Tag: recipe

  • 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!


    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

  • Easy Air Fryer Meal: Hearty Gluten-Free Bowl Under £1

    Easy Air Fryer Meal: Hearty Gluten-Free Bowl Under £1

    A blue plate with gluten-free pasta, baked beans, sausage slices, and a sprinkle of cheese, accompanied by blue cutlery.
    A hearty Comfort Hearth Bowl featuring gluten-free sausages, pasta shapes, and baked beans, topped with a sprinkle of cheese.

    Diabetic-Friendly & Gluten-Free (Under £1)By E. L. Hewitt

    Some evenings call for warmth and simplicity something easy, steady, and kind to the body.


    This Comfort Hearth Bowl uses sausages, pasta shapes, and baked beans. Finished with a little cheese, and made entirely in the air fryer.

    Gluten-free. Diabetic-friendly.
    Affordable. Real. Homely.

    Ingredients (Serves 1–2)

    3 gluten-free sausages

    1 cup gluten-free pasta shapes

    ½ tin no-added-sugar baked beans

    A sprinkle of cheese (optional, to finish)

    Cost Breakdown


    Gluten-free sausages 3 £0.60
    GF pasta shapes 1 cup £0.20
    No-added-sugar baked beans ½ tin £0.25
    Cheese small handful £0.10

    Total: ~£1.15
    Cost per bowl: ~£0.60

    Comfort that doesn’t ask much but gives a lot.

    Air Fryer Method

    Cook sausages in the air fryer at 200°C for 10–12 minutes.

    While they cook, boil gluten-free pasta until soft (GF pasta cooks fast).

    Warm baked beans.

    Slice sausages and stir together:

    Pasta

    Sausages

    Beans

    Optional: Transfer to a heat-safe bowl and air fry for another 3–4 minutes to melt the cheese over the top.

    Simple. Filling. No stress.

    Why This Is Diabetic-Friendly

    Protein + fat from sausages slows blood sugar rise

    Beans offer fibre + steady release

    Choosing no-added-sugar beans keeps it balanced

    Small pasta piece = gentle carb load

    This is slow energy, not a blood spike.

    Why It’s Gluten-Free

    Using:

    Gluten-free sausages

    Gluten-free pasta shapes

    makes this naturally gluten-free without changing taste, comfort, or cost.

    Serving Suggestion.

    Best enjoyed:

    Wrapped in a blanket

    Watching the evening settle

    Knowing you fed yourself with kindness today.

    Author Note

    Ancient meals didn’t have to be complicated.

    They only had to warm you.

    A simple gluten-free, diabetic-friendly comfort bowl cooked in the air fryer warm, filling, and under £1.

    If you don’t need Gluten Free then change the sausages for normal sausages of your choice.

    For more Recipes see: Explore Healthy Recipes at Solaris Kitchen

  • Budget-Friendly Samhain Meal Under £2

    Budget-Friendly Samhain Meal Under £2

    Hearty Samhain Hearth Bowl featuring sausages, minced beef, beans, and mixed vegetables, embodying comfort and simplicity.

    By E. L. Hewitt – Solaris Kitchen

    As the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, there’s something comforting about a meal that feels both ancient and homely. This Samhain Hearth Bowl brings together the warmth of sausages, the heartiness of mince, and the earthiness of beans and garden veg — all cooked in simple foil trays.

    It’s an easy, budget-friendly feast inspired by old harvest suppers, where everything came together around the fire.

    Ingredients

    (Serves 2 — ready in 30 minutes)

    2 sausages (any kind you prefer)

    100 g minced beef

    150 g frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn)

    ½ tin baked beans (about 200 g)

    Optional: sprinkle of cheese or herbs to serve

    Cost Breakdown


    Ingredient Amount Cost
    Sausages 100 g £0.50
    Mince beef 100 g £0.80
    Mixed veg 150 g £0.30
    Baked beans ½ tin £0.25
    Seasoning / oil £0.05

    Total cost: £1.90
    Cost per serving: ~£0.95

    Simple, filling, and under £1 per plate true Solaris Kitchen cooking.

