Over half of Brits prefer Christmas leftovers to the main meal – yet 90 million plates are thrown away on average each year, says Asda

At the most wonderful time of the year, for many the food takes centre stage at Christmas. Yet whilst we all love a Christmas dinner, leftovers are inevitable and Asda's new research shows, on average, 90 million plates of leftover food are thrown away each year after the big day.

To help make leftovers go further this Christmas, Asda has partnered with Celebrity MasterChef finalist, Sam Nixon, to create three delicious new recipes that are a far cry from the standard leftover recipes that grace people’s social media feeds post-Christmas. 

Each recipe is easy to make and takes no longer than about 25 minutes. From Yorkshire pudding doughnuts to risotto with a stuffing crumb and a brie-topped Brussels sprouts bake, these recipes will give a new lease of life to the nation’s festive leftovers.

All three recipes were developed to make heroes of the foods many find the hardest to use or are most likely to be thrown away. When it comes to the most disposed of festive food, the ever-divisive Brussels sprouts (20%) top the list for people who have leftovers followed by broccoli (15%), cabbage (15%), and cauliflower (14%). Over 1 in 10 of those who have leftovers say they find it hard to use or throw away their leftover Yorkshire puddings (13%), cranberry sauce (14%) and stuffing (13%).

Asda’s research also showed lunch was the most popular time for people to enjoy festive leftovers, with over a third (37%) citing this as their favourite and 2.9 million of us Brits say they prefer to have their Christmas leftovers for breakfast!

A nation of leftover lovers, almost two-thirds of those who have leftovers (64%) say they enjoy Christmas leftovers more than the main Christmas dinner itself. But whilst the likes of turkey curry or a turkey and ham pie may seem the obvious choice, over a third say they don’t enjoy or wouldn’t eat these dishes (35% and 34% respectively).

Sam Nixon, TV Presenter and Foodie says: “Christmas is a time for enjoying great food with family and friends, but we’re all guilty of having eyes bigger than our stomachs at this time of year! That’s why I’ve partnered with Asda to help people get the most out of their leftovers this Christmas and avoid throwing out any perfectly good portions of food. It’s been so much fun developing these recipes and trying to do something different than the usual turkey curry!”

An Asda spokesperson says: “We know food waste can be an issue at Christmas and with the rising cost of living people will be looking for ways to make their food go further. We hope these exciting leftover recipes will give people inspiration on what to do with their surplus food which may have otherwise been thrown away and help them enjoy their delicious leftovers all the way to New Year!”

Find full details on the delicious recipes below and online at https://www.asda.com/good-living.

Leftover Parsnip and Chestnut Risotto topped with a Sage and Stuffing Crumb

A creamy and delicious dish that gives a new life to leftover veggies!

Ingredients - Serves 4

2 tablespoon olive oil

½ white onion, finely chopped

1 stick of celery, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

350g Arborio rice

Optional: 1 small glass of leftover fizz or white wine

1.5 litre vegetable stock (use as needed)

250g leftover roasted parsnips - cubed

1 handful of leftover cooked chestnuts - finely chopped

1 knob of salted butter

Freshly milled black pepper and salt to taste

100g cooked leftover stuffing

4 sage leaves, finely chopped

20g Parmesan, grated

Method

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan with a lid and cook white onion and celery for 1-2 minutes, add garlic and cook for a further minute. Add in rice and stir, pour in leftover fizz, or wine (if using) and bring to a boil.

Slowly incorporate the vegetable stock, stirring well at a simmer. Cook for a total of 15 minutes until the rice is al dente.

Stir in cooked parsnips and chestnuts and season with a knob of butter, salt, and pepper. Cover again and cook for a further 5 minutes.

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a small pan and fry off sage leaves and cooked stuffing to a crumb-like consistency and golden brown.

Serve Risotto in bowls topped with generous helpings of stuffing and sage mix and a sprinkle of grated parmesan.

Leftover Ham, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprout & Brie Bake

The ultimate cosy brunch dish to warm you up after a long walk with loved ones. Think cauliflower cheese meets potato gratin - YUM!

Ingredients - Serves 4

200g cooked gammon - chopped into lardon-size pieces

750g leftover cooked cauliflower - broken into florets

250g leftover cooked brussels sprouts - finely chopped

50g butter

40g plain flour

500ml semi-skimmed milk

1 tsp wholegrain mustard

75g cheddar cheese - grated

165g leftover Brie - sliced

Method

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Layer the leftover cooked cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and gammon into an oven-proof dish

To make the cheese sauce, use a small saucepan and melt the butter over a medium heat. Turn down to a low heat and stir in the flour for 1 minute until cooked.

Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and then (still whisking) bring to a simmer. Add in the French mustard and grated Gruyere cheese.

Pour the sauce over the ham, cauliflower and brussels sprouts and then top with slices of leftover Brie. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

Serve with cranberry sauce for an extra special festive treat!

Dark Chocolate Cinnamon sugar ‘yorkie doughnuts' made with leftover Yorkshire puddings

Give leftover Yorkshire Puddings a new lease of life with this deliciously sweet and spiced dessert

Ingredients - Makes 4

4 leftover Yorkshire Puddings

100g dark chocolate

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tbsp Demerara Sugar

Optional, to serve: 4 scoops of Vanilla Ice cream

Method

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Place the leftover Yorkshire puddings on a wire rack and put in the oven for 3-5 mins to reheat thoroughly.

In the meantime, melt dark chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Combine the Demerara sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl.

Once the Yorkshire puddings are hot, spoon over melted chocolate and dip in cinnamon sugar mix. Serve and enjoy!

For an added treat, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in each yorkie doughnut

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Tesco to bring back its Kids Eat Free scheme from Boxing Day

Tesco has announced it is bringing back its popular Kids Eat Free scheme in its 312 cafés across the UK between Boxing Day and 6 January 2023.

Tesco cafes are offering one free Kids Hot Meal Deal, Kids Breakfast or Kids Pick ‘n’ Mix deal with each item bought by an adult from as little as 60p when showing their Clubcard at the till.

Popular kids menu items include beans or avocado on toast, fish fingers, baked chicken goujons or a sandwich. Main meals include a vegetable side dish and sandwich pick n mix includes a piece of fresh fruit so there’s something healthy and satisfying to feed hungry children from breakfast until dinner.

Kids Eat Free is part of Tesco’s work to help customers save money during the Christmas season and help families provide children with a balanced meal.

Across 2022, Tesco expects to have provided over 400,000 free meals to children during school holidays. 

Recent research from leading food charity The Food Foundation shows that 4 million children in households are affected by food insecurity, the highest level they’ve tracked since the start of the pandemic. The research also shows that households with children are more likely to experience food insecurity than households without children (25.8% versus 16%) .

Jason Tarry, Tesco UK CEO, said: “We're pleased to bring back our Kids Eat Free initiative in Tesco Cafés, offering a little extra support over the Christmas holidays. We want to help parents and carers to provide children with nutritious food – saving them some money at a time when budgets are tighter than ever. Children can get a balanced meal and hopefully get into the Christmas spirit, too."

Anna Taylor, Executive Director of the Food Foundation said: “It’s great to see Tesco supporting families in this way, particularly at such an important time of year. We know that the cost-of-living crisis has put increased pressure on vulnerable households, so the ability for parents and carers to get a free meal in so many communities across the country is very welcome. Hunger doesn’t take a holiday, so it’s vital that both the government and businesses act to support families as we head into what will be a very challenging Winter for many,”

James Toop, CEO of youth-led campaigning organisation Bite Back 2030 added: “It’s a critical time for the health of young people. The cost of living crisis is impacting families' and making it much harder to afford the nutritious food children need to thrive. Tesco’s offer of a free hot balanced meal is offering support for families in a healthier way.”

“Our next generation needs our support now more than ever, commented Elaine Hindal, CEO of the British Nutrition Foundation. The guarantee of one free nutritious meal per day this Christmas season will provide reassurance to so many disadvantaged communities.”

 As well as Kids Eat Free, Tesco also supports families in the community through its partnership with Fareshare and the Trussell Trust. Through its Community Food Connection programme, Tesco provides surplus food to thousands of local charities and community groups. Customers can also use food sharing app, OLIO, to find free food that has been donated by Tesco.

Tesco also has long-term partnerships with health charities Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research UK to raise awareness about the condition risks and prevention.

"Be careful this Christmas" warning as NHS staff strike

Families up and down the country have been advised to be extra careful as NHS staff are taking strike action.

The NHS is asking patients to use services wisely during industrial action and take simple steps to help ensure care is available to patients who need it most.

This includes using NHS 111 online as the first port of call for health needs and continuing to only use 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.

The NHS is already facing record demand on urgent and emergency care services – October and November were the busiest on record for A&E attendances and the most serious ambulance callouts.

Industrial action means these services will be under increased pressure so it is vital that people use the services available appropriately.

Patients should continue to call 999 if anyone requires life-saving care with ambulance services prioritising the most clinically urgent cases. If it is not life-threatening you may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance.

General practice, community pharmacies, and dentistry are not impacted by strike action.

