Wellbeing Recipe | Honeyed Blood Orange & Bay Truffles

Eating for wellness should never be about feeling worthy. Especially in winter when we need all the comforts we can get.

Here’s a recipe that includes natural ingredients that will help ward off winter bugs, but is also comfort on a plate. These Honeyed Blood Orange & Bay Truffles are a pleasure to make on a blustery afternoon and go beautifully with a massive cup of tea and a box set on the sofa.

Whipped into a glossy ganache with a hint of honey, these truffles are full of calming ingredients and immune-boosting properties, too. Because a little of what you fancy does you good.

Makes 12 truffles

90g dark chocolate, finely chopped
1-2 tbsp honey
1 blood orange
6 bay leaves
1 cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
Pinch of flaky sea salt

1 Set a heatproof bowl over a small pan half filled with simmering water. Add the chocolate and 1 tablespoon of honey and allow it to gently melt – don’t stir as it can cause the mixture to split. Remove from the heat just before all the chocolate has melted.

2 While the chocolate melts, use a veg peeler to strip 3 long pieces of peel from the orange and place in a separate saucepan. Juice the orange and measure 100ml, then add the juice to the orange peel. Save 1 bay leaf for garnish and tear the edges of the remaining bay leaves, scrunching a little to help them release their natural oils and fragrance, then add to the pan along with the cinnamon and simmer for 10 mins.

3 Take the juice off the heat. Remove the bowl of chocolate from the pan. Set a fine sieve over the chocolate and pour the warm spiced orange juice over the mixture. Gently fold together until you have a glossy mixture. Taste and add more honey, if needed. If your chocolate splits, vigorously whip in 1 tbsp of boiling water (or hot cream) until the chocolate comes back together into a silky ganache.

4 Line a small loaf tin with greaseproof paper. Gently spoon the truffle mixture into the tin and pop it in the freezer to set for 10 mins.

5 Cut into little squares and finish with a dusting of flaky sea salt, a little grated orange zest and some fine slivers of bay leaf.

The truffles recipe is from our November feature, Winter Wellness, by Rachel de Thample, with photography by Ali Allen. The feature includes lots more delicious recipes to fend off winter bugs, including Chinese Chicken Soup, Black Garlic Marmite, Lemony Parsnip Houmous with Sage, Cavolo Nero Risotto and Pomegranate Fizz. You can find more easy ideas for supercharging your winter eating below and you’ll find all the recipes in the November ‘Jewel’ issue, in shops now.

More ways to super charge your winter eating.

Solar-power your mushrooms

Mushrooms are like sun sponges. They contain a compound called ergosterol which, when exposed to sunlight, transforms into vitamin D. Any mushrooms can be exposed to sunlight at any point to enrich their vitamin D content, even dried mushrooms from the supermarket that have been grown indoors under artificial light. Put the mushrooms in sunlight for 6-8 hours at any point up to a month before consuming them and they’ll experience the heightened levels of vitamin D. A good reason to incorporate more mushrooms into your diet in the winter, when sunlight is scarce and vitamin D levels are low.

Boost brassicas

The brassica family includes Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage and cauliflower, and most of their health benefits are reaped when eaten raw – however, if you chop them 40 minutes before cooking, they produce a powerful antioxidant called sulforaphane. If you cut and cook straight away, the sulforaphane doesn’t have time to develop, so being organised means you get more from every bite.

Garlic without the breath

Chop or crush it and set aside for 10 minutes before using. This preserves the allicin in the garlic, keeping it intact during cooking. Research shows that allicin lowers blood sugar and cholesterol and, when you eat cooked garlic, you also avoid punchy raw garlic breath or the intense heat of raw consumption.

Squeeze lemon on your greens

History is rich with recipes tailored for health, especially in the East and much of the Mediterranean, where adding a squeeze of lemon to a salad or dark leafy greens is the go-to final flourish to make greens sing. Not only does the citrus enhance the taste but vitamin C-rich ingredients like lemon help you absorb more iron from foods like greens, which are a rich source.

Add cumin to dishes

Spices not only add warming comfort to food, but many are also great for digestion. Cumin is a particularly wonderful aid for cleansing the small intestine, which plays an important role in digestion in terms of nutrient absorption. Cumin is also thermogenic, so it can help boost your internal temperature, and improve circulation, thus serving as a proper winter warmer.

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Sponsored Post | Q&A with Gudrun Sjoden

With a big celebration in the pipeline, we catch up with Gudrun Sjödén, queen of colour, quirk and individuality, to discover what keeps her inspired after fifty years at the helm of her own brand

Welcome Gudrun, we hear you’re in celebratory mood…

Absolutely! We’re celebrating fifty amazing years of creativity! That’s half a century of designing clothes for women who are not afraid to stand out from the crowd.

