Yorkshire Pudding Day.

February 2nd

The first Sunday in February has been designated Yorkshire Pudding Day. 'Dripping puddings' were made in Yorkshire as early as 1737. The recipe was published in a book called 'The Whole Duty of a Woman' which declared you should use a '...good batter as for pancakes, put in a hot toss pan over the fire,  add a bit of butter to fry the bottom a little, then put the pan instead of a dripping pan and under a shoulder of mutton, shake it frequently and it will be light and savoury.  When the mutton is done, turn it in a dish and serve hot.'

Ten years later the recipe appeared again in a book by Hannah Glasse, the Prue Leith of her day. The puddings took a while to evolve from flatter, spongier offerings of the time, to the light crispy specimens we know today. The Royal Society of Chemistry once declared that “A Yorkshire pudding isn’t a Yorkshire pudding if it is less than four inches tall.”

Yorkshire Puddings are a staple of the British Sunday lunch (though my kids happily eat them midweek too). Mostly they are served as part of the trimmings, but in some parts of Yorkshire they are eaten as a separate course prior to the main meat dish. Originally this was for reasons of frugality; the puddings were served with dripping and gravy as a way of filling the diners with less expensive ingredients and thus making the more expensive meat go further.

However you eat yours, Happy Yorkshire Pudding Day.

By Sarah Davey

The Language of Love

I love you. Three little words, which have been responsible for so much happiness...and so much angst and heartache. Did she mean it? Did he say it back? Who said it first? Does it matter?

But here’s a dilemma you may not have considered, which language is the best in which to express your devotion?

French - Je t'aime - It has associations with Paris, the city of love and all it has to offer: the food, the wine, the Eiffel Tower. How could your paramour not be swept off their feet?

Spanish - Te amo - I once dated a guy from Madrid. When he said, "Te amo," I almost melted, though his sexy accent and the fact we were on a yacht enjoying a Mediterranean sunset may have had much to do with it. Sadly, our relationship did not survive winter in Walsall!

Russian - Я тебя люблю (Ya tebya liubliu) - Say it in a Russian accent and it sounds wonderfully seductive. You'll feel like a spy from a James Bond movie!

German - Ich liebe Dich - I confess I'm torn about this one. My husband is a blonde, blue-eyed, gorgeous German yet my silly British seaside sense of humour means 'Ich liebe Dich' makes me giggle. But laughter is good, and he has been the love of my life for the past ten years, so I included it to be fair.

So, what's the strangest language in which to declare your love.

How about Dothraki? Should you wish to declare your love Game of Thrones stylie this Valentine’s Day, simply breath these words, “Anha zhilak yera norethaan.”

By Clare Becker

Teen Talk

Tips for successful communication with your teenager

"YOU'RE RUINING MY LIFE!" <SLAM>

Anyone with a teen has been there. But how do you respond? In kind by yelling back? Or by ignoring? Or is there a different way? We have some suggestions.

Aim to understand - Why is why your daughter is texting her friend when she's supposed to be studying for her maths test?  Why does your son have cigarettes in his blazer pocket? You may not comprehend, but remember they live in their reality and you live in yours.

Perhaps your daughter is anxious about an argument with her friend and needs to make up before she can concentrate on her maths revision. Perhaps your son wants to fit in with his friends. Aim for understanding. Try an approach like, 'I understand how hard it is when you feel you don't fit in. I also know that smoking increases your chance of contracting lung cancer or other diseases when you're still quite young. It's my job as a parent to keep you healthy and safe so let's sit down and talk about this.”

It's important not to say, 'I understand...BUT...' the 'but' puts teens on guard. Aim for a conciliatory tone every time and they will be more inclined to listen… not always, but more often.

Don't take it personally - Mostly teens don't set out to annoy you, but emotions on both sides quickly escalate, and emotions are the enemy when trying to communicate effectively. Teenagers are adults with training wheels and probably require more and better parenting than toddlers. Being angry at a teen for being them is futile. They may be making a poor choice, but the truth is, they might not yet have the skill set to make a better one. Our job is to help guide them to better choices so they can, in turn, develop better problem-solving skills. I repeat to myself, 'This is the job of parenting, what's the best approach here?' If I catch myself quickly, it works. But it's not easy and if I don't catch myself in time then emotions spill over and we all end up shouting! But like any other skill, it gets easier with practice.

Ask questions but make them honest, not loaded - "Why can't you be more responsible / get up on time / pick your clothes up?" These are loaded questions which your teen can’t answer.

Instead try, "You know you have problems getting up in the morning? Can you think of any solutions?" If they can't think of one offer a couple of your own and ask which they prefer. As parents our goal is to help our teen think critically. What might be the consequences of a particular action? How would they feel if that happened? This approach helps them feel empowered and gives a greater chance of a successful resolution. 

