cooking with kids

Beautiful Bao Buns In And Around The North East

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Bao Buns. Maybe you’ve heard of them, maybe you haven’t (if you have, skip to the next section). Baos are a popular street food originating in Taiwan. They consist of meat (or vegetarian alternative), vegetables and condiments sandwiched between a flat steamed bread known as lotus leaf bread. A good bao is warm, fluffy and slightly sweet. Delicious!

I’m a huge fan of baos and have tried (almost) all of those listed below. If you fancy giving baos a go, here are my recommendations:

Bao Down, Grainger Market & STACK Seaburn

About: Serving bao buns, gyozas and fries in the Grainger Market and STACK Seaburn.

Price: 2 Baos For £7.50

Menu Highlight: I haven’t experienced Bao Down yet but the Sticky Teriyaki Chicken sounds like a must try

Website: https://www.facebook.com/baodownnewcastle/

Image from Bao Down’s Instagram Page

Don’t Stop Me Bao, Cramlington

About: A bao bun pop up working out of Kings Snax, Astley Business Park

Price: From £5

Menu Highlight: The guest appearances on the specials menus and the duck fries

Website: https://www.facebook.com/dontstopmebao/

Dumpling & Bun, Grainger Market

About: A proper hidden gem nestled away in the Grainger Market. Dumpling & Bun proudly serve freshly handmade dumplings, stuffed buns & noodle soups plus high quality green teas.

Price: Stuffed buns are from £1.50 each

Menu Highlight: Pork & Cabbage

Website: https://www.facebook.com/dumplingandbun/

Image from Dumpling & Bun’s Instagram Page

Kogarashi Newcastle, Quayside Market

About: Inspired by Asian flavours, Kogarashi offers a variety of tasty steamed snacks

Price: 2 Baos For £5

Menu Highlight: Pork Belly Bao

Website: https://www.facebook.com/kogarashifood/

Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao, Newcastle & Whitley Bay

About: Breakfast and brunch covered – Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao is open daily serving fusion fun in a bun

Price: From £5

Menu Highlight: The Breakfast Bao – crispy hash brown beneath sausage patty topped with melty cheese, soft omelette and a slightly spicy & sweet sauce. All nestled into a super soft, warm, big, bouncy bao bun

Website: https://www.eggsgobao.com/

Image from Pablo Eggs-Go-Bao’s Instagram Page

Umai Mi, Eldon Square

About: The chic, pan Asian restaurant, that draws in bold flavours from the orient with a contemporary twist, has recently launched their Make-It-At-Home Bao Kits.

Price: The £10 kit comes with everything you need to make 3 Baos

Menu Highlight: Pulled Beef

Website: https://www.umaimi.co.uk/

If you’re feeling creative and want to make your own bao fillings, check out Wing Hong Cash & Carry on George Street in Newcastle. They sell loads of frozen, pre-made steamed buns. We bought a bag for a couple of £, deep fried them and made dessert baos – they were flippin’ lush!

Ridiculously Indulgent Ways To Eat Your Easter Chocolate

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Have you ended up with a little more chocolate than you bargained for over Easter? Help make a dent in your stash with these Easter chocolate recipes and serving ideas.

Cereal Bowl

Fill half a chocolate egg with cereal. Add the milk. Get stuck in.

Image from Pinterest

Dippy Eggs

Creme Eggs and shortbread soldiers.

Chocolate Bark

Melt some chocolate. Spread it out on greaseproof paper. Add chocolate and sprinkles. Leave it to set. Smash and enjoy.

Image from Pinterest

Chocolate Nests

The classic. To melted chocolate add cornflakes. Pop in to cupcake cases and push chocolate eggs in to the “nests”. Leave to set then serve.

Easter “Scotch Eggs”

These can be made by wrapping a Creme egg (or Oreo egg or caramel egg or Hershey’s egg…you get the idea) with whizzed up brownie or cookie dough then rolling in chocolate crumbs.

