StormborneLore

Tag: cooking

  • Today’s Too Good To Go box was another massive win 17 premium sauces for just £20.97!

    Today’s Too Good To Go box was another massive win 17 premium sauces for just £20.97!

    Four jars of sauces on a dark background, including Stokes Beer Chutney, Habanero Chilli Mayo, Coronation Sauce, and a jar of Bisto turkey gravy.
    A selection of Stokes sauces and Bisto turkey gravy, perfect for enhancing a variety of meals.
    A collection of assorted sauce bottles and jars on a dark surface, featuring brands like Heinz, Raju, and Tingly Ted's, showcasing a variety of flavors and styles.
    A vibrant assortment of sauces and condiments, including Heinz and Raju products, perfect for enhancing everyday meals.
    A variety of sauce bottles and jars, including Stokes Habanero Chilli Mayonnaise, Stokes Beer Chutney, Tingly Ted's Extra Tingly Sauce, Raju Tangy BBQ Tamarind, Bibigo Hot Jang Chilli Sauce, and Blue Dragon Ketjap Manis, arranged together on a surface.
    A vibrant assortment of sauces and condiments. Showcasing brands like Stokes, Raju, and Bibigo, perfect for adding flavor to home-cooked meals.


    Inside were jars and bottles from brands like Stokes, Heinz, Raju, Bibigo, and Blue Dragon. Plus a surprise jar of Bisto turkey gravy that made the box feel extra special all in date.


    The mix included everything from everyday staples to bold world flavours:

    Stokes Coronation Sauce sweet, spicy, and perfect for wraps or cold chicken.

    Stokes Habanero Chilli Mayo smooth heat with a hint of smoke.

    Stokes Beer Chutney rich and earthy, ideal with cheese or pork.

    Tingly Ted’s Extra Tingly Sauce fiery and fun.

    Tangy BBQ Tamarind, Sweet Chilli Mango, and Hot Jang Chilli global favourites for stir-fries or marinades.

    Heinz Garlic & Caramelised Onion Mayo, Smoky Baconnaise, and Tomato Ketchup these are popular comfort classics.

    Old El Paso Soured Cream used for cooling down those spicy dishes!

    It’s a brilliant example of what Too Good To Go can offer. Premium groceries saved from waste, giving home cooks like me the chance to stock the pantry sustainably and affordably.

    Solaris Kitchen Tip: Enjoying sauces with diabetes

    Solaris Kitchen Tip: Enjoying sauces with diabetes

    As someone with type 2 diabetes, I use these in moderation. A spoon or two for flavour goes a long way. Pair sweeter sauces with lean proteins or fibre-rich vegetables to help balance blood sugar levels. Cooking from home with variety like this makes healthy eating much easier and tastier too.

    Final Thoughts:


    For £20.97, this box easily contained over £54 worth of sauces. an incredible saving and another reason to love Too Good To Go. Every jar adds a little inspiration to the kitchen, turning budget meals into flavour-packed dishes.

    Would I buy it again?


    Absolutely.


    Next up: the Drinks Box 36 cans of Diet Cola arriving soon!

    Further Reading

    https://www.toogoodtogo.com

    Too Good To Go Seasoning Box Massive Win for Budget Cooking! (£20.97)

    Sustainable Meals Inspired by Ancient Diets

  • Transformative Stone Age Fish Recipe from Worcestershire

    Transformative Stone Age Fish Recipe from Worcestershire

    A Survival Meal from Severn Valley.


    Taranis’s journey south, inspired by Stone Age foraging along the Severn Valley in ancient Worcestershire.


    As Taranis wandered deeper into exile, he crossed the ancient paths of what we now call Worcestershire a land shaped by rivers, caves, and sacred woodlands. The Severn Valley offered not only shelter, but food: fish from clean waters, herbs from wild meadows, and woodlands dense with fuel.

    This meal marks a turning point when hunger gave way to skill, and the boy began to understand the land, not fear it.


