What’s for tea Marie

27/12/2024

What Spices Give Doner Kebab Its Signature Taste? 🍢✨ And How to Make Your Own Healthy Version! 💪

If you love a good doner kebab (who doesn’t?), you’ve probably wondered what gives it that irresistible flavour. 🤔

The secret is a blend of aromatic spices, which typically include:
🌶️ Cumin
🧄 Garlic
🌿 Oregano
🍂 Paprika
🧂 Salt & Pepper
These spices come together to create the classic, smoky, and spiced taste that makes doner kebabs so iconic.

But here’s the best bit… you can make your own healthy version at home! 🍴

Healthy Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe

Ingredients:
• 500g lean lamb/beef or chicken (your choice)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing

Instructions:
1. Mix the minced meat with garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Shape into skewers or patties and grill or bake until cooked through.
3. Serve with whole-wheat pita, fresh veggies, a drizzle of homemade tzatziki or yogurt sauce, and enjoy guilt-free!

There you have it! A healthy take on the classic doner kebab that’s just as tasty but better for your waistline. 🙌

Do you love doners? Would you try this healthier homemade twist? Let us know below! 👇

26/12/2024

What Did People Eat During WW2? 🍞🥦 The Daily Rations Explained

During World War II, food was strictly rationed in the UK to ensure everyone had enough to eat. The government introduced a system of rationing in 1940 to combat shortages, and each person was allowed a set amount of food per week.

Here’s what a typical daily ration looked like for an average person:

🍞 Bread: 4 oz (about 113g)
🥛 Milk: 3 pints a week
🍖 Meat: 1 shilling worth of meat per week, which was very limited
🥔 Potatoes & Vegetables: Small quantities based on seasonal availability
🧀 Cheese: Around 2 oz (56g) a week
🍫 Sugar: 8 oz (226g) a week

To add to this, butter, eggs, and tea were rationed too.

How did it work? People used ration books to purchase their allowances. Food was weighed and doled out at local shops, and everyone had to stick to their strict daily limits.

Despite the careful planning, many people were hungry, especially during the early years of the war. The diet was plain, repetitive, and often very meagre. Creative substitutions, growing your own food, and making use of every scrap became a way of life.

Would YOU have managed on these rations? Or would you have struggled with hunger? Tell us your thoughts below 👇🍲

24/12/2024

Who Invented the Famous British Curries Like Chicken Korma and Why Are They So Popular? 🍛🇬🇧

Did you know that many of the curries we know and love, like Chicken Korma, were created to suit British tastes? While they may not be traditional Indian recipes, these iconic dishes have become an essential part of the UK’s food scene.

So, who invented them and when?

The story goes back to the mid-20th century, as Indian restaurants became popular in British cities. Indian chefs began adapting traditional recipes to suit Western palates—making them milder, creamier, and more familiar to local taste buds. Chicken Korma, with its rich, creamy sauce and gentle spices, was a perfect choice for introducing curry to a new audience.

The first Indian restaurants in Britain started popping up in cities like London, Birmingham, and Glasgow, and the rest is history. Now, British-style curries are as iconic as fish and chips!

🍛 Fun Fact: The popularity of these “British curries” was boosted by soldiers returning from service in India and the availability of Indian spices becoming more mainstream in British supermarkets.

Are you a Korma lover or do you prefer a hotter, spicier curry? Tell us your go-to curry choice below! 👇🔥

22/12/2024

What’s So Scotch About a Scotch Egg? 🥚🍳

You might think the name Scotch Egg has something to do with Scotland, right? Well, here’s the truth—it’s a bit of a mystery! 🤔

While Scotch Eggs are a classic British snack, their origins aren’t exactly Scottish. Some believe they were created by Fortnum & Mason in the 18th century as a tasty, portable meal for travelers. The name Scotch might refer to scotching (a term for wrapping or preparing food) or simply be a nod to Scottish influences.

A Scotch Egg is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, coated in breadcrumbs, and then baked or fried. Perfect for picnics, pub lunches, or just as a delicious snack!

Do you love Scotch Eggs? Or think they’re a bit egg-centric? Let us know in the comments! 👇

19/12/2024

Cottage Pie vs. Shepherd’s Pie: The Truth Behind the Great Mystery 🥧

Let’s settle this once and for all: what’s the real difference between these two classic British dishes?

It’s all about the meat! 🥩
• Cottage Pie: Made with minced beef.
• Shepherd’s Pie: Made with minced lamb (because shepherds look after sheep!).

Both are topped with creamy mashed potato and baked until golden and bubbling. But call it wrong, and you’ll have the food police knocking at your door! 🚨

So, which one is your favourite comfort food? Beefy cottage pie or classic shepherd’s pie? Let us know! 👇

16/12/2024

Why Is Yorkshire Pudding Called a Pudding When It’s Not Sweet? 🤔

Ah, the great British Yorkshire pudding—crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for soaking up gravy! But why is it called a pudding when it’s clearly not a dessert?

