Monday, 30 April 2012

Exclusive interview with the lovely Bear Grylls



I'm often asked what the best thing about being a blogger is and I have to say, the thing I get the bigget kick out of is having the opportunity to do things that never would have presented themselves otherwise. Well, a couple of weeks ago, I was very excited to be asked if I'd like to interview Bear Grylls, currently working with Persil small & mighty on their campaign to get kids active. Here are the questions I asked him and his replies :

  1. First of all, can I ask you where the nickname Bear came from?
It’s come from Edward, Eddie, Teddy, Teddy Bear! It’s not very butch but then again, my sister gave it to me when I was a day old!
 
  1. It's been great to see all your work with Persil small & mighty promoting active outdoor fun for kids. Why do you think this is so important for today's youth?
It’s so sad young people don’t get a chance to enjoy the great outdoors as much as our generation. Persil small and mighty is encouraging kids and parents to love adventures again.
 
  1. What kind of childhood did you have yourself ? And how does this compare to your own kids' idea of play?
Really active! It was all about running around outside, climbing, making rafts and camping in trees. All of these activities made me closer to my father. These kind of activities don’t have to be elaborate- they’re simple and fun and they fired my imagination.
 
  1. You were the youngest ever person to be appointed Chief Scout. What does this represent for you ?
Being Chief Scout means a lot to me. It encourages young people to get access to adventure! It focuses on important life skills and working together.
 
  1. Were you a Scout when you were younger? Do you think being a Scout is still "cool" for modern kids ?
Yes, I was a scout when I was a kid! By 8 years old I had a lot of confidence from it. I just think that life isn’t about being cool – it’s about looking after your friends and yourself. Life’s about experiencing things and that’s what scouts encourages. I think that’s about as cool as it gets!
 
  1. You've been on some fantastic adventures. Is there one trip in particular that sticks in your mind as the most exciting or dangerous situation you've ever been in ? And are there any that, with hindsight, you wouldn't do again?
I have to say Everest was pretty life-changing. It had always been a dream of mine that my Dad encouraged. A military team was picked and you had to climb or lose lives. That trip changed me in many ways. I think that mountains have an ability to humble and inspire you. I went back to Everest to look at doing a paraglider attempt but I wouldn’t attempt Everest again.
 
  1. Do you ever think "I'm a celebrity, get me out of here" when you're filming?!
Yes, often. All the time actually! But, it’s like life- the pain and discomfort doesn’t last forever and you just have to think of the end goal.
 
  1. What are some of the most revolting things you've eaten in the wild?
(Laughs) Ah, yes. I would say goats testicles, frozen yak’s eyeballs and camel intestine fluids- not great!
 
  1. Just looking through some of your madcap exploits - rowing a bath-tub naked along the River Thames, having a record-breaking high altitude dinner party, ... - who comes up with these crazy ideas ? And do you have any others planned?
Of course! I come up with most of them! Life is meant to be an adventure. I have lots of new plans from new TV shows and films, to other things. You’ll have to wait and see!
 
  1. Have you ever turned down a challenge because you thought it would be too demanding or dangerous ? 
I’m super lucky to get approached most days by people with amazing challenges. Some are really dangerous but my wife’s a pretty strong filter!
 
  1. As a parent, how would you feel if (when ?!) you own children come and tell you they're going to go climbing Everest, canoeing over Niagara Falls or something equally daring ?
My dad always said to me you have to follow your dreams - which is what I did. As a parent I think you have to encourage, encourage, encourage. I would be behind them.
 
12.   Do you have any advice for parents who would like to get their kids away from the TV screens and games consoles and out into the natural world to have fun and adventures as a family ?
Yes, check out our Persil top ten things to do before you’re ten guide-  all the ideas are there for all kinds of outdoor activities. You don’t need to go on expensive holidays to do these things- they’re right on your doorstep!
  