That’s incredible. How did it all start?

I’ve always been fascinated by clothes. While studying at Stockholm’s University College of Arts, Crafts and Design, there was a strong focus on textile handicrafts, which had a huge impression on me and shaped my creative style. My first job was in classic tailoring, however, it was the late Sixties and fashions were cutting-edge, innovative and fun – I was itching to get out there and make my own mark on the industry.

In 1974, I registered the Gudrun Sjödén trademark and created my first collection – active leisure wear in natural materials. It was such an adventure! Two years later, I opened my first store in Stockholm and things took off from there.

Your designs are so distinctive, what inspires you?

I’ve always been inspired by my heritage and my travels, whether it’s traditional Nordic folk art, the natural hues of the Swedish countryside or the richer, more jewel-like tones of places such as Morocco. I see my collections as a love letter to colour.

I love contrasts and surprising combinations – nothing run-of-the-mill – simply functional, multi-seasonal pieces that are flattering for all ages and all figures. However, what I love the most is meeting customers who are so enthusiastic, they’re a huge driving force for me.

You clearly love what you do. What drives you on?

Creating sustainable, eco-friendly clothes is our main focus and at the core of everything we do. At Gudrun Sjödén, we believe that the first step in minimising the adverse environmental impact on humanity is to reduce consumption, so all of our made-to-last designs are intended to be worn until threadbare. They’re heirloom pieces that should be passed on from generation to generation for a new lease of life with every new owner.

Inspiring stuff. What achievements really stand out for you?

We’ve been using organic cotton – my favourite fibre – for almost three decades now. We established a working relationship with a supplier in Northern Greece back in the 1990s and have been growing together ever since. In fact, as part of our commitment to better environmental practices, our supplier switched to new machines and the cotton farmer switched to new crops – a process that takes three years. We’re always looking to reduce our carbon footprint in everything that we do. Where possible, we recycle and have reduced the use of plastic and packaging, we use chlorine-free paper in all our printed materials, and we opt for sea or rail transportation rather than air or road for our garment shipments. Gudrun Sjödén has also supported our suppliers to establish water-saving digital printing techniques in order to produce our colour-rich classics, without ever compromising on quality.

What a breath of fresh air! So, back to your anniversary plans…

We recently held an interactive exhibition in Stockholm, charting our journey from the very beginning, and there will undoubtedly be lots more celebrations to come throughout the year, with plenty of colour. As with everything, my aim is to spread joy and to add fun and sparkle to everyday life.

For more information and inspiration, visit gudrunsjoden.com and follow at: @gudrunsjoden.ldn

Mini Adventures | The Night Sky

There’s all kinds of magic to be seen in the night sky. Here are a few mini adventures you can have among the stars… without even leaving home

Track the International Space Station

NASA has a handy map and tracker of the ISS to follow its course. It shows where the Space Station is right now, as well as its path 90 minutes previously and where it’ll be in 90 minutes’ time. spotthestation.nasa.gov/tracking_map.cfm

Watch bats

The Bat Conservation Trust is a wonderful organisation with lots of information about bats together with ways that you can support and see these amazing animals year-round. bats.org.uk

See meteors

The Orionid meteor shower is most intense on 21–22 Oct, though you may see it for a week either side of these dates. The meteors are tiny pieces of debris from Halley’s Comet burning up as they enter the Earth’s atmosphere at 41 miles per second.

The ideas above are taken from our feature ‘Overnight Delivery’ in which Dan Richards takes us on a night walk around Galloway. His book Overnight: Journeys, Conversations And Stories After Dark (Canongate Books) will be published in March 2025.

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Playlist | Jewels

Shimmer and shine, glinting and gleaming, our latest playlist celebrates jewels, jewellery and precious metals – you can have a listen here.

It’s taken from our November JEWEL issue, which is on sale from 31 October. Order a copy in the Pics and Ink shop.

Competition | Win a hamper from Suma worth £300

Whether you have a walk-in pantry, a larder unit or a simple storecupboard, show it some love with Suma Wholefoods

So often, convenience trumps quality, which is why there’s something deeply rewarding about slowing down and making thoughtful choices for yourself and the planet. When life gets hectic, having a cupboard full of simple ingredients allows us to make meals that bring comfort and nourishment. Suma Wholefoods – a worker-owned co-operative based in Yorkshire – is committed to providing organic, Fairtrade, and sustainable products that help you make nourishing meals while staying true to your values.

Ingredients that matter

One of the joys of a Suma Wholefoods pantry is knowing that each item is ethically, fairly and sustainably sourced, ideal for those seeking more mindful living. Imagine opening your cupboard and finding whole grains like organic quinoa, bulgur wheat, and arborio rice, ready to nourish body and soul. Staples in any kitchen, they’re a great starting point for comforting stews, risottos, or grain bowls and can be easily adapted to whatever seasonal produce you have in.