Here’s the truth: in old English cooking, the term pudding didn’t just mean sweet treats. It referred to any dish made with a batter or a mixture that was steamed or baked, whether savoury or sweet. Yorkshire pudding was originally cooked under roasting meat to catch all those delicious drippings—hence its savoury roots!

So, while it might confuse the rest of the world, we Brits know it’s the ultimate roast dinner sidekick. 💂‍♂️🇬🇧

Do you think Yorkshire pudding deserves its name? Or should it have been called something else? Let us know below! 👇

14/12/2024

The Warming History of Mulled Wine 🍷✨

Did you know mulled wine dates back to Roman times? The Romans heated and spiced their wine to survive chilly winters, and as their empire spread, so did the recipe. By the Middle Ages, Brits were sipping spiced “Ypocras,” believing it cured colds and indigestion. Fast forward to Victorian England, and mulled wine became a Christmas tradition, even making an appearance in A Christmas Carol as “smoking bishop.”

Today, it’s a festive must-have—whether you call it mulled wine, Glühwein (Germany), or Glögg (Sweden), it’s still the ultimate winter warmer!

Here’s how to make your own:

Easy Mulled Wine Recipe
• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 2–3 tbsp sugar or honey
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 star anise
• Optional: fresh ginger & 100ml brandy

1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Gently heat (don’t boil!) until the flavours infuse, about 10–15 minutes.
3. Strain and serve in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with orange slices or a cinnamon stick.

Perfect for cosy evenings or Christmas gatherings! Are you a mulled wine fan, or do you prefer a cheeky hot toddy? Let us know below! 🎄🍷

13/12/2024

Have You Ever Wondered What People Eat for Christmas Dinner Around the World? 🎄🍴

Here in Britain, we’re all about roast turkey with stuffing, crispy roasties, pigs in blankets, and, of course, those controversial sprouts (love them or hate them?). Add lashings of gravy, a dollop of cranberry sauce, and finish with a flaming Christmas pudding—it’s the ultimate festive feast!

But did you know Christmas dinner looks totally different elsewhere?
• USA 🇺🇸: Think roast ham, sweet potatoes with marshmallows (yes, really!), and pumpkin pie for dessert.
• Italy 🇮🇹: Forget turkey; Italians enjoy a feast of seafood dishes, like salt cod or pasta with clams, followed by panettone or tiramisu.
• Japan 🇯🇵: Believe it or not, the go-to Christmas meal is… KFC! Families queue for buckets of fried chicken—a tradition started by a 1970s marketing campaign.
• Sweden 🇸🇪: Their julbord is a buffet of pickled herring, meatballs, sausages, and glögg (spiced mulled wine).
• Mexico 🇲🇽: Tamales stuffed with meat, corn dough, and spices take centre stage, often paired with ponche, a warm fruit punch.

Each country puts its own spin on festive feasting, but the one thing they all have in common? Gathering with loved ones to share good food.

So, are you sticking with classic British traditions this year, or tempted to try something new? Let us know your dream Christmas dinner! 🎅🍽️

11/12/2024

Here are some quintessentially British tips for saving money when preparing your Christmas dinner without compromising on quality or festivity:

1. Plan Ahead
• Make a shopping list: Stick to a list of essentials to avoid impulse buys.
• Start early: Begin buying non-perishable items (e.g., stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, tinned goods) weeks in advance to spread the cost and take advantage of offers.

2. Shop Around
• Compare supermarket prices: Use price-comparison apps or websites like Trolley.co.uk or MySupermarket.
• Visit discount supermarkets: Stores like Aldi and Lidl often have excellent quality produce for less.

3. Buy Own-Brand Products
• Supermarket own-brand items are often just as good as premium brands, especially for basics like potatoes, vegetables, and bread sauce.

4. Bulk Buy & Freeze
• Meat deals: Look out for promotions on turkeys or hams and freeze them until Christmas.
• Frozen vegetables: They are often cheaper than fresh, pre-chopped, and just as nutritious.

5. Consider Cheaper Alternatives to Turkey
• Chicken or gammon: A roast chicken or glazed gammon joint can be just as festive but far cheaper.
• Vegetarian mains: Nut roasts, mushroom wellingtons, or stuffed squash are cost-effective and can please everyone.

6. Make Your Own
• Homemade trimmings: Preparing your stuffing, gravy, and bread sauce can save a fortune and taste better.
• Desserts: Bake a simple Christmas pudding or trifle rather than buying pre-made versions.

7. Buy Seasonal Veg
• Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, sprouts, and potatoes are often on sale in December and can be bought in bulk.

8. Use Leftovers Wisely
• Plan meals for Boxing Day and beyond: Turkey curry, bubble and squeak, or sandwiches make great use of leftovers.

9. Look for Discounts
• Yellow stickers: Shop late in the evening to snag marked-down items.
• Loyalty schemes: Take advantage of supermarket loyalty points (e.g., Tesco Clubcard, Nectar card).

