda Mushroom Stir-Fry, £1 (320g; 31p/100g)

Asda Egg Noodles, £1 (300g; 33p/100g)

Asda Black Bean Stir-Fry Sauce, 85p (170g; 50p/100g) ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 37

ONE

basket

Five meals

MAKE FIVE DELICIOUS RECIPES THE FAMILY WILL LOVE FOR LESS THAN

£25*

WEEKNIGHT WINNERS Food editor Gregor explains, ‘To make your weekday meal-planning a breeze, we’ve created a one-basket shopping list and day-by-day recipes – so family dinners are sorted!’

£1.43

Inspired? Tried these recipes? Share your pics on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #1B5M Find more one-basket menus online at ASDA.GL/1B5M

PER

SERVING

MONDAY

40 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

Piri piri chicken burgers with courgette ‘fries’, p43

*Makes five meals each serving four people and does not include store-cupboard staples, listed as such in the shopping list. Based on prices at time of going to press; subject to change

FOOD SHOPPING LIST FRESH FRUIT & VEG ● 1 kg pack Grower’s Selection Brown Onions ● 1 loose bulb garlic ● 1 loose orange ●2 loose limes ●4 loose lemons ●2 0g pack Grower’s Selection Thyme ●2 0g pack Grower’s Selection Rosemary ● 1 80g pack Asda Baby Spinach ●2 loose courgettes ● 1 Grower’s Selection Red Cabbage ●6 -pack Farm Stores Salad Tomatoes ● 1 pack Grower’s Selection Vine Ripened Cherry Tomatoes ● 1 kg pack Grower’s Selection Sweet Potatoes ● 1 loose leek ●5 00g pack Grower’s Selection British Carrots ●5 00g pack Extra Special British Baby Potatoes ● 1 loose red apple ● 1 loose bulb fennel ●6 0g pack Grower’s Selection Mixed Chillies ●2 loose peppers ● 1 pack Grower’s Selection Celery ●3 0g pack Grower’s Selection Coriander ●3 0g pack Grower’s Selection Basil CHILLED ● 1 .1kg pack Butcher’s Selection British Chicken Thighs ● 1 pack Butcher’s Selection British Pork Lean Fillet (typically 400g) ●3 00ml tub Asda 50% Less Fat Crème Fraîche ●3 00ml tub Asda Fresh Single Cream BAKERY ●4 -pack Asda Sliced Brioche Burger Buns JARS, PACKETS & TINS ●2 x 400g tins Smart Price Chopped Tomatoes in Tomato Juice ●5 00g pack Asda Farfalle pasta ●4 00g tin Smart Price Red Kidney Beans in Water ●5 00g pack Asda Red Lentils ●6 0g jar Asda Piri Piri Seasoning ●3 5g sachet Asda Taco Seasoning

STORE CUPBOARD

● Rapeseed oil ● Black pepper ● Reduced-salt vegetable stock cubes ● Mixed dried herbs ● Balsamic vinegar ● White wine vinegar ● Cornflour ● Dijon mustard ● Clear honey ● Few-day-old bread

TUESDAY

TRAYBAKE WONDERS

£1.56

Roasting vegetables in a tray with other ingredients such as herbs or balsamic vinegar brings out a wonderful depth of flavour and crispy texture – and is super-easy for a weekday family meal.

Pork, apple & leek traybake

Classic herby flavours blend with zingy apples, tender pork fillet and baby potato roasties SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MINS ● 400g pork lean fillet,

trimmed and cut into chunks ● 4tbsp rapeseed oil ● 10 sprigs thyme ● 1tsp Dijon mustard ● Zest and juice 1 lemon ● 1 onion, cut into wedges ● 200g baby potatoes, halved ● 1 bulb fennel, quartered ● 1 leek, cut into chunks ● 1 red apple, quartered ● 10g rosemary sprigs ● ½ reduced-salt veg stock cube, made up to 100ml

● 150g vine cherry

tomatoes (on the vine)

● 1tbsp balsamic vinegar ● 1tbsp clear honey

1 Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. 2 Put the pork in a bowl and mix with 2tbsp of the oil, the thyme, mustard and lemon juice. Cover and chill. 3 Meanwhile, in a roasting tin, toss together the onion, potatoes, fennel and 1tbsp of the oil; season with black pepper. Roast for 15 mins.

PER

SERVING

4 Add the leek, apple and rosemary, then gently stir together. Add the pork and cook in the oven for 10 mins. 5 Pour in the stock and cook for another 15 mins. 6 Roast the tomatoes in a separate tin with 1tbsp oil and the vinegar for 10 mins or until starting to burst. 7 Remove the traybake from the oven and brush the pork with the honey. Sprinkle with black pepper and lemon zest and serve with the tomatoes. Energy

2 of your 5-a-day

Each 404g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

1,521kJ 13.3g 364kcal Med

18%

19%

1.6g 14.5g 0.24g 8%

Low

16%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 377kJ/90kcal

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 41

Tomato & lentil soup with garlic croutons

This tasty, veg-packed broth has a hearty boost of red lentils SERVES 4 READY IN 45 MINS ● 1 onion, diced ● 2 carrots, diced ● 1 sweet potato, diced ● 2tbsp rapeseed oil ● 2 sticks celery, diced ● 5 cloves garlic, sliced ● 2 reduced-salt veg stock

98p PER

SERVING

WEDNESDAY

cubes, made up to 1.5L

● 400g tin chopped

Mexican-style mini veg cottage pies

tomatoes

The comfort-food fave gets a veggie makeover with sweet potato mash and a spicy veg and bean mix SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR 15 MINS