Then, there are the pulses. Suma’s range of lentils, chickpeas and beans is great for those looking for simplicity. A jar of lentils can quickly become a warming soup or a hearty stew, giving you sustenance on even the busiest of autumn days. They’re affordable, versatile, and packed with plant-based protein – keeping you and your family full and happy.

Beyond the basics

No pantry or storecupboard is complete without the essentials that bring depth and warmth to your dishes. Suma’s organic tinned tomatoes, beans, and coconut milk are the simple foundations for easy, nourishing meals. These basics, paired with Suma’s range of dried herbs and spices, allow you to effortlessly create rich, flavourful meals that feel special without excess time and or effort.

Suma’s range of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits make a healthy snack or can be added to dishes for extra texture and nutrition. Try sprinkling chia seeds on your breakfast oats or tossing almonds into a salad for an easy dash of goodness.

Treat yourself, mindfully

There are also times when it’s essential to indulge a little. A mug of coffee and a home baked treat offers a simple way to unwind during a busy day, reminding you of the joy in small, mindful pleasures. Suma’s Fairtrade-certified organic Peruvian coffee, grown by a co-operative of women farmers, provides an ideal pick-me-up. Well balanced and smooth, this coffee not only tastes great but also supports sustainable farming communities. Pair it with a homemade flapjack made from organic Scottish jumbo oats and sweet medjool dates – simple, yet satisfying, and packed with fibre and slow-release energy for a healthy boost. Ethical and sustainable, food done fairly.

Win a £300 Suma hamper

If this all sounds like your cup of tea… or coffee… or flapjack even, you’ll be pleased to hear that The Simple Things has teamed up with Suma to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a hamper packed with a selection of Suma’s finest goodies, worth over £300. Brimming with whole grains, pulses, delicious snacks and ethical treats, it’s your chance to fill up your storecupboard with the best that Suma Wholefoods has to offer. An ideal way to start your journey towards simpler, more sustainable living. Scroll down to enter…

For more information and inspiration, visit suma.coop

How to enter 

For your chance to win a Suma hamper, worth £300, click the button below and answer the following question by the closing date of 4 December 2024.

Q: What county are Suma Wholefoods based in?

Terms and conditions

The competition closes at 11.59pm on 4 December 2024. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at: icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Competition | Win £500 to spend at Garden Trading

As we batten down the hatches and snuggle up indoors, there’s no better time to treat your home to an autumnal refresh. Whether you’re serving hearty, home-cooked meals or simply settling in for a peaceful evening, Garden Trading’s latest collection of homewares, lighting, furniture, and timeless accessories brings warmth and comfort the moment you step over the threshold.

Cosy autumn days provide a great opportunity to create a memorable dining experience at home. From classic to contemporary, Garden Trading’s new collection blends natural textures with quality craftsmanship, offering a range of styles and finishes that let you curate the heart of your home to reflect your unique taste. This season, statement pieces like the Bayur wood freestanding furniture make their debut. While the Walcote range – launched in celebration of Garden Trading’s 30 years of beautifully crafted designs – brings a country kitchen aesthetic to life.

To help inspire your next home update, The Simple Things has teamed up with Garden Trading to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a £500 gift voucher. Enter today for the opportunity to spruce up your living space and style a home that looks and feels as warm and welcoming as the season itself.

For more information and inspiration, visit gardentrading.co.uk or follow on Instagram: @gardentradingcompany.

How to enter 

For your chance to win £500 to spend at Garden Trading, enter our competition by clicking the button below and answering the following question by the closing date of 4 December 2024. 

Q: What is the name of the range launched in celebration of Garden Trading’s 30 years?

Terms and conditions

The competition closes at 11.59pm on 4 December 2024. One winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received and notified soon after. Subject to availability. The winner cannot transfer the prize or swap it for cash. Details of our full terms and conditions are on p125 and online at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Weekend Project | Templates for your felt mittens and slippers

Cosy slippers and colourful mittens, stitched with Scandi style, will keep you warm all winter

You can make the winter warmers pictured above with the instructions and kit lists from our Weekend Project in our October issue. But first you’ll need the templates (with stitching patterns), which you can click to print below and scale up or down as needed.