    Whole small fish (e.g. trout, sardines, or mackerel) 2 £2.00–£3.00
    Lemon or vinegar (optional) 1 tbsp £0.10
    Salt ¼ tsp £0.05
    Fresh herbs (wild garlic, rosemary, thyme) 1 tbsp £0.20
    Oil or animal fat 1 tsp £0.05
    Flatbread or root mash (optional side) — £0.20–£0.50

    Estimated Total Cost: £2.60–£4.00
    (Serves 2 — ~£1.50–£2.00 per portion)


    Stone Age version:

    Catch fish from stream or river. Clean and season with gathered herbs and a dash of salt.

    Wrap in leaves (dock, burdock) or skewer whole and cook over embers, turning slowly.

    Serve with roasted roots or foraged greens.

    Modern method:

    Preheat grill or pan. Clean fish, season inside and out with herbs, salt, and lemon/vinegar.

    Lightly brush with oil or animal fat.

    Grill for 4–5 mins per side or until crisp and flaky.

    Serve with flatbread, salad, or root veg.


    Fish: Omega-3s, protein, brain and heart health

    Fresh herbs: Antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties

    Optional lemon/vinegar: Aids digestion and preservation

    🔄 Ingredient Substitutions
    Fish → firm tofu (vegan) or mushrooms (grilled)

    Wild herbs → store-bought thyme, parsley, dill

    Side: roasted parsnips or potatoes for a modern twist

    📖 Suggested Story Pairing
    Best paired with:
    “The Hollow Howl” or “The Crossing” (a future post of Taranis crossing into new lands) moments when survival becomes instinct, and fear becomes focus.


    This is the meal of transformation not feasting, but claiming life back one bite at a time.
    The boy who was cast out now learns to live.

    © StormborneLore. Recipe written by Emma for StormborneLore. Not for reproduction. All rights reserved.

    A heartfelt thank you message from StormborneLore, inviting readers to support and engage with the storytelling experience.

    If you recreate this recipe, tag #StormborneLore so I can see your version.”

  • Rustic Bronze Age Lamb Recipe: A Diabetic-Friendly Delight

    Rustic Bronze Age Lamb Recipe: A Diabetic-Friendly Delight

    A golden-brown lamb neck roast garnished with fresh rosemary, served on a bed of vibrant root vegetables including carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, with a warm, rustic atmosphere in the background.
    A hearty feast featuring slow-roasted lamb neck slices with a medley of root vegetables, inspired by Bronze Age Britain.

    A hearty feast of lamb and roots inspired by Bronze Age Britain. Slow-roasted for warmth, strength, and balance.

    📜 Cost: approx. £9.00 – serves 2 generously
    🌱 Dietary Notes: Contains meat; gluten-free; diabetic-friendly (low glycemic impact with honey optional)
    🍴 Setting: Ideal for House Terra or the Hearthrest kitchens of Emberhelm

    Ingredients:

    2 lamb neck slices (bone-in or boneless)

    2 large carrots, chopped

    1 large parsnip or swede, cubed

    1 red onion, quartered

    2–3 small potatoes, halved

    1 tbsp honey (optional for diabetics, or substitute with erythritol/monk fruit)

    2 tbsp oil (rapeseed or olive)

    2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme

    ½ tsp coarse sea salt

    Black pepper to taste

    Optional: splash of stock or water for braising

    Method:

    Prepare the fire (or oven):
    Preheat oven to 180°C (fan) / 200°C / gas mark 6. If cooking over a firepit, get embers glowing steadily.

    Sear the lamb:
    In a cast-iron pan or heavy skillet, sear neck slices on high heat with a splash of oil until browned on both sides (~2–3 mins each).

    Assemble the roots:
    In a roasting tray, toss chopped vegetables with oil, herbs, salt, and a drizzle of honey (or sweetener). Spread in a single layer.

    Add lamb & roast:
    Nestle the lamb among the vegetables. Add a splash of water or stock to keep it moist. Cover loosely with foil.

    Roast in the hearth (or oven):
    Roast covered for 1 hour. Remove foil, baste with pan juices, then roast uncovered for another 20–30 mins until browned and tender.

    Serve with:
    Crusty barley flatbread, pickled roots, or a handful of wild greens.

    Historical Insight:
    In Bronze Age Britain, neck cuts were favoured for slow roasting near the fire – tough, flavourful, and nourishing. Root vegetables like parsnip, swede, and onion were common near settlements, roasted in clay ovens or embers. Honey added rare sweetness and symbolised prosperity.