● 150g dried red

● 800g sweet potatoes,

● 20ml single cream ● Juice and zest ½ lemon ● 20g basil leaves

peeled and cut into chunks ● 2 onions, finely chopped ● 2 large carrots, chopped ● 1tsp rapeseed oil ● 2 peppers, deseeded and chopped ● 3 cloves garlic, chopped ● 1 red chilli, chopped, plus extra, sliced, to serve ● 35g taco seasoning ● 1tsp mixed dried herbs ● 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed ● 400g chopped tomatoes ● 100g dried red lentils, rinsed ● ½ reduced-salt veg stock cube made up to 200ml ● Juice and zest 1 lime ● 100ml Asda 50% Less Fat Crème Fraîche ● Coriander sprigs, to serve 1 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 2 Put the sweet potatoes in a pan of water and simmer for 20 mins until soft. 3 Meanwhile, put the 42 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

onions and carrots in a pan with the oil and cook for 10 mins. Add the peppers and cook for 5 mins. 4 Add the garlic and chilli and cook for 2 mins. Add the taco seasoning and herbs; cook for 2 mins. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, lentils and stock. Bring to the boil; simmer for 20 mins. 5 Divide the veg mixture between 4 individual ovenproof dishes (or put in 1 large dish) and level out. 6 Drain the potatoes, return to the pan and season with pepper. Mash until smooth, then stir in the lime juice. 7 Top the veg mix in the bowls with the mash. Cook in the oven for 25 mins. Serve topped with the lime zest, crème fraîche, sliced chillies, coriander and black pepper. Energy

4 of your 5-a-day

Each 675g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

2,090kJ 6.8g 500kcal Low

25%

10%

3.4g 26.3g 1.28g 17%

Low

29%

21%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 310kJ/74kcal

lentils, rinsed

● 200g few-day-old

bread, torn into pieces

1 In a large pan, sweat the onion, carrots and sweet potato in 1tbsp of the oil

THURSDAY 61p PER

SERVING

for 10 mins, stirring often. 2 Add the celery and 1 clove sliced garlic then cook for 2 mins. Stir in the vegetable stock, tomatoes and lentils. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 mins or until the lentils are tender. 3 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Put the bread on a baking tray and bake for 10 mins until golden and crisp. 4 In a small frying pan, fry the remaining oil and garlic on low for 3 mins until starting to crisp. Set aside. 5 Remove the croutons from the oven, add the garlic oil and toss to coat. 6 Serve the soup drizzled with the cream and lemon juice, and topped with the lemon zest, basil leaves and croutons. Energy

3 of your 5-a-day

Each 586g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

1,863kJ 8.8g 445kcal Low

22%

13%

1.2g 6%

15.2g 0.76g Low

17%

13%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 318kJ/76kcal

FOOD

Baby spinach is an easy addition to a midweek meal and a source of vitamins A and C, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system

69p PER

SERVING

FRIDAY

Zesty chicken & spinach pasta

Fresh slices of lemon and orange add a citrus zing to this deliciously creamy pasta dish SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR ● 450g chicken thighs ● 1 onion, chopped ● 1tsp rapeseed oil ● 2 cloves garlic, crushed ● ½ reduced-salt veg stock

cube, made up to 150ml

● 300g farfalle pasta ● 200ml single cream ● 2 lemons – both zested,

1 juiced and 1 sliced

● 1 orange, zested

and sliced

● 100g baby spinach

1 Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. 2 Put the chicken on a baking tray and season with pepper. Roast for 40 mins until golden and cooked through. Remove the skin and discard, then shred the meat from the bones. 3 In a large pan, cook the onion in the oil for 5 mins. Add the garlic and cook for 1 min. Add the shredded

chicken and cook for 1 min. Add the stock and cook for 5 mins to reduce. 4 Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling water for 10-12 mins or until tender. Drain, reserving 100ml of the cooking water. 5 In a bowl, stir together the cream, lemon zest and juice, orange zest and a grind of pepper. Pour into the large pan with the chicken. Stir in the pasta, pasta water and the slices of lemon and orange, then bring to a simmer. 6 Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 3 mins until wilting. Divide between bowls, sprinkle with black pepper and serve.

Piri piri chicken burgers with courgette ‘fries’

Spicy, herby chicken patties, layered with a zingy slaw and creamy piri piri dressing SERVES 4 READY IN 1 HR, PLUS MARINATING ● 3tsp rapeseed oil ● 1tsp mixed dried herbs ● 2tbsp piri piri

seasoning

● 650g chicken thighs,

skinned and deboned

● 250g red cabbage,

thinly sliced

● 1 carrot, grated ● 1 onion, grated ● Juice and zest 1 lime ● 2tsp white wine vinegar ● 2 courgettes, cut into

chips

● ½tsp cornflour ● 4 Asda Sliced Brioche

1 In a large bowl, mix 1tsp oil, the herbs and 1tbsp of the piri piri seasoning. Add the chicken; mix to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hrs to marinate. 2 Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. 3 For the slaw, mix together the cabbage, carrot and onion. Add the lime juice and vinegar. Chill. 4 Put the courgettes in a large bowl and toss with 1tsp of the oil, the cornflour and some black pepper. Put on a baking tray and roast for 20 mins until golden. 5 Meanwhile, add 1tsp of the oil to a frying pan; fry the chicken on medium-high for 5 mins on each side until starting to brown. Put on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 30 mins until cooked through. 6 Toast the buns lightly on a griddle or under the grill. 7 Mix together the lime zest, crème fraîche and the remaining 1tbsp piri piri seasoning. Spread in the buns, then layer with the spinach, slaw, tomato and chicken. Serve with the courgette fries.

Burger Buns

Energy

Each 423g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

6.8g

7.2g 0.21g

Salt

High

Low

1,965kJ 13.1g 470kcal Med

24%

19%

34%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 464kJ/111kcal

● 100ml Asda 50% Less

Fat Crème Fraîche ● 80g baby spinach ● 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

Energy

Each 458g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

2,050kJ 20.2g 9.6g 490kcal Med High

25%

29%

48%

Salt

14.7g 1.92g Low

16%

High

32%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 448kJ/107kcal

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 43

Photographs: Yuki Sugiura. Styling: Jenny Iggleden. Food styling: Cate Dixon

says registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert

Our tender Extra Special Aberdeen Angus steaks are the perfect choice for a meal to impress

ic*

last p s s e l % 75

We’ve reduced the amount of plastic used in our steak packaging to bring you fresh, tender cuts with less impact on the environment.

44 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

*Compared to previous packaging

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

KNOW YOUR STEAK!