Other blogposts you may be interested in :
  
Book review : The Art of Roughhousing : Good Old-Fashioned Horseplay and Why Every Kid Needs It
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WeightWatchers recipe : Asian beef and mango salad


As you know, I'm currently trialling the Weightwatchers Online programme and testing the various WeightWatchers products (food and recipe books) that they sent me. I've been really impressed with the One Pot Meals book and have learnt that, even when the ingredients look like they don't (or really shouldn't!) go together, they often end up being delicious.The Malaysian Pork with Pineapple recipe that I tried here was a prime example of this.


Well, another recipe that intrigued me but that I wasn't sure would work was this one for Asian Beef & Mango Salad. After a bit of "Do you think this would work ?" tweeting, I bit the bullet and raided the fridge.


Part of the reason that this really appealed to me was that I just happened to have the key ingredients in the fridge - some leftover cooked beef, some mango, salad and cucumber. The recipe gives you a list of ingredients to combine to make a delicious light  dressing, but as the main ingredients were lime juice and zest, fish sauce, garlic and sweet chilli sauce, I decided to try one of the Just Add Sweet Chilli, Ginger & Lime salad dressing sachets (that I mentioned here).



It was absolutely delicious and I can wholeheartedly say that beef, mango and sweet chilli sauce are a match made in heaven. I'm now trying to get brave enough to try the Banana Sambal recipe (that accompanies Spice Box Chicken), which is a mind-boggling mixture of banana, cucumber, red onion and lime juice. Hmmm really?!

for more information : www.weightwatchers.co.uk




Other reviews you may be interested in : 
  

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Picture Book review : Sparkle's Song - Samantha Hale


Having just reviewed The Goblin and The Girl here and now moving on to another book - Sparkle's Song - from the same publishers, I've come to the concluson that Maverick Books like to focus on charming children's picture books that have a more poignant, serious side to them. Although many young readers will just skim over the more emotional subtext, anyone who has been touched by the issues evoked will really relate to the characters in the story and find them reassuring and supportive.

While The Goblin and The Girl hinted at self esteem and body image issues, Sparkle's Song deals with loss and grief. When her parents are killed in an accident, Sparkle is sent to live with her Aunt Mildred in the middle of nowhere. Her aunt doesn't like music and Sparkle’s beloved radio is banned from the house. One day whilst playing outside, Sparkle hears beautiful music coming from the forest. She goes in search of it but
soon finds herself lost amongst the trees. She meets a songbird and a group of talking instruments, then learns the sad reason why her aunt has banned music, so she returns home and persuades her Aunt to play the piano with her.



The book subtly investigates grief, coming to terms with the death of a loved one and the healing power of music. But anyone who has not been affected by these issues will just read it as a magical fairy story without the deeper subtext. The beautiful illustrations by Mariana Ruiz Johnson which accompany the text add to this fairytalesque quality and make it an enchanting read for children of all ages to enjoy.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £11.99




Disclosure  : We received a free review copy of the book.

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St Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub review


As I approach my forties, the skin on my face is becoming drier and feeling tighter so I always use a moisturiser and/or anti-ageing cream. Although I love using exfoliating body scrubs in the shower, I actually avoid using them on my face because, when I've used them in the past, I've found them to be a bit harsh and they dry my skin out even more. Well, that is all about to change because I was absolutely wowed by the St Ives apricot scrub that I received to review.


Labelled as the UK's number 1 scrub brand, I was keen to give it a go and see why it's so popular. I received the Invigorating "Fresh Skin" apricot scrub, but there are several different scrubs available for different skin types. The instructions tell you to "Moisten face with water. Dispense product onto fingertips and massage over face. Rinse with water. Avoid direct contact with eyes. In case of contact with eyes, flush thoroughly with water.". I squeezed some scrub on to my fingertips and could see the little grains of exfoliating product, which I assumed to be crushed up apricot kernels, as it is an apricot scrub. A closer look at the ingredients list reveals that it is actually walnut shell powder and corn kernel meal, although it does also contain apricot fruit extract.