Image from Pinterest

Ice Cream Sundae

Fill a chocolate egg with ice cream. Add wafers, sprinkles, sauce, whatever you fancy.

Image from Pinterest

The Best Hot Chocolate

Add a chocolate egg to hot milk and wait for it to melt.

Easter Irish Cream

One for the adults. Serve Irish Cream in a chocolate rabbit.

Do you have any other ways to use up left over Easter chocolate? If you do, let me know in the comments.

Reasons Why We Love Morrisons

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A few years ago, Morrisons was hands down my least favourite supermarket. There was just *something* about their stores I didn’t like. And while the other big supermarkets moved to offer online shopping, Morrisons didn’t – they seemed to stick their head in the sand hoping the internet would disappear. This confirmed what I’d always suspected about Morrisons – it was dated and out of touch.

In recent years though, huge improvements have been taking place and Morrisons is now up there with their rivals. It’s not only me that’s noticing these positive changes, between November 2020 and January 2021, Morrisons saw better growth than any of the other ‘big four’ supermarkets, with sales up 14.3%, according to market analyst Kantar.

So, after avoiding the place for many years, below are the reasons why I now love Morrisons

Afternoon Tea

Priced at just £5 per person, in terms of value for money, I honestly don’t think this one can be beaten. You get everything you’d expect from a classic Afternoon Tea including a selection of sandwiches, pork pie, fruit scone with jam & cream and a variety of cakes. Due to current government guidelines, the cafes are open for takeaway only so, although afternoon tea can’t be enjoyed on site, you can pick one up to take home or to a local park. The afternoon teas (and everything else on their cafe menu) can be ordered via https://www.morrisons.com/cafe/splash

Morrisons Afternoon Tea For Two

Dine In Deal

A Dine In Deal to compete with the ever popular M&S meal deal, Morrisons current Dine In Deal is a main for 2, a side for 2, a dessert for 2 and a bottle of wine for only £12. It’s a perfect lockdown night in treat. Check what’s available through the offer here https://groceries.morrisons.com/offers/the-best-dine-in-for-12-1004780728

Dine In Deal

Eggs

In February 2020, Morrisons stopped selling eggs from caged chickens and now only sells free-range eggs.

No More Eggs From Caged Chickens

Food Boxes

“From essentials to occasions and surprises – there’s lots in a box!” Whether you’re ordering for yourself or to send to someone else, Morrisons have created a range of boxes to be delivered straight to yours – or someone else’s door. The range includes the cupboard essentials box, family meal box and the big night in box. Morrisons have recently added Recipe Boxes which are good alternatives to the likes of Gusto and Hello Fresh. I’m yet to try Morrisons Food Boxes but I’ve heard great things about them. Want to learn more about the boxes? https://www.morrisons.com/food-boxes/

5 Meals To Feed A Family Of 4 Box

Grocery Delivery Through Amazon Prime

Morrisons has teamed up with online giant Amazon to create a brand new way for customers to get their shopping. With a minimum spend of £15 and two hour delivery slots (usually same day but occasionally next day) Morrisons On Amazon is ideal for small top ups and essential items. Eligible Prime members can also enjoy free same-day delivery on orders over £40. We’ve used the service a few times now and I think it’s brilliant. To see if Morrisons On Amazon is operating in your area, check https://www.amazon.co.uk/alm/storefront?almBrandId=TW9ycmlzb25z

Food To Order

Morrisons Food To Order range promises to take the stress out of preparing food for your celebration by offering ready to eat platters and desserts. Simply place your order, collect and serve. Due to COVID, Morrisons Food To Order service has been temporarily suspended but if you’d like to see what they normally offer, browse here https://my.morrisons.com/foodtoorder/

Continental Platter

Too Good To Go

Morrisons customers have made use of 100,000 meals and saved 100 tonnes of food from going to waste by using the ground-breaking app, Too Good to Go, over the last year. Morrisons is the first supermarket to use the app, which is designed to prevent edible food being thrown away. For just a couple of pound, Morrisons customers can grab a box like the one pictured below. You have to be quick to get one of these as they’re always in very high demand.