This classic cut has a stripe of fat on top and gentle marbling throughout, which ensures a tender steak. Try pan-fried with rosemary, and served with peppercorn sauce and rocket. l Extra Special Aberdeen Angus Sirloin Steak 30 Day Matured, was £4.97, now £4** (227g; £17.62/kg)

RUMP A great-value cut, with a deep, hearty taste. Match the wonderful flavour of rump steak with a rich red wine sauce and comforting root vegetable mash. l Extra Special Aberdeen Angus Rump Steak 30 Day Matured, was £4.47, now £3.50** (225g; £15.56/kg)

‘This juicy, 100% British Aberdeen Angus beef Food editor steak is Gregor McMaster produced from pedigree cattle. It’s dry-aged for 21 days on the bone, then matured for a further nine days before it hits the shelves, ready for you to cook just how you like it…’

RIBEYE Rich in flavour, ribeye steak has a generous marbling of fat throughout, which gives extra succulence. Great served with a herby béarnaise sauce and crispy potatoes. l Extra Special Aberdeen Angus Ribeye Steak 30 Day Matured, was £5.47, now £4.50** (227g; £19.82/kg)

Rare

Fry for 2-3 mins on each side

Medium

Fry for 4-5 mins on each side

Well done

Fry for 6-7 mins on each side

For sensational sauce recipes to add zing to your steaks, go to ASDA.GL/sauces Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. Photographs show serving suggestions. Always follow cooking instructions. Raw/undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria that may cause food poisoning. Instructions given here are a guide only. **Price available from 4 February 2021

ASDA.COM/GROCERIES | 45

Photographs: Maja Smend, Ria Osborne. Styling: Jenny Iggleden, Luis Peral. Food styling: Matthew Ford, Jenna Leiter

SIRLOIN

This month:

Casseroles

MEAL MATHS Pick one option from each column to add up to your ideal dish

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

BASE VEG

A warming, hearty casserole is always a winter favourite, and is so easy to put together. Create your own version of this fuss-free, adaptable dish by simply adding one of each of the five categories of food listed below to a large heatproof lidded

PROTEIN

dish, then cover and pop in the oven or on the hob – or just put all the ingredients in a slow cooker. Leave to cook gently to allow the individual flavours to develop, then check everything is cooked through before serving up your comfort-food classic!

EXTRA VEG

PULSES

LIQUID

To start, fry up some classic base veg that will impart flavour throughout.

Then choose a meat or veggie alternative to be the star of your dish.

Throw in veg to help towards your 5-a-day and add taste and vibrant colour.

Add earthy flavour and help thicken the dish with beans or lentils.

Pour in wine, ale or a tasty stock to add a depth of rich flavour.

Onions

Sausages

Carrots & cavalo nero

Butter beans

Beer

Spring onions

Chicken

Peas & baby potatoes

Lentils

Cider

Celery

Quorn meatballs

Aubergine & fine beans

Tinned kidney beans*

Vegetable stock

Leeks

Beef

Sweet potato & sweetcorn

Chickpeas

Red wine

46 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

*If using dried kidney beans, boil vigorously for 10 mins, then drain and rinse before adding to the casserole dish or slow cooker. **Based on the estimated cost for a four-person serving. Price per serving of 34p is for onions, sausages, sweet potato & sweetcorn, chickpeas and vegetable stock combination

FOOD OUR CASSEROLE COMBOS START FROM

34p

PER SERVING**

For more tasty casserole ideas, go to ASDA.GL/ casseroles

Steps to success l Frying the base veg very gently in oil over a low heat before adding to the dish helps to bring out extra flavour. l Create even more savoury taste by first browning and sealing the meat or veggie

alternative quickly in a frying pan on a high heat. This gives it an appetising colour, too. l Work out cooking times by following the info on the ingredient packs or comparing with other recipes online. ‘Low and slow’ is best for tougher cuts of meat.

Onions + sausages + carrots & cavalo nero + butter beans + beer = a comforting casserole! ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 47

waste not, want it…

Brits bin a staggering 40% of all the bagged salad they buy each year*, but there are easy ways to give tired, wilted leaves a new lease of life…

Whip up a tasty green pesto sauce

This versatile sauce isn’t only made with basil or other herbs – you can rustle it up using salad leaves, too. Enjoy it stirred into pasta, added to dips, spread on crusty bread and much more…

48 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

FOOD

Whizz leaves into a smoothie

Salvage your salads

Photographs: Stuart Ovenden, Toby Scott, Maja Smend. Styling: Tamzin Ferdinando, Rob Merrett. Food styling: Lorna Brash, Cate Dixon, Vicki Smallwood

A little wilting won’t make a difference to the flavour! Peppery watercress works well with rich avocado – or try it in this zingy blend with pineapple, coconut water, lime and ginger.

What else can you do with salad leaves that are still within their use-by date but looking a bit tired**? Try our clever hacks and hints!

Stir leftover leaves through hot pasta for a tasty budget dish

Try this with rocket, spinach or lettuce (shred larger leaves) to add flavour and texture to creamy sauces.

Show leaves some love Savvy shopping and storage can help you to avoid adding to the mountain of wasted salad.  Plan ahead – many people add a bag of salad to their trolley with good intentions, but with no idea when or how they’ll use it. Make sure you have other ingredients that will help you make a meal of it.  Store salad in the fridge as soon as you get it home – preferably somewhere prominent, so you won’t forget about it until after it has gone off!  If you have any salad left over in the pack after a meal, keep it refrigerated and eat within 24 hours of opening.

PLUNGE wilted salad into a bowl of ice-cold water, then set aside for 5-10 mins – this should help to bring it back to life. Drain or spin to dry, then serve as usual. GRIDDLE heads of Little Gem lettuces (cut into quarters lengthways first) until lightly charred, to add a delicate smoky note to the punchy flavours of a classic chicken Caesar salad. ROLL larger leaves, such as Iceberg, around sandwich fillings, instead of bread or tortillas, to make wraps – or use them to hold a no-bun burger together. Great if you’re trying to cut down on starchy carbs. SHRED tougher leaves, such as kale, then add to coleslaw – this is best done soon before serving. STIR spinach leaves into the filling for a quiche, pie or savoury flan – they’re great in creamy, cheesy recipes. Small amounts are good for mini omelettes – add to the holes of a greased muffin tin along with leftover cheese, ham or other veg, then pour over beaten eggs and bake. CHOP or blitz rocket to use in a salsa verde. This vibrant green dressing is the perfect match for roast beef, lamb, pork or chicken and just as delicious with cold cuts.

