It was the Darling Buds of May and a hearty English breakfast that inspired this blog. Produced by Yorkshire television the typically English comedy 'The Darling Buds of May' began broadcasting in 1991 and was set in an idealic Kent village.

Starring Catherine Zeta Jones and David Jason the show had 'lashings' of English sunshine, lashings of everthing good about English village life including the famous farmhouse breakfast. My overwhelming memory of the show is Ma Larkin working in a farmhouse kitchen with 4 or 5 frying pans on the go filled with fried eggs, rashes of streaky bacon, and sausage. All served with wedges of crusty home made bread.

It has to be the greatest on screen breakfast in history. The farmhouse English breakfast is supreme - but what is the perfect combination of ingredients?Farmhouse eggs, obviously, but are they scrambled, fried or even poached? Bacon - from locally farmed pigs. But is it streaky, smoked or unsmoked? Sausage, again from local stock and produce, but are they pork or beef and are they filled with locally grown herbs? Then theres the extra trimmings , black pudding - essential for me but not to everyones taste. Tomatoes - grilled, mushrooms - fried of course, hash browns and fried bread.

It's extremely English of course, but do any other nations get so excited about breakfast and celebrate it as much as we do. The french eat croissant, french bread and coffe, whilst the kids drink hot choclate from a bowl. Indian families endulge in eggs scrambled with spices, potatoes, and onions. A good site for Indian breakfast recipes is (http://www.thokalath.com/cuisine/breakfast.php) 

But for me it has to be the traditional English, farmhouse style of course and in particular the way Ma Larkin would cook it - with 'lashings' of everything.

'Perfick'
 
Hot Holiday food 07/31/2009
 
Its that time of year when it seems the whole of the UK leave our little island and set off for foreign lands. It is also time when foodies like me start to think of exotic recipes and new summer tastes.

For me it is the South of France, the promise of fresh seafood, local vegetables and outdoor eating which always enhances the food experience.

For me the taste of the South of France is Moules Mariniere. Fresh mussels cooked in garlic, onions, white wine and cream. Served with crusty baguette it is the simplest of lunches, one that my daughter loves although she likes the frites they always seem to serve it with in holiday resorts.

Other dishes I associate with my French summers are Soup d'Poisson, Boeuf Bourguignon and salade nicoise. All french classics and big hits with the whole family. This website is great for french recipes http://www.my-french-house.com/recipes/ and the site name really gets me in the mood for holidays. Where we stay is situated in the hills looking out across a valley. It has an outside kitchen on a terrace, with table and chairs and space for the kids to play. Why do the French get it so right when it comes to family life, family holidays and in particular family meals.

Share your holiday food experiences, particularly if you are as passionate about the food as I am.
 
 

This weekend has been a great opportunity for me to spend time with the kids. Mom at work and the kids off school and great summer weather to be enjoyed. Well heres the deal, long school holidays, many great things to do outdoors all adds up to hard work and a costly exercise. Remember it is your time to relax and recover from the stresses of work.

So today I have spent time at home cooking with the kids. First up get the cook books out and let them search. They will do this for hours. Let them get their noses in the spice and herb cupboard and smell those different ingredients. Send them off to find out where they come from on the internet.

Once you have a shopping list take the kids to the supermarket, you will be amazed how much they enjoy it when they are in control of the cooking.

Stop and have a posh coffee whilst the kids explore the books in the book store. Take your time and relax you deserve it.

When home get the kids cooking. Let them do it, only help when you have to and let them take responsibility. Set the dinner table, get the kids to make name cards and menus for the table setting. Even let them get dressed up for dinner. When your spouse arrives home to happy children, a home cooked meal and a smile from you you will have had a great day all round.

By the way we made Fussili with Sausage, Peppers and Olives - my daughters choice.

 
 

With thousands of new confirmed cases of swine flu confirmed across the World everyday, many of them young children and teenagers, it can be a worrying time for all mothers, fathers and carers. But can the food we eat help, prepare and protect ourselves from symptoms of swine flu and ease the fears of parents?

The Health Protection Agency, states: “A person who is malnourished is likely to be more susceptible to infections and for most people, a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet will be an important factor in helping to maintain a healthy immune system.”

Making your immune system stronger help protects your body and fights off disease. Antioxidants found in foods make a strong contribution to this fight and it is important that you develop your diet to prevent illness rather than waiting until you become sick. Many believe that vitamin C is the key to preventing colds and flu, however there is very little to support that this has a major effect. We do know however that eating a lot of fruit and vegetables can really strengthen your immune system. In addition to vitamin C these foods also include Vitamin A and E and it is this combination that gives the immune system the strength to fight off illness.

Ensure you eat a healthy balanced diet including lean meats, fish, chicken, vegetables, grain and nuts. It is these foods that will help you with all the nutrients you need to improve your general health.

To further reduce the risk of catching or spreading the virus you should ensure you cover your mouth and nose when sneezing and use a tissue which can be thrown away afterwards. Immediately throw away your tissue and clean your hands with soap and water. Also wash clean any hard surfaces regularly, including worktops, door handles, keyboards and remote controls.