Finally...

Don’t Do or say Anything Until You’re Both Calm - You don’t have to respond to your teen when you and they are upset. You can choose to say nothing and take a few more minutes.

When emotions have evened out, sit down and talk with them. Sometimes they will still want to fight. Stay firm and calm. Repeat in your head "I'm not being drawn in." This self-talk does help and over time should calm the situation down.

Staying calm isn’t easy. We all get pulled back into a fight occasionally. But deep down they love you, and sometimes they just need to hear that you love them too, no matter what.

By Sarah Davey

Spending a Penny!

The history of the public loo.

We take public toilets for granted today yet for the majority of British history they didn't exist!

The first public flushing toilet was invented and created by a plumber named George Jennings, and showcased at the Great Exhibition in 1851. People were enthralled by this amazing contraption and it proved so popular that the first public loos, called 'Public Waiting Rooms' were opened the following year. There was a huge public desire for better sanitation to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera.

In Victorian Britain, the first public toilets were designed for men only. No-one gave much thought to women. For the most part women were considered to be their husband's property, and their place was in the home. Although many working-class women did work outside the home, most middle-class women did not, and neither were they expected to travel much. If they did want or need to travel, women from polite society had to plan their route carefully to include areas where they could relieve themselves. This meant that for the most part women travelled only to see family and friends, within the distance their bladders allowed.

The fledgling feminist movement felt keenly that a lack of access to toilets was a barrier to women accessing public spaces. This led to the formation of the Ladies Sanitary Association, which campaigned from the 1850s onwards, fairly successfully, and succeeded in getting more public toilets built for females, though the numbers fell far short of those required. Other campaigns for more female toilets were opposed vehemently by men, who either did not want the facilities located in the same place as their own toilets or didn't want them anywhere where they might be visible to men. Society was coyer in the 19th Century and bodily functions, particularly female bodily functions were considered taboo. There were even cases of female public toilets being sabotaged by men!

The First World War saw women entering the work force in huge numbers for the first time, as they entered munition factories to help with the war effort. These factories were traditionally dominated by males so had very little in the way of female facilities. But now women had the numbers to begin to campaign for female changing rooms and toilets. Many employers resisted though and there was nothing in law at the time to force their hand because there were only limited protections for workers of either sex.

It actually took until 1992 before legislation was passed to dictate that men and women in a workplace must have separate toilet facilities where possible:

"Employers should arrange for separate facilities for men and women. If this isn’t possible, toilets and washing facilities must have locks. These ensure privacy and security.” (The Health and Safety Executive (HSE))

So next time you spend a penny at the train station or shopping centre, spare a thought for your poor ancestors whose only options were to cross their legs and think dry thoughts!

By Tracey Anderson

Right to the Core

Why core exercises are important

We know that getting fit is important for a healthy life. Often, we equate fitness with running, cycling, walking or some other form of exercise. But there's one aspect of fitness that is almost always overlooked; our core muscles.

What Are Your Core Muscles?

Your core muscles form a ring around the middle of your body. Most people think of the six pack muscles in the abdomen, but the core includes a range of muscles in your sides and back as well. 

When Do I Use My Core Muscles?

Practically every movement you make and every position you put your body into involves your core muscles. They are really important. Bending over to pick something up, twisting to look behind you and sitting up in bed are more obvious moments your core is activated. 

What Are the Benefits of Core Strength?

Building a strong core provides a firm and flexible support for every activity your body performs. The stability provided gives you better balance and better posture which in turn helps prevent falls and injuries in your day-to-day life. The support from your core muscles takes the strain away from your skeleton and helps hold it in place alleviating some forms of back pain, stiffness and soreness when you move your body.

How Can I Build My Core Strength?

One of the best things about core strength is that you don't need a gym or expensive equipment to improve it. There are lots of exercises you can do at home. Make sure you seek medical advice before attempting any new exercise regime.

Most people think of sit ups as the prime core exercise. I advise people not to do sit ups as they are not particularly effective and the continual flexing of the base of your spine can lead to lower back injuries.

My top tips are planks, leg raises and mountain climbers. If you're not sure what these are have a chat with your local personal trainer or gym instructor, or search on YouTube for easy-to-follow tutorials.

Take your core strength seriously and it will improve every aspect of your fitness as well as provide the central support essential for your body.

By Robert Grant

Perfect crispy sticky Chinese Chicken Wings

This scrumptious supper dish is inspired by last month’s Chinese New Year festival

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes + 50 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg chicken wings

• 2 level tbsp baking POWDER

• ¾ tsp table salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• 3 spring onions, chopped

Sticky Chinese Sauce

• 1 tsp vegetable oil

• pinch of salt and pepper

• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger peeled and finely chopped

• 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

• 2 tbsp honey

• 4 tbsp dark brown sugar

• 5 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 1 tsp lemon grass paste (you can buy this in tubes)

• 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds (lightly toasted)

Method

Preheat the oven to 120C / 100C Fan Gas ½. Place a rack on a large baking tray.