Find Find all all these these recipes recipes at at ASDA.GL/leftoverbread ASDA.GL/leftoversalad *Source: wrap.org.uk, 2017. **Check salad before using, especially if the bag is open, and discard if mouldy or rotten

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 49

TRIPLE TESTED TEATIME

Crunchy fish fingers We’ve given fish and chips a healthier twist by baking instead of frying – but what will our trio of family testers make of it?

h c n u d cr

cous coating! s u o c a ith

‘Finding a tasty, nutritious dinner that everyone will eat can be a challenge,’ says food editor Gregor. ‘The key is to look for meals that are easy to make, appeal to kids and grown-ups, and introduce a bit of fun, too. Triple Tested Teatime is designed to help you do just that!’

52 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

FOOD Crunchy fish fingers with sweet potato chips & mushy peas

SERVES 4 READY IN 55 MINS PRICE PER SERVING £1.17

1 2

75G COUS COUS ZEST 1/2 LEMON 1 /2TSP SMOKED PAPRIKA 1 REDUCED-SALT VEGETABLE STOCK CUBE 3 MEDIUM SWEET POTATOES, CUT INTO CHIPS 2TSP CORNFLOUR 1 /2TSP GARLIC GRANULES 10G PARSLEY, CHOPPED 1TSP RAPESEED OIL 20G PLAIN FLOUR 1 EGG, BEATEN 260G COD FILLETS, CUT INTO THICK STRIPS 250G FROZEN PEAS 2 SPRING ONIONS, SLICED 5 0G ASDA 50% LESS FAT CRÈME FRAÎCHE

Preheat the oven to 180C/ 160C Fan/Gas 4. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. Mix the cous cous, zest and paprika in a bowl; crumble over the stock cube. Stir in 100ml boiling water, cover with a plate or lid and set aside for 5 mins. In a separate bowl, toss the chips in the cornflour, garlic and some black pepper, then sprinkle over the parsley. Spread onto 1 of the baking trays and drizzle with the oil. Bake for 25-30 mins, turning after 10 mins. Fluff up the cous cous; put the flour and egg in separate bowls. Dip the fish in the flour, egg and cous cous to coat. Put on the other baking tray. Bake for 15-20 mins until golden brown. Cook the frozen peas in a pan of boiling water for 2 mins, then add the spring onions and cook for 1 min. Drain and mash roughly. Stir in the crème fraîche and season with black pepper. Serve the fish with the sweet potato chips and mushy peas.

Photograph: Stuart Ovenden. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Emily Jonzen

4 5

Energy

2 of your 5-a-day

Each 364g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

Salt

Low

1,691kJ 6.2g 404kcal Low

20%

2.5g 10.9g 0.73g 13%

Low

12%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 464kJ/111kcal

Lolly says: I love this dish because it’s full of food that’s good for you but it also tastes really delicious. The cod was yummy and so were the peas with spring onion. My favourite bit was coating the fish – dipping it in all the ingredients was fun. Dad Len says: Lolly had a great time making this and we all had an even better time eating it! As a family, we’re on a mission to be healthier this year so this is something we’ll definitely make again. It was delicious.

LOLLY

8, from Burgess Hill, Sussex

KYLE

Kyle says: I really enjoyed doing all the prep for this recipe – it made me feel like a proper chef! The end result was yummy, especially the fish. I love chips done the normal way but I’d eat these baked ones again! My mum, Nana and brother really liked it as well. Mum Fiona says: Kyle enjoyed cooking this – and anything that encourages him and his brother Ryan to eat more fish and veg is good in my eyes! It’s a really nice (and healthier) alternative to our usual fish and chips.

11, from Llansantffraid, Powys

Wilf says: Now I know how you make fish fingers! I loved the smell of lemon in the coating when we were making them. It was great to cook this for my sister Martha, who’s one – she ate the whole lot. I give this recipe three tens out of ten! Mum Emma says: This was so fun and easy to make, and really nice to give the kids fish fingers that weren’t from a packet. It’s great to find a new use for cous cous, too – we haven’t used it much before and now it’s all Wilf can talk about!

WILF

4, from Stockton on Tees

Cod is a source of vitamin B3, also known as niacin, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue, as well as being high in protein says registered nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert

Children should always be supervised in the kitchen, especially when using knives and other sharp tools or components. Remember to wash your hands before and after preparing food, and always after handling raw meat

ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK | 53

FOOD

Supper on a shoestring Feeling the pinch before payday? This easy and adaptable dish saves the day, using ingredients you’ve got in stock…

Cacio e pepe

Want to make a meal with what’s left in your cupboards? Food assistant Mandy James shares her go-to budget dish… ‘I discovered this dish in Italy and was amazed by the punchy, creamy flavour of such a simple combo! It traditionally uses a mix of Parmesan and pecorino cheeses, but I often use just Parmesan as I’m more likely to have that to hand in my fridge.’

£1.47 PER

SERVING

SERVES 2 READY IN 15 MINS ● 250g long pasta, such as spaghetti ● 10g unsalted butter ● 3tsp whole black peppercorns ● 120g Parmesan or other Italian hard

1 Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the pack instructions until tender but still with some bite. 2 Meanwhile, add the butter and peppercorns to another large pan and fry for 2 mins on a low heat. 3 Drain the pasta, reserving 100ml of the cooking water. Add both to the peppercorn mixture and combine. 4 Sprinkle over the Parmesan and continue cooking, tossing together until combined. Serve topped with extra ground pepper and Parmesan. Energy

Each 340g serving contains Fat Saturates Sugars

3,087kJ 23.8g 13.6g 738kcal High High

37%

34%

68%

Salt

3.1g 0.99g Low

Low

17%

of your reference intake Typical energy values per 100g: 908kJ/217kcal

54 | ASDAGOODLIVING.CO.UK

Photograph: Dan Jones. Styling: Luis Peral. Food styling: Lottie Covell

cheese, grated, plus extra to serve

Thrive

From wellbeing and sustainability to savvy spending, our experts offer tips, advice and inspiration for living your best life…

Be kind to yourself C Photograph: Getty images

ompassion for others is key, but are you just as kind to yourself, too? Perhaps not. Expert Dr Kristin Neff of self-compassion.org has come up with three simple tips that may help… 1 Ask yourself: ‘What do I need?’ It may be a chat with a trusted friend to get a different perspective on a tricky situation, or a 24-hour screen detox. Don’t ignore your feelings – they’re trying to tell you something!

