chorizo and smoked cheddar tarts.

It's starting to show signs of... dare I say Summer... and that can only mean one thing. Picnic food, BBQs and cocktails in the sun. Of course it was going to be food. My first picnic recipe of the year happens to be these delicious chorizo and smoked cheddar tarts. Great to make-ahead for picnics, on the go or for a light lunch (I did all three with these). And guess what, they're super simple too.

roast cauliflower, vine tomato and red pepper linguine.

A healthy take on pure comfort food. There's nothing like a piping hot bowl of pasta with lashings of Parmesan cheese. In this recipe, the roasted cauliflower, tomatoes and peppers bring together varying textures and flavours. What's more, it goes towards your five a day.

breakfast at gee's, oxford.

 

Just outside of Oxford city centre and past a few of the beautiful university parks, you'll find the decadent glass house that is Gee's. As well as serving up trendy cocktails and curating three course meals, the elegant glass conservatory, bar and terrace is said to do a rather good breakfast. Turns out the rumours are true.

behind the scenes at my local mcdonald's.

We all have our signature McDonald’s order, memories of the best Happy Meal toy and that favourite limited edition flavour that didn’t stay on the menu for quite long enough. But do you ever wonder what it’s like behind the scenes at a McDonald’s restaurant? I went along to my local Leicestershire based branch to meet the lovely team, as well as the welcoming francisee himself.

Hello McDonald's. Can I take your order?

Most of us have already thought of this the moment we see that famous golden yellow M in the distance. If we went on long journeys as a kid, we’d get to McDonald’s before that famous 10.30am cut off and all have a “Big Breakfast” meal as a treat. These days for me, I love an occasional Double Sausage McMuffin with Cheese for breakfast with an orange juice. Although I’ve become partial to their flat whites recently, which stood up against Costa and Greggs in a blind taste test.* 

From the main menu I’ve always enjoyed a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal, finding it hard to resist the cheesy mozzarella sticks or bites if they’re on offer. I used to like a cheeseburger with my Happy Meal and can always remember when I graduated from the kids’ offerings to the main event. It’s always been the occasional treat, but always something that takes me back. Wherever you order a McDonald’s in the country, you always know it’s going to taste just like you remember.  Consistency, customer service and showing their traceable, quality ingredients is really key.