    Health Notes:

    Rich in protein and iron

    Root veg provide fibre, vitamin C, and potassium

    Slow cooking softens connective tissue, making it easier to digest

    Possible Substitutes:

    Lamb: beef shin, pork neck, or plant-based roast (e.g., seitan)

    Veg: beetroot, celeriac, or turnips

    Honey: maple syrup or date molasses for vegan option

    ✅ Diabetic-Friendly: Yes, especially if honey is reduced or replaced with low-glycemic sweetener
    ✅ Gluten-Free: Yes, provided stock & honey are checked

    Freezer safe

    If you recreate this recipe, tag #StormborneLore so I can see your version.

  • The Founders’ Feast: A Bronze Age Tribute

    The Founders’ Feast: A Bronze Age Tribute

    The Rise of Emberhelm.

    The wind still smelled of blood and ash.

    Taranis stood on the ridge, his cloak torn by the storm, his hair streaked with soot. Below, the valley rippled with new life: tents being stitched, stones lifted, timber lashed. The war was over but the next battle had begun.

    “We build not just for defence,” Lore said, tracing runes into the soil, “but for memory.”

    The three surviving brothers had gathered their remnants warriors, widows, strays, and seers. They chose high ground, surrounded by forest and stone.

    Drax named it Emberhelm, for the fire that had not died. It would become the first Stormborne stronghold.

    Taranis trained them in the mornings sword drills, spear throws, endurance across misty hills. Drax oversaw the walls, carving old sigils into oak gates. Lore built the central hearth and lit it from the embers of their victory fire.

    That night, the people gathered.

    Flames danced. A feast was laid. Meat sizzled on firestones. Barley bread warmed the hands of children.

    At the centre of it all stood Taranis, not as an outcast or storm-child. But as High Warlord of the Stormborne.

    PART II: The Founders’ Feast – A Bronze Age Meal


    The First Meal of Emberhelm was a warm, smoky, filling. A tribute to survival.

    Ingredients (Modern Costed)

    500g pearl barley – £1.20

    2 tbsp honey – £0.40

    1 tsp salt – £0.05

    Handful wild herbs (or 1 tsp thyme/rosemary) – £0.15

    500g root veg (turnip/parsnip/sweet potato) – £1.00

    Optional: Lamb neck or mutton (slow cooked) – £3.00–£4.00

    Water or veg stock cube – £0.10

    Flatbread (optional, if not using barley cakes) – £0.80

    Total Cost (vegetarian): ~£3.70
    With meat: ~£7.50
    Feeds 3–4 people

    🛠️ Method (Modern Cooking Adaptation)

    Boil the barley in salted water for 25–30 minutes until soft but chewy.

    Roast root veg (cubed) in oil and herbs at 200°C for 30 mins.

    Optional: Slow cook lamb/mutton with water, herbs, salt for 2–3 hours.

    Drain the barley and mix with honey and herbs while warm.

    Serve the roasted veg with barley, or spoon over the meat like a grainy stew.

    🧙‍♀️ Historical & Symbolic Notes
    Barley was a staple across the Bronze Age valued for energy and storage.

    Meat was a rare honour. Only eaten during celebrations or major rites.

    Honey and herbs symbolised blessing and protection.

    Emberhold’s feast marks a cultural shift from wandering to rooting just as the Bronze Age introduced tools, fortresses, and long-term clan identity

    © StormborneLore. Written by Emma for StormborneLore. Not for reproduction. All rights reserved.

    .Thank you for reading.

    © 2025 Emma Hewitt / StormborneLore. All rights reserved.
    Unauthorized copying or reproduction of this content is prohibited.

    If you enjoyed this story, like, share, or leave a comment. Your support keeps the storm alive and the chronicles continuing.

    If you would like to read more Taranis stories please see: The Prophecies and Tales of Taranis Unfolded

    If you would like to read more about Drax : The Chronicles of Drax

    If you would like to read more about Rayne: The tales of Rayne

    If you would like to read more about Lore: The Keeper of Cairnstones: Myths and Mysteries Revealed

    If you want more Recipes visit : Solaris Kitchen