2 How do I care for myself already? If your wellbeing falls by the wayside in the face of work or family demands, remember it’s OK to prioritise your needs. You can’t look after others if you don’t look after yourself.

remember ‘You yourself, as much as anyone, deserve your love and affection.’

3 What would I say to my best friend? It’s likely your words would be caring and warm. So, before you self-criticise for yet another ‘failing’, ask yourself, would you speak to a friend like that? Probably not… ASDA MAGAZINE | 55

REASONS TO…

pick up the phone rather than send a message

Phone chats make some of us anxious, but they also have benefits over texting, says chartered psychologist and author Dr Audrey Tang

Misunderstandings are less likely Successful communication relies on the correct message being received. In spoken conversation, it’s easier to tell whether both people understand what’s being discussed, and to address anything that’s unclear right away. Texting back and forth, with emojis, may lead to confusion.

You get a level of honesty Texting allows us to mask our true feelings, which ultimately isn’t healthy for a relationship. When people talk, excuses such as ‘I didn’t mean it like that’ may seem less convincing than in a brief or abbreviated written message. Also, it is clear when a phone call has ended. No anxious waiting around for those three little ‘is typing’ dots to appear!

How to beat phone-call fear WRITE A SCRIPT Jotting down things to talk about can help to banish anxiety about having nothing to say.

There is pleasure in the uniqueness of a conversation Texts are often short and to the point, with a sense of communication at the sender’s convenience. So, even a positive message can seem blunt and impersonal. When you make an effort to call someone on the phone, you’re saying: ‘I have time for you.’

Hearing someone you care about can feel very comforting ‘It’s so great to hear your voice’ sounds like a line from a rom-com, but many of us can relate to it. Someone’s tone of voice can convey so much emotion, and hearing a loved one talk to you – whether a partner, relative or friend – can have a soothing, uplifting effect and generate feelings of warmth and intimacy.

Talk in private Worried that others might listen in on chat that may be awkward? Wait until you’re alone, then call. Good practice Speaking is a ‘performance skill’ and the more you

For more info about Dr Audrey Tang, visit draudreyt.com 56 | ASDA MAGAZINE

practise, the comfier and more confident you’ll feel. Just ADMIT IT! It’s OK to say ‘I wanted to hear you, but I’m not good on the phone…’ The other person will understand or may even feel the same.

THRIVE

4 money-savvy tips for February

1 Split bills fairly

Whether it’s a grocery shop with your partner or lunch with friends (when we’re able!), deciding who owes what can be stressful. Bill-splitting apps such as Splitwise (splitwise.com) are a clever way to divide things up fairly. They allow you to keep a running tally of what everyone has spent and who owes what, and do all the tricky maths for you. Easy!

2 Check in on yourself

Money plays a huge role in our lives, affecting everything from basic needs, such as food and housing, to happiness. So it’s no surprise that money worries can lead to mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which can in turn make it tougher to keep control of your finances. If this sounds familiar, be kind to yourself and seek help ASAP – the situation will only get worse if you ignore it. For more info, practical advice and other finance-themed features, read our Asda Money Blogs at money.asda.com.

3 Get the right tools for the job As told to: Samantha Wood. Illustration: Getty Images

Need help to get your finances into shape? Visit moneyadviceservice.org.uk – a free, impartial service set up by the government. It offers guides and advice, tools to help you keep track and plan, plus online and phone support. Start with the Financial Health Checker tool followed by the Budget Planner – read about them at Asda Money Blogs (see above).

*Source: energysavingtrust.org.uk/energy-saving-tips-when-you-are-stuck-home. Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about

4 Recharge during the day

Hands up who charges their phone overnight? Did you know a small amount of electricity is still used when a fully charged device stays plugged in? Change your habits and juice up for a few hours during the day instead. Unplugging chargers and standby can save you up to £30 a year* – which is an easy win.

ASDA MAGAZINE | 57

I TRIED... POWERLIFTING When Poorna Bell lost her husband, she found comfort in an unlikely activity – lifting heavy weights. Here, she shares her story…

ive years ago, my I wasn’t convinced I’d like husband Rob died. competing. But when you’re I don’t remember much grieving, anything with of that first year without potential for fun is like rare him, but I realised I wanted gold flashing in a pool of to get physically stronger. darkness. I gave it a go. Being able to lift and move things around the house COMMUNITY suddenly felt important. There’s also a community Above all, it was a challenge; aspect to powerlifting that a goal. At a time of intense you can get if you’re able to loss, you have to lean into get to the gym, with total whatever gives you comfort, strangers supporting you, and helps to ease the pain. which helped restore my As I learned to lift and faith in humanity. Grief had followed the safe, reassuring made me wary of hanging routine of my workout out in large groups and programme, it had a I had actually been pretty soothing lonely. But ‘This was a effect on then the pocket of the social side of my grief, and made world I could powerlifting me feel more control and started to capable and help a lot. feel safe in’ confident. A I found out terrible thing had happened many of us had come to but this was a little pocket the sport after experiencing of the world that I could mental distress. It doesn’t control and feel safe in. ‘fix’ what’s wrong, but achieving goals you set for next level yourself helps you work Jack, my personal trainer, through your problems. encouraged me to enter Love can come in many a powerlifting competition different forms. No one will – where you lift the heaviest ever replace Rob, but the weights possible, using positivity of the powerlifting three different lifts: squat, community has helped bench press and deadlifts. to soften that loss.