I think this photo is Sophie's revenge for all the times I make her pose with a review product ! After splashing some water on to my face, I massaged the apricot scrub into my skin. It feels creamy and refreshing and, although you can feel the little grains of walnut shell doing their magic and exfoliating your skin, it doesn't feel at all scratchy or harsh. I focused particularly on the area around my nose, where I have dilated pores, and after a couple of minutes massaging the skin on my face, I washed it all off.

There was some very slight redness around my nose but that disappeared within a few minutes. My skin instantly felt refreshed and revigorated - not at all irritated or sore - and I had the same sensation as after using my Go Ginger! skin cream (that I reviewed here) which boosts blood circulation to your skin. After patting dry my skin, I was about to instinctively reach for the moisturiser, convinced that my skin would have been dried out by the scrub and in need of some TLC, but I was amazed to see that it actually looked and felt hydrated and soft, as if I'd just moisturised it.

A little while later, the kids came and gave me a kiss and cuddle and Juliette said "oooh your skin is all soft and smells nice" ! I was really impressed with the way my skin felt after just one application, but the tube says that for best results, you should use it three to four times per week. As it is so gentle and nourishing, I'll definitely be happy to use it that often.

The packaging states that it uses 100% natural exfoliants and is formulated without parabens and phthalates so I was slightly disappointed to see the large number of long and complicated names in the ingredients list. Things like Glyceryl Stearate, Propylene Glycol and Sodium Laureth Sulfate don't sound particularly appealing, although even the natural ingredients are given their scientific names which sound less natural

The product promises to "gently exfoliate dull surface cells to instantly reveal smooth, radiant skin" and  I have to agree that it does exactly what it says on the tube. I love the gentle, non irritating formula, the fruity apricot fragrance and above all, the way my skin looked and felt afterwards. I was surprised to learn that St Ives don't only produce facial scrubs - they also have a range of body scrubs, body-firming moisturisers and cleansing wipes - so it's a brand I'll definitely be investigating more.

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £3.99 for 150ml


Disclosure : I received a tube of St Ives apricot scrub in order to write the review.

Other reviews you may be interested in :


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Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign

 

Today sees the nationwide launch of the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign and this year’s collection has taken on a patriotic British theme. The best of the British high street retailers, M&S, Topshop, River Island, Warehouse, Coast, Debenhams, my-wardrobe and Shavata will be uniting to launch exclusive products, each carrying a 30% donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. Also, for the first time ever, FTBC will be urging people to don their fundraising caps, get together with their friends, family and colleagues and hold fashion-themed fundraising events. Here's their advice on how you can get involved and raise funds for this great charity.


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Whether it’s a fashion show, party or office event, there’s a way everyone can get involved. If you’re looking to update your wardrobe at the same time as raising money, why not throw an FTBC swishing party?

To provide budding fundraiser fashionistas with some style inspiration for their events, ITV’s resident fashion expert, Antonia O’Brien has drawn up some handy tips to get people rallying together, in style, for this vital cause. 


Antonia’s Top Tips for FTBC Swishing Parties

Antonia O’Brien said: “All of our wardrobes are full of clothes, shoes, bags and jewels that we never wear but can’t bring ourselves to get rid of. What could be a better reason to have a big clear out than to raise money for a fantastic charity like Fashion Targets Breast Cancer? So girls let’s go, persuade your family and friends to take part in a ‘swishing’ party and you may find yourself some fashion treasure that’s been hiding in your best friends (or Mum’s) wardrobe.’’