The NHS is also asking the public to play their part by taking simple steps during industrial action to look after themselves, loved ones and checking in on vulnerable family members and neighbours.

People can help by taking sensible measures to keep themselves and others safe during this period by not ending up in A&E – such as drinking responsibly or stocking up on their medication.

Today nurses are striking in 44 NHS Trusts across England. Ambulance workers will be striking at nine out of 10 ambulance trusts tomorrow.

Patients whose conditions are not life-threatening will have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance and, where safe and appropriate, may be asked to make their own way to hospital – although it is important that they get medical advice from 111 or 999 before doing so.

In all cases, priority will be given to those patients with the most clinically urgent health needs.

NHS Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis said: “There is no doubt the NHS is facing extreme pressure and industrial action will add to the already record demand we are seeing on urgent and emergency care, and so it is really important that the public play their part by using services wisely.

“This means continuing to call 999 for life-threatening emergencies – if it is not life-threatening you may have to wait longer than usual for an ambulance.

“And using 111 online for other health needs where you will receive clinical advice on the best next steps to take.

“But people can also help by taking sensible steps to keep themselves and others safe during this period and not ending up in A&E – whether that is drinking responsibly or checking up on a family member of neighbour who may be particularly vulnerable to make sure they are ok.

“NHS staff have worked hard to minimise disruption but it is inevitable as with any industrial action that we will see an impact on services but it is vital if you need lifesaving care, to continue to come forward”.

The NHS has been preparing extensively for industrial action and for winter, with plans already in place to manage additional demand including 24/7 control centres, additional bed capacity, more mental health support for ambulance services and more community falls services.

The NHS will contact anyone whose appointment has to be rescheduled due to strikes. If the NHS has not contacted you, please attend appointments as planned.

Guidance issued ahead of industrial action by ambulance services asked local systems to discharge patients who are medically fit and asked that local areas only cancel elective procedures as a last resort.

The NHS has also launched the latest phase of a TV campaign encouraging the public to use NHS 111 online.

After entering answers about health needs online, the service makes an assessment and directs you to the best place for your care – this can include a consultation with a pharmacist, a call back from a nurse, or visiting a same day urgent treatment centre or A&E.

Figures show over 6.5 million people used the NHS 111 online service in the last 12 months, with an average of 20,000 users being directed to the right support every day according to the latest data.

NHS England and local NHS areas have plans in place to ensure life-saving care continues and to minimise disruption to patient care.

Regional and national teams will support local areas needing any further assistance on strike days to help local areas coordinate responses.

Last month, NHS England issued guidance to local NHS employers on what derogations they should seek from local union representatives to ensure certain vital services such as chemotherapy continue.

(Image courtesy of Cezary Paweł and Pixabay)

Are you drinking too much at Christmas?

Christmas is a time of year notorious for Brits drinking a bit too much, in fact, a recent study found almost two-thirds (61%) of drinkers in the UK over-indulge in alcohol over the festive season.

But with the current cost of living crisis how much are our festive drinking habits costing us?

As part of a new report, the research team at Private Rehab Clinic Delamere, have crunched the numbers to reveal how much brits are spending on alcohol each week over the Christmas period.

https://delamere.com/blog/the-real-cost-of-addiction 

According to the findings, those who binge drink over the festive season by consuming 22 units or more a week, will spend a whopping £62.55 on wine, while those who drink beer will spend £41.20.

For those who tend toward drinking cocktails and spirits during Christmas, the data revealed they'll spend £50 and £51 a week respectively. 

If you’re worried you could be taking your drinking habits a little too far this Christmas, the team of experts at Delamere have compiled a list of common signs individuals worried about either their own drinking habits, or those of a loved one can look out for.

Signs and symptoms of a functioning alcoholic include: 

Frequent intoxication and smelling of alcohol

Loss of control around alcohol use

Hiding alcohol in strange places such as their garage, at the office, in bushes or in their car

Drinking between work times or appointments, or drinking just enough to keep their alcohol levels topped up if they are alcohol dependent

Frequent binge drinking after daily responsibilities are taken care of

Justifying their drinking as a way of unwinding after work, a busy day with the kids or as a reward

Becoming irritable, anxious, restless and unable to sleep if they are unable to drink

Regularly drinking in the morning before going about their day, or at odd times of the day such as lunchtime in order to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Always drinking at social events and ‘preloading’ prior to attending a social event

Avoiding social events or activities that don't involve alcohol

Alcohol has become a problem at home, with them either drinking excessively alone at home or disappearing to a pub or bar straight after work for hours

Becoming defensive or flippant when challenged over their drinking

Denying they are an alcoholic, reasoning that they still hold down a job or take the kids to school on time