    Method

    Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C.

    Place sausages in one foil tray and mixed veg in another. Cook for 10 minutes.

    Drain the veg if needed, then add baked beans to the same tray.

    Add mince to the sausages’ tray and cook both for another 10 minutes.

    Once everything is cooked through, mix the mince, sausage, beans, and veg together.

    Split into two trays and return to the air fryer for a final 5 minutes to blend flavours and soften any remaining crunch.

    Serve warm, and if you like, top with cheese or herbs. It’s perfect for an evening by candlelight or just when you need something hearty that reminds you of home.

    Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)Nutrient Amount


    Calories 380 kcal
    Protein 26 g
    Carbs 30 g
    Fibre 7 g
    Fat 18 g
    Saturated fat 7 g
    Salt 1.4 g

    Balanced, protein-rich, and slow-burning energy ideal for diabetic-friendly, everyday eating.

    Serving Suggestion

    Best enjoyed with crusty bread or a small baked potato. If celebrating Samhain, add a little apple cider or herbal tea on the side a quiet nod to the season of change.

    Dietary Notes

    This recipe is diabetic-friendly and gluten-free when made with no-added-sugar baked beans and gluten-free sausages.

    Notes from Solaris Kitchen

    This dish is part of my “Ancient Hearth Meals” recipes that honour simplicity, sustainability, and warmth.
    If you enjoy this, you might also like:

    Capricorn Artwork: Capricorn Artwork: Strength and Endurance in Acrylic

    Samhain: Samhain: The Veil Between Storms

    Visit :Solaris Kitchen
    for more seasonal, budget-friendly meals that draw on Britain’s ancient roots.

  • 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.

  • Resilience on a Plate: Chicken and Veggies for Comfort

    Resilience on a Plate: Chicken and Veggies for Comfort

    An abstract artwork featuring vibrant colors and geometric shapes, with the title 'The shadows of an Empire' and the author's name 'by StormborneLore' prominently displayed.
    Cover art for ‘The Shadows of an Empire’ by StormborneLore, featuring vibrant abstract patterns.

    The Feast of Ashes

    The wind carried the scent of smoke from the volcanic island. curling around the cliffs where Taranis trained his Black Shields. Even here, amid ash and stone. There was a need for sustenance not just for the body, but for the soul.

    In a small, concealed cave, Lore the chronicler and mystic had set a fire. From his satchel, he pulled fragrant herbs, roasted nuts, and grains known to those who traveled far and survived hardships.

    Tonight, they would eat something more than survival rations a meal to remind them of home, strength, and resilience.

    Lore’s Fire-Roasted Chicken with Autumn Vegetables (Diabetic-Friendly, Gluten-Free)

    Ingredients (serves 4):

    4 skin-on chicken thighs

    1 tbsp olive oil

    2 tsp smoked paprika

    1 tsp garlic powder

    Salt and pepper to taste

    2 cups diced butternut squash

    1 red bell pepper, sliced

    1 zucchini, sliced

    1 small red onion, quartered

    Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

    Instructions:

    Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F.

    Rub chicken thighs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

    Toss vegetables with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

    Place chicken on a baking tray and surround with vegetables.

    Roast for 35–40 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C / 165°F and vegetables are tender.

    Serve hot, letting the aromas of rosemary and smoke linger like whispers of legend.

    Lore handed Taranis a bowl, and for a moment, the fire’s warmth softened the storm within him.

    The Black Shields ate in silence. Each bite a small act of defiance nourishing bodies. That would soon fight, and reminding themselves that even in exile, life is reclaimed.

    “Food,” Lore said softly, “is also a shield, a weapon against despair. Remember this taste, for one day, it will be a memory of freedom.”

    Taranis nodded, letting the smoke and flavors mingle with the burning promise in his veins. The storm waited outside, but tonight, they were fed stronger, sharper, ready

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  • 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