  • Host a themed swishing party (who doesn’t love fancy dress?’) and ask the girls to dress up according to your chosen theme. Whether that is as 1920s flapper girls, your favourite Royal, girl band or Hollywood actress – make it a fun and charitable evening to remember.
  • For a successful ‘swish’ ask everyone to bring their unwanted clothes, bags, shoes, hats, jewellery, accessories – everything-to put together and then swap. After all, we know that one woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure (and I want her red patent platforms!)
  • And now onto how to fundraise from your swishing party. All you need to do is charge your family and friends a small admission fee to come along and ‘swish,’ and the money raised will go directly to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer. Just think, those old dungarees could help the 1 in 8 women who are likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
  • Or what about a raffle? Whether you host it in your living room or town hall, just ask your friends to donate prizes that tie into this year’s 2012 British FTBC theme, think Rule Britannia in red, white and blue.
  • Now, have you got Naomi Campbell’s super-swagger? Organise a catwalk show where you style a friend in clothes from your wardrobe, and then that look can go on sale. Then get creative and post your supermodel pictures on Facebook and Twitter to inspire others to join in, follow and fundraise with this year’s FTBC fashion campaign.

If you need more help with your event, whatever you decide, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer has designed and made all you need. For a fundraising pack visit: www.fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk or call 08080 100 200

All funds raised by holding a fashion event will go to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer. With one in eight women in the UK likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime it’s time to stand together, spread the word and show your support.


I've also had a look through the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign collection and thought I'd share some of my favourite pieces with you. There are three key trends –Rainbow Fields, Royal Affair and Postcard Promenade – channelling iconic British past times. 

 

Debenhams Majestic Feather Band RRP £28
30% donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Available in stores nationwide and online at www.debenhams.com
Stockist info 08445 616161


  

 
Debenhams Street Party Mug RRP £6.50
30% donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Available in stores nationwide and online at www.debenhams.com
Stockist info 08445 616161


 


River Island Bracelet Suggested donation £2.00
100% donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Available in stores nationwide and online at www.riverisland.com



 


M&S Flip Flops RRP £7.50
30% donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Available in stores nationwide and online at www.marksandspencer.com



 

M&S Flower Target T-Shirt RRP £12.50
30% donation to Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer
Available in stores nationwide and online at www.marksandspencer.com



The FTBC website will be going live next week so it might be nice for your readers to take a look. You will be able to shop the products, read our blog, find out about this year’s celebrity supporters, see our stylehunter street gallery and check out our product of the day.
 
for more information : http://fashiontargetsbreastcancer.org.uk/
 or on twitter - @FashionTargets #FTBC2012

Other blogposts you may be interested in :
 
Our recipe for Macmillan Cancer Support and Silver Spoon's Little Book of Treats
Live Below The Line campaign - May 7th - 11th - will you be getting involved 
 Give up Clothes for Good charity campaign

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Sunday, 29 April 2012

City of Friends app review



When we were asked if we'd like to review a new iPad app that teaches kids about the emergency services, I couldn't help but laugh. Talk about perfect timing ! A couple of weeks ago, the Madhouse Mini-testers got a bit of a shock when we went to the park at the end of our road and watched a whole house burn down. They were too stunned to even get excited when the fire engines turned up with sirens, flashing lights, big ladders and long hoses. And if that wasn't enough, earlier this week, my blood ran cold when a white-faced Sophie came running into the house, yelling "Mum, there's a lady on the car park opposite our house lying on the floor with her eyes closed and there's a man who can't manage to wake her up". I grabbed Pierre and ran outside in case I needed to call an ambulance but it arrived at the same time as I did. The "lady" was a young girl, about 15, who apparently ran over the grass verge in her heels, slipped and fell backwards, smacking her head on the concrete and knocking herself out. The ambulancemen gave her oxygen, put her in a neck and back brace and carted her off to hospital. 

So, an app to teach the kids about the emergency services ? Bring it on !


The app features Milkshake's City of friends programme, which has reached over 1.6 million viewers in the UK and is the 5th most watched show on Channel 5’s All Day Video on Demand service. It allows fans to interact with the show’s emergency service recruits, Max the police officer, Elphie the fire officer and Ted the paramedic, to solve problems and help people around their city. In its native Norway, the new City of Friends app is the number one app for children.