Click here for the slippers template and stitch guide

Click here for the mittens template and stitch guide

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How to | Revamp Your Woollies for Winter

Spend a Sunday getting your woollies out of mothballs and freshening them up ready to do their duty again as the weather cools

Washing woollies

Modern machines are not a friend to woollies – we’ve all had that bad experience where we’ve accidentally put it on a dry spin and that beautiful woollen jumper has come out horribly shrunk. We’d advise only ever hand-washing your beautiful knits and leaving them to air-dry. If that sounds like a lot of work, the good news is that pure wool doesn’t need to be washed frequently. Rather than washing the full garment, try spot- cleaning any marks instead – there’s a guide at woolmark.com/care on what type of treatment works best for what kind of stain. When storing woollens, it’s best to fold rather than hang them, as they keep their shape better. If you need to pack them away, use vacuum-sealed bags or cloth bags and it’s worth checking on them in the summer months to make sure no bugs have made their way in. Rather than using mothballs, cedar blocks are a natural alternative that smell nice and keep moisture out.

Bobbles, begone!

A common problem with knitwear is bobbles. As you wear clothes, the fibres stretch and break from the friction of being worn, as well as from washing and drying. This creates small balls of fibres. While you can’t stop this from happening, using a liquid detergent, washing woollens inside out and air-drying them can all help to prevent too many forming. To remove bobbles, you can find electric fabric shavers online. A lint roller or Sellotape can also work, but may pull on the threads, so be careful. It’s best to use a lint remover or a new razor – the blades make easy work of bobbles.

The advice above is taken from our October Home Economics feature on mending woollens. You can find it on page 46 of the issue.

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Wellbeing | Feeding the Mind

Supporting your gut microbiome will provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to function well, enabling you to think faster and clearer.

Studies have shown links between higher levels of good bacteria and improvement in learning new information and problem solving. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine are produced in the gut to help with digestive function while also having an indirect effect on the part of the brain that influences mood, appetite and energy.

“The focus is shifting from the brain to the gut as we learn that it’s not just about how our brain affects our body but how our gut can,” says Dr Emily Leeming, dietitian, microbiome scientist and author of new book Genius Gut. “There’s a growing understanding of how important the gut-brain connection is in health and disease, where disruptions in the gut can manifest as symptoms in the brain and vice versa.” For example, 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease also have constipation, a symptom which can appear as much as 20 years earlier than other warning signs.

The simplest and most effective way to ensure a healthy microbiome is to feed your gut with more of the foods that it loves and less of those that can deplete the good bacteria. A healthy microbiome isn’t about “a specific nutrient or individual meal or weekend reset, but thinking about the bigger picture and a way of eating that you can sustain,” says Emily. It’s about eating more of the good stuff and reducing the less good, ideally without rules or restrictions.

This extract is from our feature ‘Inside Out’ from our October issue, in which Rebecca Frank looks into the ways in which helping our digestion can improve our wellbeing.

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Lessons | From Nigella

We can hardly begin to count the excellent lessons we have learned over the years from Nigella Lawson. Here we’ve compiled just a few of our favourites. 

Nigella on life’s simple things

“Good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.”

Nigella on chicken

“You could probably get through life without knowing how to roast a chicken, but the question is, would you want to?”

Nigella on peeling beetroot

“Wear gloves when peeling a roasted beet unless you want more than a touch of the Lady Macbeths”

Nigella on custard

“Custard should be firm but not immobile; when you press it with your fingers, it should have a little wobble still within. Soft, warm and voluptuous - like an 18th century courtesan's inner thigh.”

Nigella on being a domestic goddess

"Sometimes...we don't want to feel like a postmodern, postfeminist, overstretched woman but, rather, a domestic goddess, trailing nutmeggy fumes of baking pie in our languorous wake."

Nigella on her ham in Coca Cola recipe

“Only those who have never tried this raise an eyebrow at the idea. Don't hesitate, don't be anxious: this really works. No one who cooks it, cooks it just once: it always earns a place in every repertoire.” Ham in Coca  Cola

Nigella on keeping dinner parties fun

“Tension translates to your guests. They'll have a much better time having chilli and baked potatoes than they would if you did roast duck with a wild cherry sauce and then had to lie down and cry for a while.”

Nigella on her Naan Pizza

“I beg you to keep the wherewithal for this fantastic instant snack-cum-supper in your storecupboard. It's a lifesaver! All I feel strongly is that while shop-bought pizzas are vile, packet naans, when heated, are not.” Naan Pizza

Nigella on cooking

“I don't believe you can ever really cook unless you love eating.”

Nigella on Fondue

“I don't suppose this is ever going to win plaudits from the World Health Organisation, but a cheese fondue is surely the stuff of dreams. On the plus side, health-wise, I love it best with radishes, chicory, spears of radicchio and carrots dipped in, but I don't know why I am trying to engage with that particular argument.Make a vat of this, and supply nothing other than fruit afterwards or, at most, a little palate-tickling sorbet.” 

In our October issue, we remember domestic goddesses from across the years in our feature ‘Household Names’ which starts on page 88. 

