It really does feel like Christmas is coming, and with a double dip recession looming we are all looking for ways we can economise this year. But this doesn't mean we should forget about the cost to the environment of the party season. According to the Soil Association, the average Christmas dinner involves 49,0000 extra food miles and of the 10 million turkeys reared for the Christmas dinner table, 90% come from intensive units. Financially Christmas is also a fairly painful experience on the pocket, this year the average British adult will spend approximately £813 on festive celebrations – down £55 on last year – and will guzzle a whopping 7,000 calories on Christmas day stuff up.

Got a glut of potatoes? Try this quick recipe for potato bread, delicious with bacon for breakfast or with cheese, baked beans or eggs for the kids tea. Recipe courtesy of Abel & Cole Ingredients 500g floury potatoes 2tbsp butter or 1 tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup of plain or strong white flour A good [...]

We have just had a bumper crop of the much maligned turnip, which according to reports is making a comeback for cash strapped families looking for a cheap and versatile veg to boost supper time. It's great for bulking up soups, casseroles and stews but can also be delicious all on its own.

It's Wimbledon finals and what better way to celebrate than than by ambushing the kids ice lolly molds and making some naughty but very nice pimms ice lollies. I've seen a few recipes but my recommendation is to keep it simple and make the Pimms just how you like it and what in the freezer. if you are not a tennis fan than they will work just as well with a summer BBQ.