The app features the highly popular multiple mini-games format, which always goes down well with the Madhouse Mini-testers because there is something to appeal to everyone. The mini games are :

♦ Put out fires with Elphie
♦ Organize Ted’s First aid kit
♦ Fly the helicopter with Max
♦ Get to know City of Friends in a memory game
♦ Check out the emergency vehicles
♦ TV series movie snippets rewards


As usual, I left 2-year-old Pierre and 7-year-old Juliette to get to grips with the app by themselves to see how they got on and, before long, Juliette came to tell me that the video clips weren't working. I said that maybe she had to unlock them as she progressed through the games and she happily bounced back a few minutes later to say that I was right and she had unlocked some more.

The games are very simple but the Madhouse Mini-testers loved them, particularly the game where you have to put out fires with the hose and the matching game where you have to fit the various implements into the correct gaps in the first aid kit.

The video clips also appealed to them and are great to watch with them to discuss what they've seen (particularly if they've been watching real life dramas unfold before their eyes *ahem*) but once they've watched them a few times, they probably won't want to watch them any more.

The app target audience is pre-schoolers aged 2-6 which sounds about right (although 7-year-old Juliette still had great fun with it).

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £1.49

for more information : http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/city-of-friends/id488499104?mt=8

Disclosure : We received a review code for the app.

Other reviews you may be interested in :


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The Spice Tailor curry kits review


A little while ago, I shared some recipes with you here on the blog from Anjum Anand. I was over the moon when we received some of her curry sauce cooking kits to try out too.


Even before I got down to cooking or tasting them, I was impressed on a number of levels. Firstly, the recipes are very original and authentic-sounding, breaking out of the usual korma/madras/rogan josh rut of most curry cooking sauces. I'd never even heard of Keralan Coconut Curry or Punjabi Tomato Curry but I couldn't wait to try them. Secondly, the packaging promises that they are made fresh in small batches, so you almost get the impression that Anjum Anand has been knocking up an intimate dinner for you to enjoy in her kitchen rather than just buying a mass-produced industrial product !


And thirdly, I love the fact that you get not only a pouch of sauce but also a little packet with whole spices to add extra flavour and authenticity to the dish.


The packaging gives you simple step-by-step instructions as well as Anjum's tasting notes, which tell you all about the recipe that you are preparing. It really is simple and quick to prepare.



We decided to try the Keralan Coconut Curry first. You fry the whole spices for 20 seconds in a spoonful of oil to release the flavours. As the tasting notes explain, you get optional red chilli for clean heat, curry leaves for aromatic warmth and brown mustard seeds for a nutty note. I love the way the ready-made sauce is great for nervous or beginner cooks while the whole spices help you to discover new ingredients that you may not have used before. (This was the first time I'd ever used whole curry leaves.)


The instructions now tell you to add the sauce to the spices, add some water, bring to the boil then add the fish, meat or vegetables (we were using chicken) and simmer until cooked through - approximately 3-6 minutes. I wanted to use the Actifry so precooked the chicken for a few minutes before adding the spices, sauce and a little water. 


The finished dish is fragrant, mildly spiced (so even the kids, who often don't like curry or spicy dishes, loved it) and refreshingly different. If you're thinking there's not a huge amount of sauce in the picture above, it's designed to serve 2-3 using 300g of firm white fish, prawns, pork, chicken, duck breast or vegetables but, as the kids liked it, I ended up using 500g of chicken for five servings. This gave a chicken tikka type of consistency, with each piece of chicken generously coated in sauce, but with very little liquid sauce to soak into the accompanying rice.

The Punjabi Tomato Curry is another mellow curry but I might "misinform" (which is a nicer way of saying lie to !) the kids that it's really spicy so that I can do the suggested 2-3 servings with lashes of sauce next time !

