Candis

When we think about escaping to an island for a relaxing holiday, it’s easy to let your mind drift to images of sun-blessed Caribbean spots, or perhaps one of Thailand’s tranquil, paradisical isles. But the answer can be found a lot closer – just a short ferry ride away, in some cases. Within the British Isles (the clue really is in the name here) sit a range of islands that provide fantastic destinations.

One of the best recipes I taught my son was based on the deliciously simple Ramen dishes from Wagamama. And the reason it’s so wonderful? Because it’s so versatile, fantastically healthy, simple and cheap to make and what could be better for someone about to start a new life at uni! Ramen traditionally has four elements – a soup base, noodles, fresh veg and a source of protein.

1 onion, halved and roughly sliced 5cm piece fresh ginger, grated 4 crushed garlic cloves 2 tbsp oil 800g beef brisket 250ml chicken stock 3 tbsp Itsu Korean barbecue sauce 400g dried udon noodles 100g sugar snaps, halved 2 baby pak choi, halved 3 spring onions, shredded 1 carrot, shredded Lime and coriander to serve 4 eggs, soft boiled 1. Combine the ginger, garlic and half the oil and season. Open the brisket out if it’s rolled, cover with the marinade and chill for 2-3 hours. 2.

Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes 3 tbsp olive oil 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs 400g shallots, halved if large 3 carrots, thickly sliced 3 celery stalks, thickly sliced 2 garlic cloves, chopped Sprig thyme 2 bay leaves 200ml white wine 200g pearl barley 800ml chicken stock 200g shredded kale 4 tbsp fresh parsley 1. Heat the oil in a large non-stick shallow casserole dish and brown the chicken all over until a lovely golden brown. Set to one side and stir in the shallots, carrots, celery and garlic.

A-Level results day is one of the most emotionally charged mornings in a teenager’s life, and for parents too. After months (and often years) of effort, everything seems to rest on one email or envelope. Whether the results bring celebration, surprise, or the need to rethink a plan, this is a milestone moment for every family. But exam results are just one chapter in a much bigger story. What matters most is how we, as parents, support our teens, through joy, disappointment, or a bit of both.

400g broad beans 200g sugar snaps, halved 400g trofie or other short pasta 50g fresh spinach, chopped 25g basil chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 4 tbsp olive oil Squeeze fresh lemon 1. To make the dressing, place all the ingredients in a small blender and whizz to a thick paste, ensuring that you leave a little texture. Season well, adding more lemon if needed. Set to one side. 2. Set a steamer over a large pan of simmering water and steam the broad beans and sugar snaps for 2-3 minutes.

6 skinless chicken breasts 180g pack pancetta slices 1 lemon, sliced 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed and halved 1 bulb garlic 2 sprigs rosemary 2 tbsp oil 200ml chicken stock 200g tub ricotta 50g Pecorino cheese, finely grated 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley Zest 1 lemon plus 2 tbsp juice 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan assisted/Gas 6. To make the filling, combine all the ingredients and season well, tasting as you go. Set to one side. 2.

200g butter 200g dark chocolate 4 eggs 200g golden caster sugar 50g ground almonds 50g plain flour 1 tbsp cocoa powder 250ml strong coffee 200g golden caster sugar 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan assisted/Gas 4 and butter and line the base of a 23cm springform cake tin. Melt the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Set to one side to cool for 10 minutes. 2.

1 tbsp olive oil 300g fine asparagus 200g Tenderstem broccoli handful of pea shoots 3 tbsp chopped pistachios Lemon wedges 200g feta cheese 50g Greek yoghurt 1 garlic clove, crushed Zest 1 lemon plus a little juice 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tbsp chilli oil 1½ tbsp honey pinch chilli flakes 1. To make the whipped feta, crumble the feta into a blender and add the garlic, lemon zest and juice and the olive oil.

Spring is here! With longer days, blooming flowers, and (hopefully) warmer weather, the clocks also move forward an hour on March 30th. This shift can worry parents, however some simple strategies can help your child adjust smoothly. At 1am, clocks will move forward, meaning 5am becomes 6am. If you have an early riser, this could naturally shift their morning later which is amazing for those early mornings.