Morrisons Too Good To Go

Work In The Community

Morrisons have really stepped up during the pandemic: from offering discount on groceries for key and essential workers to playing their part in the ongoing fight against food poverty, they’ve led by example and for that they should be truly proud.

Over half term, Morrisons donated 60,000 free pizza making kits to help stop hunger during the holidays

Do you enjoy shopping in Morrisons? Let me know in the comments if you’re a Morrisons fan like me.

Celebrating Mother’s Day 2021

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A mix of gorgeous homemade ideas and locally bought gifts to give on Sunday, 14th March 2021.

NB. because I’m from Newcastle, I will be using Mam instead of Mum in this post.

Breakfast In Bed

Start your Mam’s day the best possible way with a Mother’s Day breakfast. You can step it up a notch by preparing breakfast in bed that your Mam can enjoy at her leisure, without having to move a muscle.

Fancy recreating this super tasty double sausage and egg muffin? The recipe can be found at https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/17/mcdonalds-inspired-double-sausage-egg-muffin-meal/

If you don’t class yourself as a whizz in the kitchen and worried that you’ll burn even toast, you can order one of these “Breakfast In A Box” from Graze On The Tyne (https://m.facebook.com/itsmevivb/)

Greetings Card

The quintessential Mother’s Day gift and perfect for involving the little ones. Struggling for inspiration? Check out this Pinterest board for ideas https://pin.it/3TqNLGu

For any fellow North Easterners that struggle to find “Mam” cards, Craig from Geordie Gifts has got your back (https://geordiegifts.co.uk/collections/geordie-mothers-day-cards)

Chocolate

Chocolate Bark is so easy to make and it can be tailored to anyone’s taste. Simply melt a mix of chocolate (we prefer milk and dark) spread it on to greaseproof paper, add any toppings you want then leave to set. Break it up and pop in to a bag.

Alternatively, check out https://www.lachocolatrice.co.uk/online-store for these pretty bars.

Flowers

The classic Mother’s Day gift. Every year I’ve received a bunch of daffodils. For me, the bright yellow flowers signal the official start to Spring (and this year, especially, Spring is very much welcomed).

If you want to upgrade your blooms, this beautiful bouquet is from https://m.facebook.com/TowersFlowersUK/

Sunday Lunch

A day off from cooking is my idea of heaven. If you feel like tackling a Sunday Roast just make sure you do the dishes as well!

For perfect Yorkshire Puddings, follow this recipe https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/07/perfect-yorkshire-puddings/

If you’d rather order in, The Woodmans Arms is offering Sunday Lunch takeout https://thewoodmansarms.com

Cupcakes

A little after dinner sweet treat. Let the younger ones loose with the sprinkles when it comes to decorating.

Alternatively, let Alice’s Sweet Palace work their magic and order a box through https://www.facebook.com/Alices-Sweet-Palace-103664208056799/

Afternoon Tea

Freshly baked plain scones with jam and cream (or cream and jam) – my absolute guilty pleasure.

If you want to go all out, this Afternoon Tea remains one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating, it’s available to order now from https://www.facebook.com/lazydayzcafe/

Cheese And Charcuterie Board

Is your Mam more of a savoury over sweet person? Than a cheese and charcuterie board is a perfect option.

If you’re not sure where to start with what to add, you can order one of the boards available at https://instagram.com/crackers_4_cheese

Cocktail Hour

Channel your inner bartender and make a round of (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) cocktails.

Prefer to leave the mixing to the professionals? Check out https://m.facebook.com/thatbarbloke/ for a range of pre-made drinks that taste just like you’re in a bar.

Pamper Night

This Homemade Salt Scrub is a lovely way to unwind and de-stress. The basic recipe of 1 cup of Sea Salt to 1/4 cup of Almond Oil can be personalised with 10-20 drops of Essential Oil. We really like eucalyptus.