58 | ASDA MAGAZINE

Banishing beginner’s nerves when you can get to the gym start with light weights ‘People get self-conscious that they can’t lift heavy, but everyone – even those with big muscles – starts with an empty barbell, or small handheld weights.’ Don’t sweat the gym bros! ‘The powerlifting weights section of a gym is often male-dominated, but don’t be put off. You have a right to be in that space. Hold your head high.’ Be (healthily) competitive ‘Powerlifting competitions focus on your ability, not on how you look. I’m not very competitive, but I did a 125kg deadlift in my first comp, and it felt incredible. You’re mostly competing with yourself – and it’s life-changing.’

THRIVE

THINGS YOU ONLY KNOW IF… You have twins Writer Sarah Clarke, 36, says it’s tiring and relentless but oh, so worth it you become a fast learner When I had my twins, now two, I had all the wide-eyed (and bleary-eyed!) anxieties of a first-time mum. I felt clueless and daunted, but with two wrigglers, I had to adopt the no-frills approach that many only find second time around. I didn’t have time to worry about everything, so I had to prioritise. I didn’t have room for two of each gadget, so I got only the essentials. I didn’t have the energy to attempt perfection, so I settled for doing my best. It was liberating. It’s a ‘get out of jail free’ card Twins give you the perfect excuse to get out of anything you don’t want to do. My go-to response? ‘Ah, sorry, I’ve got twins.’ And it’s not always an exaggeration; during meet-ups, as other mums strolled and chatted, babies in slings, I’d pant and wrestle with my double buggy. Feeding took twice as long and nap times were complicated. Sometimes, I loved playing the twins card and staying in with my bestie, Netflix. The juggle is real… Grabbing couple-time is twice as hard. If one baby needed feeding and changing, the second wouldn’t be far behind. And then it would all start again. My husband Jonny and I were up almost every hour, every night and bone-tired. But, if you think there’s nothing sexier than seeing your partner hold your baby, imagine seeing him hold two at once...

IT’S LIKE WINNING THE LOTTERY! Is it hard? Absolutely. But for all the juggling and doubling it takes to raise twins, the joys are far, far greater. I’m grateful that my two have a ready-made bestie. Plus, they learn in parallel, which is fascinating to see. At night, Jonny and I hear them shout from cot to cot words they’ve learned that day, back and forth. For hours. Even if they take forever to fall asleep, I’m so happy they each have a friend in there.

Follow Sarah on Instagram @disastersofathirtysomething ASDA MAGAZINE | 59

THRIVE

our world

THE MINDFUL CONSUMER Living sustainably is easier if you follow a few simple rules, says Stephanie Todd

rying to live more sustainably is a fabulous goal to set, but it can also be a balancing act. There are many common pitfalls that can trip you up, particularly when it comes to the products you buy. If you’ve ever spent time in the fruit and veg aisle wondering whether to choose organic produce wrapped in plastic or loose, non-organic fruit and veg that’s free of packaging, you’ll know what I mean! My list of sustainability dos and don’ts will help you to make more informed choices when you hit the shops.

Dos

Don’ts

l Do check your wardrobe at the start of each season so you know what you do and don’t need. This may help you to avoid splurging on clothes you’ll never wear or doubling up on items that are similar to those you already have. Also consider donating unwanted clothing to charity. Most larger Asda stores have recycling banks in the car park.

l Don’t go crazy stocking up at first. If you’re switching to a new product, buy just one and test it. Don’t get a multipack until you know it works for you.

l Do think about other ways to help make a difference – buying sustainably is a good start, but you can also get involved with activities such as local litter picks.

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l Don’t expect changes to happen overnight – instead, use what you already have and try to make a conscious sustainable swap once a week or once a month. It has to be sustainable for you, too!

Follow @sustainable_stephanie for more inspiration on sustainable living

Photographs: Getty images

l Do plan ahead and have your next sustainable swap ready to use before the product it will replace is worn out. That way, you’ll be less likely to default back to using the non-sustainable version out of necessity.

l Don’t bin products that no longer fit in with your new sustainable lifestyle. Offer them to friends and family. If you’re clearing out your store cupboard, pop any food you won’t eat into the donations trolley at the front of your local store, give it to a food bank or list it on the OLIO app (olioex.com). Make sure it’s in date and unopened.

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style

With its fashion and home essentials, this year’s iconic range from George is full of brilliant basics with sustainability creds woven through

picks to make you feel good

LOVE YOUR LINGERIE

Lingerie that’s beautiful and supportive? Yes, please! Nothing gives you the confidence to rock a look like wonderfully fitting, stylish underwear – and these gorgeous lacy items are just that! Bra, 32B-42E (available across Core and Curve ranges), £14 (2-pack; 1 black, 1 white); briefs, 8-22, £5 (2-pack; 1 black, 1 white) Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply

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TAKE A DIP Introduce a touch of luxury to your routine with fluffy towels that are soft and gentle for drying off after a bath or shower. Sourced as responsible cotton, they’ll provide quality that you can feel day after day. Super soft face cloth, 75p; hand towel, £4; bath towel, £6; bath sheet, £8

KEEP IT COSY This snug hoodie is designed in a comfy, soft-textured fabric that’s perfect for dress-down days. Men’s hoodie zip-through, S-XXXXL, £12.50

ON A ROLL

These cool roll-sleeve tees are super-stylish – and, what’s more, they’re sourced as responsible cotton. Now just pick your colour… Women’s roll-sleeve T-shirts, 8-24, £6 each 64 | GEORGE.COM

STYLE

DUVET DAY There’s nothing nicer than snuggling into crisp bed linen... except when you’re snuggling into crisp bed linen that’s sourced as responsible cotton with a bonus of recycled polyester! Those guilt-free lie-ins await... Pinstripe double duvet cover set*, £12

BRILLIANT BASICS The ultimate staple for spring and summer! These cool white tees are a perfect wear-anywhere addition to your wardrobe. Men’s V-neck T-shirt; crew-neck T-shirt (on model, below), S-XXXXL, £3.50 each

JEANIUS! Favourite skinnies or pre-creased straights? Whatever your jean choice, these will tick all the boxes. Women’s skinny jeans (above), 28-42, £14; men’s straight jeans (right), 30-42, £14

Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Pillows and duvet not included

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STYLE

10 ...AND FLEX

MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

Nothing adds comforting warmth to a room like a cushion or three. Think soft texture and tassels! Tassel cushions*, £7 each. jumbo cord cushions**, £7 each or 2 for £12

JOIN THE CREW

Sourced as responsible cotton and with a classic flattering design, these great-value, crew-neck tops are bound to earn their keep. Men’s long-sleeved tops, S-XXXXL, £5 each

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Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Sourced as responsible cotton. **Sourced as responsible polyester

Super-soft and stretchy for the perfect fit every time, these jeans are designed for every day – but are more than just an everyday design… Wonderfit jeans, 8-24, £20

STYLE

IT’S JOYFUL, IT’S FUN… IT’s G21! St y l i s h a n d s o a f f o r d a b l e , t h e f a b u l o u s n ew G 2 1 b r a n d i s co m i n g s o o n f ro m G e o r g e . I n f l u e n ce r P h o e n i x B r o w n r eve a l s h e r p i c k s How would you describe your style? Cosy, different and very me! What are your go-to fashion staples? I love a jumpsuit that you can dress up or down. How do you like to play around with new looks? I often borrow clothes from my boyfriend for a relaxed look. It’s nice to wear things that belong to someone you love – which is what I tell my mum [Spice Girl Mel B] when I want to borrow something vintage from her! Do you have any style rules? Always stay true to yourself with the clothes you wear – own your look.

Jacket*, XS-XL, £30

Heels or ﬂats? Flats! The only heels I ever wear are my mum’s, and she’s two sizes smaller than me, so by the end of the night I’m in pain! I usually like to stay comfy, but if I get the chance to dress up, I’ll make the most of it. Night in or night out? Night out, if possible. We’ve all had way too many nights in… Your favourite piece from the new 2021 collection from George? It has to be the crop jumper. It’s relaxed yet smart – the puff sleeves lift it out of the every day. Love!

Dress*, 6-24, £20

‘Always stay true to yourself with the clothes you wear – own your look’

Jumpsuit*, 6-24, £24

Skirt*, 8-24, £14

Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Collection coming soon to George

Trousers*, XS-XL, £16

Crop jumper*, XS-XL, £14 Body*, XS-XL, £12.50

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FASHION

3 ways to weaR Whether you want to dress up, dress down or simply get your Zoom on, this animal-print top from George ensures you’ll always hit the spot Out and about

Workwear chic

Glam time

A stroll in the great outdoors calls for smart-casual at its best. Layer this statement top with a cosy cardi to keep things snug, then team with wide-legged trousers for a stylishly relaxed look. Finish with cool trainers, a chic headband and a faux croc rucksack – and you’re good to go!

Whether venturing into the office or working from home, you’ll bring the promise of spring to your look with pastel tones. Team the animal-print top with a stylish shirt/jacket and same-shade trousers, then add elegant mules and hoop earrings and your workwear refresh is complete.

At-home date night with your other half? Dress to impress by teaming your puff-sleeved top with stunning faux-leather leggings and kitten-heel boots. A two-tone bag will help you look the part, while pretty gold earrings add the finishing flourish.

Headband, £5

Earrings, £4

Leopard-print top, 8-24, £12.50

Cardigan*, XS-XL, £15

Shacket*, S-XXL, £26

Leggings, 8-24, £14

Bag**, £14

Trousers, 8-24, £16

Boots, 3-9, £22.50

Rucksack, £14

Trainers, 3-9, £8 68 | GEORGE.COM

Trousers, 8-24, £16

Mules, 3-9, £10 Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available from 6 February 2021. **Available from 20 February 2021

STYLE

GET HAPPY!

Go for maximum pamper power with our luxurious range of skin-soothing bathtime and grooming goodies

hether you’re treating a loved one or simply enjoying some well-deserved me time, this fabulous range of pampering treats from Happy Jackson will help restore and revive from head to toe. Blissful bath soak? Check! Sumptuous body lotion? You bet! You’ll also find a rich hand cream to nourish skin, plus a soothing foot mask to help tootsies be the best in town! And with invigorating body wash and luscious beard oil, everyone has the chance to be gorgeously groomed…

Photograph: Louisa Parry

Clockwise from far left: Love Those Toes! Refreshing Foot Scrub (50ml); Hugs For Your Hands Coconut Hand Cream (50ml); Hello Handsome Conditioning Beard Oil (50ml); You’re The Man! Invigorating Body Wash (200ml); All Day Yay! Coconut Body Lotion (200ml); Big Love Red Berries & Passion Fruit Refreshing Bath Soak (240ml); LIttle Kisses Soothing Foot Mask (50ml). Range from £1.50* Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. *Available until 14 February 2021 in the Valentine’s Event aisle

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Sharing stories with kids for at least 10 mins a day has a huge impact on their future

Worl d book day Celeb rate t he wond er of readin g free b with oo for kid ks s…

ookmarks at the ready – World Book Day 2021 is just around the corner! The campaign to get more children reading is now in its 24th year and this year is celebrated on 4 March. World Book Day’s mission is

Ask Nadiya

to encourage more children to read for pleasure, and to give them opportunity to do so by providing a free* book of their own. For more info on claiming your child’s free book, and tips on sharing stories, go to worldbookday.com

380,000 children in the UK don’t own a book... BUT 1 in 2 schoolchildren said they read more because of World Book Day. Result!

how does it work? World Book Day offers youngsters the chance to discover magical stories and amazing characters by offering free* books to more than 15 million UK children. In schools that get involved, each child is given a token to trade in participating stores – including Asda! – for one of the 12 exclusive books on this year’s list. These new titles are written by some of the top children’s authors, including Julia Donaldson, Tom Fletcher and Zanib Mian. Or, if kids want another title, they can use their token to get £1 off other books or audio books costing over £2.99**. Ready, steady, read!