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Recipe | Rainbow Minestrone Soup with Basil Mayo Topping

A soup to make when you think there is no food in the house. This simple bowl of veg and pasta is a vibrant creation that brings new life to everyday cupboard ingredients.

Serves 2

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
½ carrot, diced
1 small red onion, diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 tin of top-quality finely chopped tomatoes
75g soup pasta
75g frozen sweetcorn
75g frozen peas
2 tbsp top-quality mayonnaise
2 tbsp plain yogurt
1 tbsp basil, torn

1 Warm the oil in a saucepan over a medium-low heat, then add the carrot, onion and a pinch of salt, and fry gently for 10 mins until soft. Add the garlic for the final 2 mins.

2 Add the tinned tomatoes. Fill the empty tin half-full with hot water and add that to the pan. Turn the heat up and, once boiling, add the pasta and cook for 5 mins. Add the sweetcorn and peas for 1-2 mins, then check the seasoning. Remove from the heat.

3 Mix the mayonnaise, yogurt and basil together. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with a dollop of the sauce and parsley, if you have it.

This recipe is from our feature ‘Souper Foods’ from our October issue, which includes recipes for lots of delicious soups, with tasty toppings. The recipes are by Kathy Slack and the photography by Kirstie Young.

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Competition | Win a Unique Hideaways Escape

Win a £500 voucher for a unique getaway in the UK

Are you seeking a break from the everyday? At Unique Hideaways, you’ll find a luxury collection of glamping retreats beckoning with dream escapes in the wild and soothing cradle of nature. Simply enter our competition for your chance to win a £500 voucher to spend on your hideaway of choice…

Wild escapism and unique moments

Promising the deepest comforts while life settles into a relaxed rhythm with nature, glamping with Unique Hideaways promises a welcome haven in which to unwind. Coveting quiet corners of forested swathes, perching on romantic clifftop crowns, and basking beside glassy, sun-kissed lakes, each hideaway is crafted for wild yet luxurious escapism.

Select your dream spot across hidden corners of the UK and fill your days in ways that speak to the soul. Be it moments enveloped in a cloud-soft duvet and the crisp pages of a book, reclining on a private deck under dappled sunlight with a glass in hand, or tracing trails past rolling oceans and wildflower fields, inspiration awaits at every turn.

Luxury hideaways, every season

From the blooms of spring and golden sun of summer to the auburn hues of autumn and the frost-cloaked scenes of winter, adventure awaits throughout the year with Unique Hideaways.

Seek seaside sanctuary during a mid-summer sojourn, waking up to freshly brewed coffee and the call of the ocean for invigorating dips. Or, embrace a winter’s tale in the mountains and luxuriate in a private idyll, breathing the exhilarating air before warming to the tune of an open wood fire or alfresco hot tub under a starlit sky. With a wide range of luxury glamping abodes, from treetop retreats to cosy cabins to peaceful yurts, year-round escapes beckon the wild at heart.

Selecting your hideaway…

From floating houseboats moored on private banks to tree houses with alfresco bathtubs, to quiet country cabins warmed by wood burners and framed by rolling fields, Unique Hideaways has a range of retreats. Just perfect for romantic breaks, dog-friendly sojourns, and getaways with family and friends, each one paints an idyllic portrait to let your mind and feet run wild and free.

How to enter

Simply click the entry button and answer the question below.

Q: Unique Hideaways Escapes can be found within corners of where?

Terms & Conditions

Entries close at midnight on 13 November 2024. One winner will be selected at random from all entries received and notified soon after. The winner will win a voucher worth £500 to put towards their stay at a Unique hideaway. If the cost of the stay you choose exceeds £500 the winner will have to cover the extra cost. Vouchers are subject to standard terms & conditions. Please ignore and report any fake accounts claiming to be Unique Hideaways. Any accounts that contact you other than marketing@uniquehideaways.com are spam.
You’ll find our full competition terms and conditions at icebergpress.co.uk/comprules.

Rituals | Closing the Front Door

Photograph by Elizabeth Doupnik @homeinthehemlocks

Coming home is always lovely, but taking a moment to truly appreciate it can make shutting the door on life outside one of the day’s simple pleasures

On autumn evenings, when it’s dark early, and particularly on days when the wind is up and squally showers are about, there’s nothing like the feeling of stepping inside your hallway and closing the door on the world. 

Plenty of us take five minutes to do some stretches or a meditation in the morning, or to say a prayer or write in a gratitude journal last thing at night. Maybe you even make the most of your lunchbreak by taking a moment in the garden or reading a book… We think That Moment When You Close The Front Door should be one of those milestone moments in a day, too. 