You can watch Anjum watching  the dish here : http://www.thespicetailor.com/recipes-and-demos/keralan-coconut-curry/

star rating : 4.5/5

RRP : £2.89 for 225g

for more information : http://www.thespicetailor.com/

Disclosure : We received two Spice Tailor curry kits in order to write the review.

Other reviews you may be interested in :



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Picture book review : The Goblin and the Girl - Neil Irani



The Goblin and the Girl is an interesting story that deals with an unusual theme in children's books – self-esteem issues. The perfectly ordinary little girl of the tale sees a horrible goblin every time she looks in the mirror so she hides herself away behind a big hat at school. When the wind blows her hat away, she panics and runs into the forest to hide away from the other children. But a little boy finds her, starts talking to her and shares his umbrella with her. Through the magical power of friendship and kindness, the goblin in the mirror disappears and the little girl sees herself as the beautiful girl she really is.




The story reads very much as a fairy story, with the sad little girl getting lost in the forest and the total absence of adults. The retro-style illustrations, heavily reliant on reddish-brown and green tones, reinforce this olde-worlde feel and give the story a timeless quality.


All children will enjoy listening to the feel-good story - young readers will take it at face value and belive it really is a magical tale of goblins and enchanted mirrors - but it will be particularly empowering for anyone with self esteem or body image issues.


Star rating : 4/5

RRP : £6.99
  • Paperback: 32 pages
  • Publisher: Smallfish Books (31 Jan 2011)
  • ISBN-10: 0956143091
  • ISBN-13: 978-0956143099
  • Product Dimensions: 29.7 x 20.2 x 0.3 cm



Disclosure : I received a free review copy of the book.

Other reviews you may be interested in : 
  
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The Mushroom Bureau teams up with Masterchef finalist, Jackie Kearney, to create a free recipe booklet

I thought you might like the look of this free downloadable recipe booklet, especially when you learn that : 

  - Mushrooms are a natural source of B vitamins and minerals, with an 80g serving counting as one of your 5-a-day
  - Mushrooms are a natural source of selenium which is part of the body’s antioxidant defence system.
- They are naturally low in calories and fat-
They are a good source of vitamin B5 which works in the body to help release energy from the food we eat
- They are a natural source of folic acid. 

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MasterChef Finalist, and well-known vegetarian, Jackie Kearney has joined forces with the Mushroom Bureau to create a selection of inspiring vegetarian recipes from mushrooms in a new and free to download recipe booklet.
 
Aside from the obvious tastiness, Mushrooms are extremely popular with vegetarians because they’re virtually fat and calorie free, which makes them a great filler-upper. However, Jackie is keen for everyone [and not just vegetarians] to understand the benefits of eating mushrooms regularly and to incorporate them into their daily diets.
 
Jackie comments: “I was extremely keen to work with the Mushroom Bureau and create recipes that focus on such a great ingredient. I am confident that the recipes will have wider appeal, beyond the veggies, and will hopefully inspire people to get more creative with their mushroom eating. I eat mushrooms several times a week. They are a staple for breakfast or brunch at the weekend in our house. I also use them a lot in Asian cooking as the ideal meat substitute, bringing both texture and flavour. They’re also low fat and healthy, and provide a valuable source of nutrients for anyone - not just vegetarians!”

Jackie’s mushroom recipes include Asian inspired dishes like: Pot Sticker Dumplings; Mushroom Tempura; Three Mushroom Claypot; Mushroom Satay Skewers, and two hearty homemade dishes, Three-Way Mushroom and Tarragon Soup and Flat Mushroom and Puy Lentil Cottage Pie.
 
The free to download recipe booklet containing Jackie’s recipes can be found at the More to Mushrooms website, where hundreds of other mushroom recipe ideas are also available.  