10. Avoid Overbuying
• Portion planning: Avoid waste by calculating portions realistically. A rough guide is 500g of meat per person, less if there are many trimmings.

By combining these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and festive Christmas dinner while keeping costs under control!

09/12/2024

Here’s a simple and affordable stir fry sauce that works with almost any combination of vegetables, meat, or noodles. It’s versatile, quick to make, and uses common pantry ingredients.

Easy All-Purpose Stir Fry Sauce

Ingredients
• 4 tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for a vegetarian option)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced fresh garlic)
• 1 tsp ginger powder (or 1 tsp grated fresh ginger)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 4 tbsp water

Optional Additions
• 1 tsp sesame oil (for flavor)
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (for a spicy kick)

Instructions
1. Mix the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, ginger powder, cornstarch, and water until smooth. If using optional ingredients, add them in as well.
2. Cook your stir fry:
In a large wok or frying pan, stir fry your chosen ingredients (meat, tofu, vegetables, or noodles) in a small amount of oil over high heat until cooked.
3. Add the sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over your stir-fry ingredients and toss everything together. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients evenly.
4. Serve:
Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice, noodles, or on its own.

Why It Works
• Soy sauce provides the salty base.
• Oyster sauce adds richness and umami.
• Vinegar balances with acidity.
• Sugar gives a subtle sweetness.
• Cornstarch thickens the sauce to cling to the ingredients.

This sauce is budget-friendly and can be scaled up

08/12/2024

Lunch, Dinner, or Tea? Let’s Settle This Great British Debate! 🥪🍽☕

If you’ve ever been confused about what to call your meals in the UK, you’re not alone. Some people call lunch “dinner” and dinner “tea”—but why?

It all comes down to tradition! In the old days, the main meal of the day was eaten around midday, often called dinner, especially in working-class communities. The lighter evening meal was known as tea, thanks to the popular drink it was served with.

Meanwhile, in more formal circles, the evening meal became dinner, and lunch replaced the midday meal. Confusing? Just a bit!

So, what do you call your meals? Is it lunch and dinner, or dinner and tea? Let us know in the comments—bonus points if you tell us where you’re from! 🥘☕🍰

08/12/2024

Here’s a classic British recipe for chip shop-style battered cod. This recipe ensures a crispy, golden batter and tender, flaky fish inside.

Ingredients

For the fish:
• 4 fresh cod fillets (skinless and boneless)
• 1 cup plain flour (for dusting)
• Salt and pepper (to season the fish)

For the batter:
• 1 cup plain flour
• 1/4 cup cornflour (optional, for extra crispness)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional, for a traditional golden color)
• 1 cup cold sparkling water or beer (lager works well)

For frying:
• Vegetable oil or sunflower oil (enough to fill your pan or fryer halfway)

Instructions
1. Prepare the fish:
Pat the cod fillets dry with kitchen paper. Lightly season both sides with salt and pepper. Dust them with plain flour to help the batter stick and set aside.
2. Make the batter:
In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, cornflour (if using), baking powder, salt, and turmeric. Gradually whisk in the cold sparkling water or beer until the batter is smooth and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Avoid overmixing.
3. Heat the oil:
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan or deep-fat fryer to 180°C (350°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; it should sizzle and turn golden in about 30 seconds.
4. Coat the fish:
Dip the seasoned and floured cod fillets into the batter, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let any excess batter drip off.
5. Fry the fish:
Carefully lower the battered fish into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the batter is golden brown and crisp, and the fish is cooked through.
6. Drain and serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fish from the oil and place it on a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your battered cod with chunky chips, mushy peas, tartar sauce, and a wedge of lemon. Sprinkle with salt and vinegar for the ultimate chip shop experience!

Enjoy your homemade chippy dinner!

12/06/2024

Super delicious and very easy Thai satay red curry - easy recipe with only 4 ingredients

Are you looking for a spicy, nutty, creamy Thai curry that is very easy to make?This recipe will show you a simple, easy to follow recipe for a lovely, spicy...

28/05/2024

Delicious idea for an unusual tea. How to make very easy German Currywurst using a packet sauce and Bratwurst sausages and where to buy the ingredients.

Currywurst made easy with a packet sauce which is beloved by Germans when they make this dish at home.Recreating an authentic Currywurst as eaten in Germany.

25/05/2024

This is how to make the best ever scrambled eggs :) yum yum as taught by a chef

How chefs make scrambled eggs - as taught by a chef I met on Myspace a few years ago.

18/05/2024

After testing just about every microwave chicken korma, which one is the best? Do you agree?

18/05/2024

What’s your fave kebab sauce? Where I live there is no garlic sauce on your kebab - just mint or chilli. I have mint but would prefer garlic any day!

16/05/2024

Hello and welcome to my new page where I will be reviewing recipes and food, and helping you to find tasty meals to cook.