Perhaps you’ve just returned from a long day at work? Maybe you only went out for a run or took the dog for a walk? But when you get home there’s nothing like stepping into the warm and kicking off your shoes, is there? It’s a bit like the moment you get into clean sheets, or take off an uncomfortable bra and fling it in the laundry (if you know, you know). So why let that moment fade and plunge headlong back into your day? 

Before you shout ‘hellooo?’, start unloading the dishwasher or rummaging in the freezer, take a moment to take a deep breath and welcome yourself home properly. We’re all guilty of forgetting sometimes what a privilege it is to have a roof over our heads; this is your opportunity each day to thank yourself for that. 

Take off your coat and shoes, put them away carefully and reach for something more comfortable for your feet. Put on the lights in the nearby rooms. No, not the overhead ones - the ‘good’ lights; the ones that glow gently in the corners. Then draw the curtains so you’re cocooned in your own kingdom. 

Have a ‘shutting the front door ritual’. Light a scented candle if you like or spritz the room with something warming and autumnal and sit down. If space allows, no hallway should be without a Comfy Chair but if not, step into the next room or even just sit on the bottom stairs. Maybe put some gentle music on and spend a few minutes just decompressing or reading a chapter of a book to get you back into ‘home mode’. You could spend it stroking a pet - as long as they’re not going to harrass you to be fed immediately. Whatever you do, don’t make to-do lists in your head or think about the evening’s chores just yet; there’s plenty of time. 

The front door is closed, the world is shut out, you are mistress of your own kingdom. Welcome home, again. 

If you’d like more inspiration for making your hallway a welcoming place, don’t miss our ‘My Place’ pages in our October issue, which this month is on hallways, and includes this lovely space belonging to Elizabeth Doupnik.

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How to | Stock a Storecupboard

While humans can’t hibernate (NASA are working on it), some store cupboard friends can see you through the winter

Stow somewhere cool & dry:
Squash: If kept airy with no bananas, should last to March.
Garlic: As above – not breaking up the bulbs helps longevity.
Potatoes: Pop into the dark for three months of spuds.
Tins (if not dented): ‘Low acid’ contents will last longer, for example, not tinned fruit.
Spices: Ground keep for up to 3 years and whole spices for 5.

Stow somewhere cool, dry – and in an airtight container:
Nuts: Varies by type, reckon on them keeping for 6–9 months.
Rice: The brown type will keep through to spring, while white can last for up to 30 years.
Beans: Tinned beans are fine; dry beans do a whole year.
Beverages: Loose tea keeps longer than bags, but coffee beans (not ground) last for up to 6 months, even when open.
Chocolate: Good news! Solid milk chocolate copes for up to a year, and dark for double that.

The big freeze:
Things last almost forever in the freezer, but suffer taste-wise. Think 3 months for curries, soups and stews, 6 for uncooked meat, 8 for baked goods. Low-water content veg (for example, not the likes of celery) is good for around a year.

The miracle workers:
Honey: The natural stuff is low water/high acidity, a sweet spot meaning it won’t go off. Can use in treating wounds.
Salt: If not ionised, lasts just about forever. Helpful for a saltwater gargle, too.
Spirits: The high alcohol keeps it from going off if unopened: it’ll keep into spring, if you dip in.

This feature is from our October Miscellany where you’ll find lots more seasonal ideas each month.

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Recipe | Apple & Cinnamon Rose Cake

Pretty as the flower, this tastes and smells like autumn. An extra pat on the back for hand-picked apples.

Serves 8-12

For the apple topping:
50g unsalted butter
4 tbsp soft brown sugar
4 apples, washed, cored and finely sliced
Juice of 1 lemon

For the cake:
280g plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
100g unsalted butter at room temp
100g caster sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
100ml milk
1 apple, washed, cored and grated
1 tsp ground cinnamon, plus ¼ tsp to sprinkle on the top~
1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 tbsp sieved icing sugar to decorate

1 Start by making the topping. In a large saucepan, heat the butter and brown sugar for a few minutes, stirring until melted. Add the apple slices and the lemon juice, and heat for a few minutes until the apple slices start to soften. Set aside.

2Preheat the oven to 190C/Fan 170C/Gas 5 and grease a 25cm cake tin.

3 In a large bowl, stir together the flour, a pinch of salt and the baking powder.

4 In a stand mixer, whisk 100g butter and the caster sugar until blended. Add the eggs, vanilla extract and lemon zest, and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth. Add the milk and blend until combined.

5 Add the dry ingredients slowly to the mixer on a slow speed. Stir the grated apple into the mixture along with the cinnamon before adding to the greased cake tin. Tap the tin to

level the mixture.

6 Take your bowl of preprepared apple slices and lay them in an overlapping circle on top of the mixture, with the sliced edge facing down into the batter. Sieve a ¼ tsp of ground cinnamon on top.