Add the perfect finishing touch to a relaxing bath with anything from Cameron York Candles. This is the only places I’ll buy my wax melts from, the fragrances are absolutely gorgeous! Cameron York are usually at Tynemouth and Durham market but their range is currently available to order online at https://cameronyorkcandles.co.uk

Of all the Mother’s Day gifts you could get, without a doubt, the gift of your time and thoughtfulness will be the best received.

McDonalds Inspired Double Sausage & Egg Muffin Meal

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Easy peasy McDonald’s inspired Double Sausage and Egg Muffin Meal recipe. You’ll be amazed how similar these taste to the real thing.

INGREDIENTS (to make 4)

– 8 Cumberland Sausages

– 4 Eggs

– 4 Cheese Slices

– 4 English Muffins

– 4 Frozen Hash Browns

METHOD

1) Put the hash browns in the toaster (yup, you can cook hash browns in the toaster) They’ll need a couple of pops but they come out super crispy.

2) Remove the skin from the sausages and flatten in to patties.

3) Fry the pork patties with a little bit of oil on a low heat. Each side will take 5-6 mins.

4) Swap the cooked hash browns with the muffins and lightly toast them.

5) Once the patties are cooked, fry your eggs. I use egg rings but that’s purely so they come out nice and round, they’re not necessary.

6) Assembly time – muffin, cheese, pattie, pattie, egg, muffin is the official order but feel free to throw it together any way you like.

7) Serve with a hash brown and a coffee (mmmm sounds optional).

Why I think these are better than the real deal…

• The price. I spent £6-£7 on the ingredients to make these four. One meal from McDonald’s is £4.19.

• Time – our local McDonald’s is a 9-10 mins drive away and there’s *always* a queue. Plus, I don’t need to get washed and dressed to enjoy the homemade ones.

• Runny yolks. I like to keep my yolks running when making these.

Drawbacks…

• McDonalds hash browns are hard to beat. It’s the deep fried goodness.

• You actually have to cook

Like the hash brown hack? Check out this post of my favourite kitchen shortcuts https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/01/12/the-best-kitchen-hacks-i-ever-learnt/

Celebrating Pancake Day

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The more recognisable name for Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day marks the start of the build-up to Easter. It is the day before Ash Wednesday (the start of Lent) and, traditionally, pancakes are made to use up foods usually given up for the 40 day fast. This year, Pancake Day falls on the 16th February.

PANCAKE RECIPE (3, 2, 1 Method)

A foolproof crêpe recipe that ensures perfectly flippable pancakes every time.

Ingredients

– 300ml Milk

– 2 Eggs

– 100g Plain Flour

Method

1. Combine all of the ingredients together and whisk to form a smooth batter.

2. Set a frying pan over a low-medium heat with a little bit of oil.

3. Pour the batter in to the pan, enough so the bottom of the pan is covered in a thin layer.

4. Leave the pancake to cook. About 2 mins per side or until golden and cooked through.

5. Remove from the pan and serve with your favourite toppings.

TOP TIPS

Use a good, non-stick pan. We’ve recent updated our pans to a Scoville NeverStick set and a decent pan makes a huge difference.

If you can, let your batter rest at room temperature for 30 mins before using.

When attempting the flip, use a fish slice to carefully ease the edges of the pancake away from the pan. If this step is a bit of a struggle, leave the pancake to cook a little longer.

TOPPING IDEAS

Some of our favourites are

• Lemon & Sugar

• Nutella

• Caramelised Banana & Syrup

• Biscoff

• Strawberries & Squirty Cream

• Cinnamon Sugar

• Icecream

• Mango & Yoghurt

• Golden Syrup

• As you can see, we prefer sweet toppings. However, using pancakes instead of pasta in Cannelloni is a game changer.

Whether you’re enjoying Pancake Day as one last blow out before Lent or just because, have a flippin’ great day!