Here's one of the recipes to give you a taster :


Pot Sticker Dumplings, stuffed with Chestnut Mushrooms and Spring Greens, served with a spicy Chilli Sambal

 These popular dumplings can be found all over Asia. The filling utilises local and seasonal ingredients,  mushrooms and spring cabbage. The nutty earthiness of chestnut mushrooms works really well with the ginger spicing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Info
Serves: 4-6
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes

Equipment
Medium, flat bottomed frying pan with lid
Hand blender
Large pan, for frying chillies and garlic in vegetable oil

For the dumplings

• 1 packet of round dumpling wrappers (can be found at most Chinese supermarkets, or you can
make your own dough, 30 minutes in advance)
• 20g fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp groundnut oil (or rapeseed)
• 170g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
• 80g dark leaf spring cabbage, finely chopped
• Light soy sauce, 1-2 tsp to taste
• 1½ tsp rice wine or dry sherry
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• Pinch of white pepper and sugar
• 1½ tsp sesame oil

For the chilli sambal

(this will keep for several weeks in the fridge or you can buy ready-made sambal)
• 2-5 large red chillies (tops removed)
• 1 bulb of garlic (peeled cloves)
• Salt and sugar to taste

Method

1. For the dumpling filling, gently fry the ginger and shallot in a little groundnut oil until translucent.

2. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cabbage to the shallots and ginger. Cook on a medium high heat for a few minutes, before adding soy, rice wine, salt, white pepper, sugar and sesame seed oil. Sauté for a further minute or two, mixing well. Taste to check seasoning and set aside.

3. To make the dipping sauce, fry the garlic cloves and chilli together in deep hot oil until nicely browned. Drain and cool the mixture on kitchen paper before blitzing with a hand blender until smooth. Add sugar and salt to taste. The sambal should taste spicy, slightly sweet and salty. 

4. Dust the work surface with a little flour. Lay out several dumpling wrappers, put a teaspoon of the stuffing mixture into the centre, fold in half and seal the edges with a series of pinches (like a little Cornish Pasty).  Repeat to make about 15-20 dumplings.

5. To cook the dumplings, heat the groundnut oil in a frying pan, add half the dumplings and fry the bottom side for 2 minutes. Add 2 tbsp of water to the pan and immediately cover with the lid. Steam for 4-5 minutes before removing the lid and continue to fry for a further minute, then remove from the pan and drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining dumplings.

6. To serve, place the dumplings on a plate with the bottom side up and serve with a small bowl or
spoonful of sambal, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves

for more information : www.moretomushrooms.com


Other blogposts you may be interested in :
  

 

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The Asda Baby Event is on until 4th May - bargains, free folic acid & a daily facebook giveaway


I know of at least two lovely mummy bloggers who should be giving birth in the next couple of days (if they haven't already) so I hope they'll have time to pick up some fab bargain from ASDA. Even if you're not pregnant or a new mum, scroll down to the bottom for news of a Facebook giveaway to tie in with the instore baby event.

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Asda’s popular Baby Event is back, offering amazing prices on great products for mums across the country. The in-store event runs for two weeks from the 23rd April with fantastic offers, better discounts on all your favourite brands and exciting new products. Plus there are sensational offers to be found at George so you can kit your little one out in style at great prices.

Change Time


With great deals on Little Angels and Pampers plus new innovative changing products, changing your baby doesn’t have to be a costly affair. Dermatologically tested, Little Angels Comfort Dry Nappies are made with sleep dry technology resulting in a nappy with soft flexible sides to increase your baby’s comfort.
Little Angels Comfort Dry Nappies £6



Soft and thick with gentle cleansers, these Little Angel Cotton Soft Wipes enriched with aloe vera & baby lotion have been specially designed to prevent the causes of nappy rash and help care for baby's soft skin.
Little Angels Baby Wipes Fragranced/ Fragrance Free £4



Pampers have created Pampers Baby Dry Nappies with extra absorbent zones which are 14% wider than previous nappies, helping your baby keep dry and comfortable all night long.
Pampers Baby Dry Mega Pack £15