7 Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes. Test it is baked by putting a metal skewer into the middle; it should come out clean. Grate the nutmeg over the cake and sieve the icing sugar on top too.

This recipe is taken from our feature ‘Life is Brewtiful’ from our October issue, a menu designed for an autumnal late afternoon tea. It also includes recipes for Ginger Fizz, Pear & Cheese Toasties, Smoked Fish & Kale Quiche, Parmesan & Chive Savoury Scones, Spiced Autumn Tea and Spiced Biscuits. The recipes are devised and styled by Kay Prestney and photographed by Rebecca Lewis.

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How To | Launch Your Own Tiny Magazine

If you’ve ever flicked through a copy of The Simple Things and thought that we must have a lot of fun making an independent magazine, you’d be absolutely right. Here’s how you can have a slice of the fun yourself by creating a ‘mini’ magazine of your very own.

A ‘zine’ (pronounced ‘zeen’) is a magazine in a very small format that you can unfold to photocopy and then distribute within your community, whether that’s your church, school or a gang of your friends. They began back in the 1930s when people produced their own science fiction fanzines (or ‘zines’, for short) to share with other fans. They’ve had many resurgences over the years, with political zines being published in the 1960s and cultural ones during the punk era of the 80s. Whatever your interest, there will have been a zine for it at some point and if not - you can make your own! Here’s how:

1. Decide on a theme for your zine. It could be for a local community group, it could be self-published poetry, or just something very niche… recipes for brownies? Portraits of your neighbourhood’s cats? An illustration of the life cycle of a hawk moth? It’s all up to you. You’ll want to give it a name, too.

2. Decide whether you need to assemble a team of mates to help or if this is a solo project, and then get people on board or simply stock up on coffee and good biscuits before going it alone. 

3. Make your original zine. There are several formats you can use but the easiest is the eight-page zine. You can search instructions on how to do the folds for an eight-page zine online. There are several on YouTube or try ‘How To Make a Zine’ on Mymodernet.com. Make the folds first and number the pages, then you can flatten it out again to write or draw on each page. You will need to make one snip between pages 3 and 8 or 4 and 7. 

4. Design your cover on page one and your back cover on page eight, then fill the remaining pages with your content. Don’t forget you can stick in photos and blocks of text, use calligraphy or other images. It just needs to be clear enough to read when photocopied.

5. Unfold and flatten out your zine, photocopy as many copies as you need and then fold them all in the same way as you folded and snipped your original. 

6. Sell, give away or foist your indie zine upon friends, family and unsuspecting locals. 

If you’re already feeling inspired, don’t miss our My Living feature in the September issue, which is all about producers of indie mags. And if you’re looking for more indie mags to read yourself, you can always find plenty of them on our sister site Pics & Ink where you can buy mags on every subject imaginable, from adventure and travel to food and drink to film and music. Head to picsandink.com to have a browse.

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Sponsored Post | Burning Ambitions with Charnwood

As the days cool down, it’s time to warm up your evenings with Charnwood’s classic range of wood-burning stoves

With autumn setting in, there’s a definite chill in the air and thoughts inevitably turn to cosy evenings indoors. If snuggling in front of flickering flames, cuppa or glass of wine in hand, sounds like heaven, Charnwood may have the answer.

Proudly made in Britain for over 50 years, Charnwood stoves are designed and crafted on the Isle of Wight and are ideal for both urban and rural living, bringing warmth and comfort to any home. Meticulously constructed from cast iron and plate steel, their timeless designs feature ceramic-glass picture windows, so you can enjoy a mesmerising view of the blazing fire within.

A smart and practical option for the environmentally conscious, Charnwood stoves are designed to burn sustainable local wood and nearly all models have earned a five-star Clear Skies rating, releasing minimal emissions and particulates while maximising efficiency. They also meet strict European regulations.

Furthermore, they provide an independent heat source for those in-between months when you’re not quite ready to flick the central heating back on, and their enduring appeal undoubtedly has a positive impact on wellbeing and mental health. After all, who could fail to enjoy a toasty evening in front of their warm glow?

Choose from Charnwood’s manually operated stoves or the new automatic Skye E700, where all you need to do is load, light and shut the door. The app-controlled intelligent tech does the rest! So make yourself a drink, grab a good book and settle in for a cosy evening.

For more information and inspiration, visit charnwood.com or follow on Instagram at: @charnwoodstoves

Make | A Macrame Dog Lead

Give your pup some extra flair while keeping them safe and secure on walks. If you’re looking for a project where you can comfortably sit while working, this is a great one to tackle.  