How To Cook The Best Roast Potatoes

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Guaranteed crispy skins and fluffy insides.

INGREDIENTS

– 1kg Potatoes (Maris Piper or King Edwards)

– 100ml Oil

METHOD

1. Pour the oil in to a roasting tray and pop it in to the oven (Gas Mark 6 or equivalent).

2. Cut each unpeeled potato in to 2 or 3 pieces.

3. Add the potato chunks in to a pan of water and put on to boil.

4. Once the potatoes are on a rolling boil, turn the heat down so the water is simmering. Leave the potatoes to cook for another 6-7 mins.

5. Remove the pan from the heat and drain the potatoes. Pop the potatoes back in to the empty pan and add the lid. Shake the potatoes vigorously, hard enough to remove the potato skin (I love this method because it saves peeling them, thank you TikTok for the tip).

6. Carefully, take the hot oiled tray from the oven and add the potatoes in. They will sizzle as you add them. Turn the potatoes so they are evenly coated with oil.

7. Roast the potatoes for 20-25 mins then turn them over.

8. Roast them for a further 20-25 mins or until they achieve a golden brown colour.

9. Remove from the oven and place the roast potatoes on kitchen roll.

10. Season with salt and serve.

Cooking a roast dinner? For perfect Yorkshire Puddings follow my method posted here https://northeasteats.home.blog/2021/02/07/perfect-yorkshire-puddings/

Old School Australian Crunch Recipe

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Chocolate, coconut and crushed cornflakes – delish!

INGREDIENTS

– 200g Butter

– 100g Caster Sugar

– 80g Desiccated Coconut

– 80g Crushed Cornflakes

– 150g SR Flour

– 3 tbsp Golden Syrup

– 2 tbsp Cocoa

– 200g Milk Chocolate

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to Gas 4 or equivalent.

2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan.

3. Add in the caster sugar, coconut, flour, golden syrup and cocoa. Mix until combined.

4. Add the cornflakes and mix until they’re completely coated.

5. Pour the mixture in to a lined tray and press down firmly.

6. Bake for 15-20 mins.

7. Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

8. Melt the chocolate and cover the slice with it. Allow the chocolate to set before slicing. Our school always cut Australian Crunch in to triangles.

Old School Jam Roly Poly Recipe

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The ultimate comfort food pudding

INGREDIENTS

– 200g SR Flour

– 100g Shredded Suet

– 1 tbsp Caster Sugar

– 150ml Milk

– 7/8 tbsp Strawberry Jam

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5 or equivalent.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, suet and sugar.

3. Slowly, stir in the milk to form a soft dough.

4. On a floured surface, knead the dough for a few minutes.

5. Roll the dough out in to a 20cm x 30cm rectangle.

6. Spread the jam on to the dough.

7. Roll the dough up from one of the shorter sides.

8. Place the roll on to a sheet of greaseproof paper, seam-side down, and wrap the paper tightly around the pudding, twisting the ends to secure.

9. Repeat the process with a sheet of kitchen foil.

10. Place the pudding on to a roasting rack with water in the tin below.

11. Cook for 35-40 mins.

12. Remove from the oven and unwrap. The pudding should be lightly browned in places.

13. Cut in to think slices and serve.

Old School Apple Crumble Recipe

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We’re all agreed the crumble topping is the best part of this pudding, yeah?

INGREDIENTS

For The Filling

– 3 Medium Bramley Apples

– 2 tbsp Caster Sugar

For The Topping

– 180g Plain Flour

– 120g Caster Sugar

– 120g Butter

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5.

2. Peel, core and chop the apples in to chunks.

3. Place the apples in to a shallow dish and sprinkle with the 2tbsp of caster sugar.

4. Bake the apples for 10mins to soften slightly.

5. While the apples cook, make the topping by rubbing the butter in to the flour and sugar.

6. Evenly sprinkle the topping on to the apples and bake for 30mins.

7. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving with custard, ice cream or cream.