Travel and Safety



Asda has cut the cost of car seats, buggies and travel cots to leave you with a little extra holiday money in your pocket this summer. The top-selling Nania Trio Plus Car Seat comes equipped with chest and buckle pads and a head support cushion providing comfort and safety in the car.
The Nania Trio Plus Car Seat £25



The Graco Junior Maxi Car Seat is a gadget marvel with its integrated seat belt guide within the headrest, adjustable backrest and armrests plus cup holders on each side for your baby’s beaker. This multi-tasking phenomenon can even be converted into a booster seat by removing the backrest, keeping your toddler safe and sound throughout childhood.
Graco Junior Maxi Car Seat £25



Suitable from newborn to six months,  the Westborn Moses Cot is sure to keep your baby snug and cosy with its comfortable mattress and adjustable hood keeping your baby warm all night long.
Westborn Moses Cot £25


This lightweight, easily transportable Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot is a brilliant addition to any overnight journey. Easy to put up and take down, this cot makes staying away from home simple, comfortable and the perfect accessory for weekends with the grandparents.
Red Kite Sleep Tight Travel Cot £25 
 
Playtime



With a huge range of branded toys at amazingly low prices, playtime has never been so much fun. From the highly acclaimed Mamas & Papas collection, these colourful characters will encourage your baby’s development of sight, touch, sound, motor skills, imagination and exercise.
Mamas and Papas Pollyana Pony Rocking Animal £40

Feed Me


Feeding time is never straight forward but with top products at fantastic prices, Asda is here to give
you a little helping hand. Ella’s Kitchen award winning products are a must-have during feeding time. Made with organic fruit, the First Tastes range (from four months – stage one) are designed especially for babies’ starting to wean off baby food. 
 
Ella’s Kitchen First Taste Packs £2.50


Tommee Tippee has created an exciting and effective weaning pack for Mother’s trying to wean their babies onto food. The pack includes spoons, cups and bowls complete with a leak proof lid for travel plus an easy scoop triangular base to make feeding easy.
Tommee Tippee Weaning Pack £10



Your little one will always enjoy meal times with the Graco Teatime Pop Art High Chair. This bright and colourful chair has a compact design and easy folding system that is perfect for smaller kitchens or where space is limited. Graco Pop Art High Chair £25
 


Asda Pharmacy


From April 23 2012, Asda will be handing out free Folic Acid with a Healthy Pregnancy Guide produced by the baby charity Tommy’s. Folic Acid is an essential supplement required during pregnancy to reduce a number of risks including neural tube disorders in babies.
Folic Acid, Free from Asda Pharmacies (218 Nationwide)


Centrum is a comprehensive formula of vitamins and minerals, specifically designed to maintain complete wellbeing and to supplement your daily diet.
Centrum Multivitamins - 3 for £10


Asda sell a large selection of Calpol products including Calpol Infant Suspension, Calprofen, Saline Nasal Spray and Sixplus ideal for poorly and sniffy toddlers.
Calpol £2 (Calpol Infant Suspension, Calprofen, Saline Nasal Spray and Sixplus)



Clothe Me



You’ll find fantastic reductions across the clothing collection at George, including multi-pack body and sleep suits for only £5 as well as new baby essential prices starting from as little as £2.


This is just a sample of the hundreds of offers across travel, safety, playtime, clothing, food and changing available in store and on-line. Head to your local Asda store or go to www.asda.com and visit the new Asda Baby Shop to see the full list of offers and promotions. Visit www.George.com for more baby and toddler clothes and take advantage of the online exclusive offer – 25% off selected babywear.
The event starts April 23rd and lasts until May 4th.

As an extra special treat, Asda Baby is running a prize giveaway on Facebook where a different prize will be given away every day from 23rd April to 4th May. Furthermore, from the 28th April, stores will be creating entertainment areas where children can take part in a colouring competition with the chance to win a £20 gift voucher.

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