Alternating alcohol and prescription pills in order that they can function

They may become erratic, spontaneous, angry or change their character completely whilst intoxicated

Difficulty in recalling events that took place whilst heavily intoxicated – experiencing an alcoholic blackout

Risk-taking, they may well drive to work or drive children to school whilst still over the limit from the previous night or from taking a morning drink

(Image courtesy of  Gerd Altmann and Pixabay)

Côte restaurants celebrate cracker of a Christmas campaign to support children who go to school hungry and help reduce paper waste

Côte restaurants is celebrating its special festive campaign to assist children who are living with food insecurity and who are at risk of going to school hungry, as well as aiming to reduce paper waste, too.

Every year the team at Côte restaurants spends £40,000 on Christmas crackers for guests to enjoy with their festive meals.

But this year, with the cost of living crisis impacting upon many families, they decided to donate this money to Magic Breakfast, instead. The charity provides nutritious breakfasts to hungry school children as fuel for learning and expert support for their schools. They are aiming to end hunger as a barrier to education in UK schools for children living with food insecurity.

Côte’s Christmas menu will run right through 'til December 24. Guests have enjoyed a seasonal, French-inspired 3-course Christmas menu, just without the additional Christmas crackers. 

The donation will now support thousands of children and will also help to combat mass paper waste created by the use of Christmas crackers.

Côte has already donated in excess of £200,000 Magic Breakfast and is aiming for more to follow in the new year, in addition to the Christmas crackers £40,000.

Jane Holbrook from Côte restaurants explained: “Magic Breakfast do amazing work that positively impacts the lives of thousands of children. We are big fans of what they do and over the last couple of years our team and owners have donated over £200,000. We decided we could and should do more, so we’ve donated the money we would have been spent on Christmas crackers to them, so they can buy thousands of breakfasts for children who really need them.”   

Côte restaurants are dedicated to giving back to the local community they live in, with a number of events planned for 2023. They want to introduce staff and guests to the charities they work with and the challenges they face.

This Christmas, Côte also donated 21,000 turkey and vegetable portions to The Felix Project in London and a further 2,300 portions to six Crisis sites in London, Birmingham, Merseyside, Newcastle, South Wales and Coventry.

https://www.cote.co.uk/christmas.

(Image courtesy of Côte restaurants)

New consumer research from OXO show what we Brits like and loathe about Christmas

Christmas comes every every year, just like clockwork, and while many of us have made small changes to our Christmas routines over the years, just how does the traditional Christmas stack up against busy, modern lifestyles?

American housewares brand, OXO, known for its universally-designed range of premium kitchen tools, has just undertaken a new survey amongst UK consumers to discover how many of us stick to our traditions, and what our most and least favourite Christmas cooking tasks are today.

Christmas dinner differs depending on where you come from in the UK

• Stuffing is the accompaniment of choice in Northern Ireland, with 2 in 5 of people choosing to pad out their plate with this herby side dish

• Yorkshire puddings have made their way onto the Christmas plates of 50% of households up and down the country, with these delights most popular in the North East, with 3 in 5 people in the region adding Yorkshire puddings to their Christmas dinner

• Cranberry, mint and bread sauce all spring to mind when thinking of festive condiments, but in a huge break from tradition, tomato sauce has started to make an appearance with 2 in 5 18 to 24 year olds choosing to add ketchup to their Christmas turkey dinner

What we love and loathe

• When it comes to things we like and things we loathe most about Christmas food prep, planning the timings came out as number one on the list of most stressful Christmas cooking tasks with 5 in 10 people dreading this Christmas task

• Taking a step back to see excited faces at the dinner table is by far the most rewarding Christmas experience, with 6 in 10 of those aged 65 and over enjoying this part of Christmas dinner the most

• Of course, OXO had to ask which kitchen tool people rely on most to make Christmas dinner a breeze with a good roasting tray and reliable peeler coming out on top

Following a challenging year, many UK households have decided to tighten the purse strings and cut back on the amount of money spent on gifts and going out over the festive period. 28% of people have decided to set a gift spend limit when buying for loved ones, while 27% of people plan to visit pubs and restaurants less frequently as a way to save money this year.

OXO is a premium US brand that offers a wide range of high-quality, long-lasting kitchen, cleaning and organisation tools that effortlessly combine innovation with purpose. Guided by the principles of universal design, the brand is known and loved for engineering tools that fit comfortably in every type of hand starting with the iconic OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler in 1990.

www.oxouk.com

Incidentally, my wife and I own a range of OXO kitchen tools, which we really love!