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Nadiya Hussain, author of My Monster and Me, tells us what children’s books mean to her… ● What was your fave book as a child? The Nancy Drew series. I’ve got a collection in my parents’ attic that I refuse to throw away! ● How do you inspire your kids to read? I lead by example – my children often see me with a book in my hand. I’m proud to say that I’m a book pusher. ● What did you enjoy about writing a kids’ book? Expressing my struggle with anxiety, which I’ve had since I was a child. I’ve always thought of that anxiety as my monster, which inspired the book’s title.

Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Delivery, collection and carrier bag charges may apply. Minimum spend or minimum basket charge may apply; see ASDA.com/minimumbasketcharge for details. Delivery and collection slots subject to availability. *Free with valid World Book Day token. Offer valid 18 February 2021 to 28 March 2021. One token per child and per transaction. Photocopies not accepted. **£1 off any full-price book redeemable against any book or audio book worth £2.99 or more. Visit worldbookday.com for full details

HOMES

SAFARI SUPPERS

Introduce a bit of fun at mealtimes with this jungle-themed dinnerware from George Home – it’s almost too pretty to use!

ake a walk on the wild side from the comfort of the dinner table with our stunning safari dining set. The 12-piece set contains dinner plates, side plates and cereal bowls, all featuring a gorgeous giraffe design. And why not complete the look by adding pasta bowls? It’s sure to turn your teatimes into mini adventures. Let’s get exploring…

Safari 12-piece dinner set*, £25; Safari pasta bowls*, £4 each

Selected Asda stores only, subject to availability. Online delivery charges may apply. *Available in limited stores

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Asda Fight Hunger, Create Change Last year, throughout the pandemic, we donated £5 million to our partner Fight Hunger, Create Change charities, FareShare and the Trussell Trust. FareShare saves food from going to waste and redistributes it to people who need it most, while the Trussell Trust supports a nationwide network of food banks with the aim of ending hunger and poverty in the UK. Through our support, we have helped to provide 4 million meals to families in crisis and given more than 3,000 charities access to free food.

HEART OF THE

Words: Samantha Wood

At Asda we believe we have a responsibility to help make our communities better and happier – and we’re doing it with the help of our incredible colleagues and customers A very special taste test Colleagues at our Southport store were quick to help customer Annie, 92, when she discovered her favourite mango chutney had been discontinued. Annie, who has her shopping delivered, phoned the store to see if we could suggest a suitable replacement. Instead, home shopping manager Mark went one better – he packed up three different jars of mango chutney for Annie to try, so she could pick the one she liked best. Our admin colleague Carol dropped them off on her way home – along with a bunch of flowers, which was also much appreciated!

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COMMUNITY Checking in Denise, from our Mount Pleasant Asda Pharmacy in Hull, has struck up a bond with customer Vera, 91. Widow Vera was confused by all the different tablets she needs, so Denise calls round or phones three times a day to check she’s OK and is takin g her medication. ‘Denise is a marvel, she really is,’ says Vera. ‘I love her.’

Little superstar Ailie, nine, is well known at our Aberdeen Beach store for donating her pocket money to charity. The store’s community champion, Pamela, calls her a ‘little superstar’. Thank you, Ailie, for helping us to make your community a kinder place.

COMMUNITY Determined to deliver Our drivers often go the extra mile to deliver orders, but Stephen, from our Dumbarton store, went an extra 120 miles – literally! When a landslide blocked a road to the village of Lochgoilhead, 35 miles away from the store, customers called up, worried their orders would be cancelled. However, Stephen volunteered to start work early and take another route. The detour added 120 extra miles to his journey, but our hero was on a mission to deliver! ‘Most of the customers were my regulars and I really didn’t want to see them stuck,’ says Stephen.

‘I really didn’t want to see my regular customers stuck’

A friend in need… Naomi, a checkouts colleague at our Gosport store, went out of her way to help a ‘lost and disorientated’ elderly gentleman she encountered while heading into work. She walked him home, gave him her phone number, and later took him on a day out to Gosport Partially Sighted Club. Store manager Stuart says: ‘It makes me so proud when our colleagues look out for others.’

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LIVING

LIFE talk

‘You never know what’s around the corner’ Actor and Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp, 59, lives in Hertfordshire with his singer wife Shirlie, 58. Here, he talks mental health, gym therapy and being a good dad…

How do you inject positivity into your life? Exercising helps. I put my headphones in, listen to a bit of AC/DC and work out for an hour. It’s escapism – your own space and your own time. Who has taught you the most valuable life lesson over the years? Anna Scher, my drama teacher when I was a kid. My mum and dad put me into Anna’s drama club in Islington – 10p a lesson – because I was painfully shy. She changed my life. She’d 74 | ASDA.COM/GROCERIES

M a r t i n ’s

tips for parenting well

Listen Sometimes you have to accept that their opinion is right and yours isn’t. We can learn from our children.

Above right: With radio host son Roman. Right: At home with wife Shirlie

Talk it out Having conversations with your kids is so much better than punishment.

say, ‘Always be professional and always be punctual’. That’s stayed with me forever.

Make food interesting We get into a rut of cooking where we always put the same food down in front of children. Switch it up!

Who or what makes you feel most happy? Being welcomed home by my dogs [Popsey and Iris]. I love that their lives are so simple. Being with them makes me forget about everything.

Encourage their passions We showed our kids everything out there – karate, drama, singing – to help them find what they loved. Model a loving relationship Don’t be afraid to show you love your partner in front of your children.

Did surviving two brain tumours in the 1980s teach you to embrace the now? The lasting lesson from the tumours was that you never know what’s around the corner. Life was great – I’d done Spandau and was working in Hollywood. But it can all change in

a flash. Once you learn to appreciate that, you appreciate life. Are you an advocate of therapy? Yes! Talking to people is the most important thing and if you can’t afford therapy, try and find someone you trust. Talking is one of the best things you can do. It’s a Love Story by Shirlie and Martin Kemp (Mirror Books), £10

Interview: Gemma Calvert. Photograph: Getty Images

How has your life been most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic? Work is busier, but socially, things have slowed down. I hope the good things to come out of the pandemic will stick, such as more hand-washing and perspex sheets between the tables when we can go back to eating out at restaurants. Before [Covid-19], I’d be out for dinner with Shirlie and she’d be off in another world listening to the conversation from the next table!