Cut each wing at the joint so you have a mini wing and a drumette. Dry these with kitchen roll (they mustn't be too damp, then place in a large bowl and add the baking powder, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. Remove the chicken and place in a single layer on the rack, skin side up. Discard the remaining coating mixture. Place the chicken on the lower shelf of the oven for 30 minutes to dry.

After 30 minutes, turn the oven up to 220C / 200 Fan / Gas 6, rotate the tray and place on the middle shelf in the oven for 45-50 minutes until the wings are golden and crispy. Remove from the oven to cool slightly.

Place all of the sauce ingredients into a saucepan, stir and bring to the boil. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce reduces and thickens slightly. Turn off the heat.

Place the cooked wing pieces in a large bowl and carefully pour over the warm sticky sauce. Mix to combine, then serve topped with chopped spring onions and some toasted sesame seeds.

Love's Sweet Breath

Should you use mouthwash this Valentine's Day?

No one wants to kiss someone with poor oral hygiene and bad breath. So, what can you do to make sure your mouth is kissable on February 14th?

Gum disease begins with plaque. This is a film of very sticky bacteria on the teeth which, if not removed, causes gum disease. Because it is so sticky plaque can only be removed from teeth with a brush or dental floss. Mouthwash can never replace good brushing.

In 2014 a study in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry found antiseptic mouthwash used twice a day reduced the build-up of plaque and gum disease over a six-month period. Mouthwash makes teeth 'more slippy' so the sticky plaque finds it difficult to adhere, which in turn means your mouth feels fresher for longer.

Bad breath (halitosis) is caused when excess bacteria emit excess gas. Pockets of bacteria can lurk around fillings, ill-fitting crowns and impacted wisdom teeth. Halitosis requires treatment from a dentist or hygienist, but a mouthwash can help. Use one with ingredients such as chlorine dioxide, which kills the volatile sulphur compounds that cause foul odour.

Many mouth washes contain alcohol, which has been linked to oral cancers in some studies. Alcohol can exacerbate bad breath because of its drying properties, and because it is quite harsh it may also cause stinging. Most dentists and hygienists agree that if you use mouthwash it should be alcohol-free.

Finally, most of us don't hold mouthwash in our mouths long enough for it to work. The optimal time is 30-60 seconds.

As part of a good dental hygiene routine mouthwashes are helpful but they will never replace the mechanical action of a toothbrush and floss for getting teeth and gums really clean.

So now you know. Happy kissing!

By Louise Addison

Garden View February

This month – A game of two halves

For me February is where the gardening year begins...twice!

First - Reaping last year’s rewards:

If you were industrious in the autumn, you could now be benefiting from a lovely display of snowdrops (Gallanthus) and Irises.  My favourite snowdrops are G ‘Atkinsii’, which are tall with long, graceful flowers and G. nivalis ‘Viridapicis’ with sweet, green tipped flowers. It’s said they’re best planted ‘in the green’ in Spring but I’ve had lots of success with packaged bulbs planted in the autumn so they’re definitely worth trying. As for irises, the deep blue Iris ‘Joyce’ is hard to beat especially on my poor, free draining soil. 

I planted a witch hazel as soon as we moved into our present house; Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’. I can’t live without fragrance in my garden and at this bare, drab time of year the wonderfully scented pale-yellow flowers lift my spirits. 

I discovered we’d inherited an evergreen Clematis (C. armandii). I’d never grown it before but it’s worth seeking out. It needs a warm wall or fence and well-drained soil then rewards you by being frost-hardy and producing lovely creamy, scented flowers at this time of year.

Second - Planning this year’s display

Perhaps you didn’t manage to plan ahead last year. But don’t panic; the beauty of gardening is that the seasons keep rolling round so make sure you use February to ensure your summer display is top notch. February is definitely the month to start sowing seeds.

Fill pots or seed trays with seed compost then firm and level the surface. Sprinkle seeds on to the surface of the compost then cover with a layer of fine grit. Water well with a fine spray. Cover with clear plastic (a polythene bag will do nicely) and remove it once the seeds germinate. Learn from my mistake one year and don’t forget to label the pots!

Potting up summer bulbs is generally left until late spring, but I always pot up one or two pots in February. It allows them to get established and provides a nice early display for my patio.

Happy gardening.