You will need: 

14.6m of 5mm braided cotton cord in off-white/natural color 

13.4m of 5mm braided cotton cord in color of your choice  

Swivel snap hook (approximately 70mm long) – we got ours from trimmingshop.co.uk 

Clipboard 

Measuring tape 

Scissors 

Cut List: 

1 x 13.4m long, of 5mm braided cotton cord in Mustard Yellow (or color of your choice) 

1 x 13.4m long, of 5mm braided cotton cord in off-white/natural color 

1 x 122cm long, of 5mm braided cotton cord in off-white/natural color 

1 Attach the snap hook to a clip board. Take the 13.4m piece of colored cord and use the Bundling Cord technique to bundle up one end until there is about 3m of cord remaining. Measure 2.4m from the remaining end, and fold the cord in half at that point. Create a Reverse Lark’s Head Knot around your snap hook, ensuring that the bundled end is on the outside of your snap hook and the 2.4m end is on the inside. 

2 Repeat step 1 with the 13.4m length of off-white cord. Make sure that when attaching to the snap hook, the shorter ends of both pieces of cord are in the center. These two cords will be our filler cords for the entire project. 

3 Take the left cord and create a loose “4” shape over the second cord. Wrap it behind that cord, and pull the bundle through the loop created. Tighten this knot so it sits right below the Reverse Lark’s Head Knots created in steps 1 and 2. 

4 Repeat by creating a loose “4” shape again with that same cord, but this time cross it over both center cords, wrap it behind these two center cords and pull the bundle through the loop created. Tighten to the knot above. 

5 Repeat steps 3 and 4, but this time create a loose backward “4” shape with your farthest right cord. Take the right cord and cross it over the cord closest to it. Wrap it behind that cord, pull the bundle through the loop created and tighten. Do the same with both center cords just as you did on the left. 

6 Continue this pattern by alternating the left cord and the right cord as your working cords all the way down for 1.5m. Adjust the lead on your clipboard as necessary. Pull cord from each bundle as needed so you have a comfortable amount of cord to work with. 

7 Once this first section of knots measures at 1.5m in length, it is time to create the handle of your leash. Measure 5cm down from your last knot and create a Square Knot using the same working cords. From there, continue making Square Knots until this section of Square Knots measures 38cm in length. 

8 Remove the leash from the clipboard and fold this section of Square Knots in half. You will see the handle start to form. 

9 Take the two filler cords and feed them through the center of the 5cm opening you created. 

10 Using your working cords, create Square Knots around all six cords until you hit the section of knots below. 

11 Take the 122cm three-strand off-white piece of cord and tie a Gathering Knot around this most recent section of Square Knots. 

12 Make sure this knot is nice and tight! Once you feel it is secure, cut off all the ends as close to the Gathering Knot as possible. You can also use the tip of your scissors to help push any excess ends into your Gathering Knot for a cleaner look. 

 You can find more instructions on how to create all these knots in our October issue, where you can also find instructions on how to make a macrame plant pot holder.

Taken from The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Macramé by Alisha Ing (Page Street Publishing)

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Playlist | Night-walking

DJ: Dan Richards
Image: Vanessa Grzywacz

In our October WEAVE issue, Dan Richards takes us along on a night walk through Wigtown. He’s shared a taster of his soundtrack with us: you can take a listen here.

Sponsored Post | Works a Treat with Blackdown

Enjoy a special place to work, create and be inspired with a Blackdown Meridian
Workspace Hut

When the busy demands of the day are overwhelming and the noise around us is that little bit too much, we all dream of a place we can escape to and call our own. 

If, on top of that, you’re also trying to work, balancing your laptop on the end of the kitchen table while chaos prevails everywhere you turn, the need for your own escape space – somewhere you can concentrate, be inspired or just answer those urgent emails – becomes even more pressing. 

If this is you, the solution is a Blackdown Meridian Workspace Hut, a well-appointed and individually designed office or studio in your garden – a place that is at once an escape, a place to work in peace and a home away from home.

Meridians are imaginary lines that divide the Earth and, in Chinese medicine, energy pathways in the body. Taking inspiration from them, as well as a desire to create spaces that work for their customers, Blackdown’s bespoke built offices offer a working area with all the necessary features and fittings – such as a fall-and-rise desk and an Everhot electric stove – and luxuriously cushioned seating that’s ideal for taking time to be inspired by the natural world outside, viewed through the full-width glazed windows. Work and play in perfect alignment.

With the option to add a security and lighting pack, a hospitality pack (including a Quooker tap and coffee machine), an entertainment pack, a bathroom module and even a wall bed, your escape space can be as individual as you are.

So, whether it’s a yoga studio with minimal interiors or a bright, expertly outfitted workspace where you can add all the extras required to get the job done, Blackdown has a beautifully styled interior to fit your needs. 

For more information and inspiration, visit blackdownshepherdhuts.co.uk, or follow on Instagram at: @blackdownshepherdhuts.