By Rachael Leverton

Games Without Frontiers

The future is online gaming

Almost everyone plays computer games. On phones, tablets, computers and consoles the current generation tap away for hours on end. But all this comes at a cost. New games always push consoles and computers to their limits so you end up in a never-ending process of upgrading your hardware just so you can keep up with the latest titles. There are four versions of the PlayStation, endless Xboxes and a vast array of different Nintendo boxes all slowly going out of date, and eventually disappearing into the attic to gather dust.

But what if you never had to buy another console again? What if all you needed was any device that could connect to the Internet with enough power to play a YouTube video?

Well that's the vision for Google's latest cloud gaming service, Google Stadia.

"Cloud gaming?" I hear you ask. Come closer my friend. Basically, you use any internet-capable device to connect to the gaming service - phone, tablet, laptop, etc. This becomes your screen for viewing and your gamepad for controlling the game. The actual game runs on the gaming service computers in a datacentre in the cloud. Your device streams a video of the game which you control using your local game controller or other input device. There's no longer any need for you to own a high-end gaming PC. All that expense is taken care of by Google Stadia.

This is not a new idea. OnLive launched a cloud-based service about 10 years ago offering essentially the same deal. They had a good range of games and the whole system worked extremely well… if you had a reliably fast broadband connection! At the time people found that delays between pressing buttons and the game responding made the system unplayable much of the time. OnLive eventually petered out after a few years.

But the concept was sound and now Google has brought its technical power to the problem. Along with far superior household broadband connections, Google's extensive range of datacentres throughout around the world can provide up to 4K game play with almost zero lag on the controllers.

The service costs a monthly subscription fee for access to the game servers on top of which you'll need to buy your games. These games can then be played on any of your compatible devices, or you can buy one of Google's custom controllers that will connect wirelessly to your TV to turn it into a games centre. A 'free' service should also be launching in the first half of this year which will probably offer a range of slightly older titles for anyone to play - note that this will be free games, not free subscription, which you'll still need to pay!

New game titles are being added all the time so check out the Stadia website for the current library.

If the kids are pestering for a computer upgrade because the latest FIFA is glitching out, this service might be just what you need.

By Robert Grant

A Good Read

Knowledge of Angels – Jill Paton Walsh

Jill Paton Walsh is an extraordinarily versatile writer.  Many will know her for her numerous works for children, and more recently for her work continuing the legacy of Dorothy L Sayers’ Peter Wimsey novels.   In addition to this, she has written a number of intriguing and thought-provoking novels for adults, and ‘Knowledge of Angels’ is an excellent example of these two characteristics.

The story is set on a Mediterranean island in the fifteenth century, described in almost cinematic detail in the opening pages, as Paton Walsh invites us to contemplate the nature of fiction and storytelling.  To this closed community come two strangers – one from the outside, a castaway found by local fishermen, and one from within, a girl seemingly raised by wolves in the forests of the island.  One is as eloquent as the other is savage, but their fates become irretrievably tied together as their stories progress.

At the heart of the book lie a number of questions of belief.  Palinor, the castaway, professes to have no religion, which poses a challenge to the authority of the Inquisition on the island.  Amara, the wolf child, seems unredeemably animal in her behaviour, but begins to grow under the care of the nuns of Sant Clara, raising the issue of nature and nurture.  Both of their stories are also about love, and self-knowledge, and what is and is not possible.

Yet the book is written in such a way, that these weighty questions are explored at the same time as creating a page-turning thoroughly engrossing story, in which the reader is drawn in turn into the lives of Amara and Palinor.   Disturbing, sensitive and deeply affecting, this is a book that will keep you thinking for a very long time.

Stormbreaker – Anthony Horowitz

The first novel in Horowitz’s phenomenally successful Alex Rider series, this is a must for fans of action, adventure and James Bond style one liners.

Alex Rider is a seemingly ordinary 14-year-old boy.  However, when his uncle is killed in a car accident, his world begins to unravel.  An orphan, Alex finds that without the protection of his guardian he is in the hands of his uncle’s employers – and they are not a bank, but MI6!

Horowitz keeps the reader moving quickly from action sequence to action sequence, with a liberal amount of humour and contemporary references along the way.  The structure is familiar to Bond fans, and once you have suspended your disbelief at the idea of a teenage spy, it all becomes gripping and plausible.  In particular, the gadgets Alex uses and the villainous Herod Sayle will appeal to teenage readers – while the intriguingly sinister character of Yassen Gregorovitch is introduced here, ready to be developed further through the rest of the series.

Ideal for fans of ripping yarns and reluctant readers alike, you will find that one chapter is never enough, as Horowitz is the master of the cliff-hanger ending.  A 12-year-old of my acquaintance told me recently that this book is ‘even better than the film’ – if you know any 12-year-olds, then you will know that I need not say any more than that!

By Kath Bennet