The microwave is healthier (the food retains all its nutrients instead of losing them to water), more cost effective and infinitely more quicker. Used before roasting or chipping the results are soft, fluffy middles with a nice crisp coat. Here’s my tried and tested method and How To guide.

How To Parboil Potatoes Using The Microwave

You will need:

Potatoes – washed and unpeeled

Microwave safe bowl

A microwave

Directions

Leaving the skin on to preserve the potato, prick the potato with a fork and place into a microwavable bowl.

Microwave for 2 minutes on high then turn the potato(es) over and repeat for another 2 minutes. Depending on the size of the potato this will usually be plenty enough cooking time.

You don’t want to cook them for too long as then they will be too soft, and essentially, you will have cooked a jacket potato. Lovely, but not useful for this purpose. The potatoes still need to be firm enough to cut and retain their shape.

You can then cook the potatoes as you normally would after parboiling using the traditional method.

REMEMBER…the potatoes will be very hot when you take them out of the microwave to cut them. I recommend wearing an oven glove when holding them (though not to cut with – that might prove difficult).

That’s all for now folks. As always, thank you for reading my blog.

Love, Emma x

He thrives upon the freedom that such an environment offers and we really saw his character develop and deepen within a few short days. There were plenty of animals for him to spy and what I quickly noticed was the level of pleasure he took in the beauty of nature. When children and adults alike were walking past the fish pond or the ducks sunning themselves near the lake, Jude gazed in awe for immeasurable amounts of time. It was as though he could see something extra special in what we deem as almost ordinary. He had so much fun and loved running around the forest so much that when we arrived back home and the front door shut behind him he was most tearful. I wouldn’t normally wish tears from my toddler but at least we knew he’d had a super time.

Here is a little photo album of our fun in the forest…

We had barely unbuckled our seat belts before Jude was off and exploring the forest.

This beautiful peacock was outside our balcony, much to Jude’s delight.

We had great fun spotting the rabbits darting here and there.

Who doesn’t love a babbling brook.

Taking in the beach as a spectator before…

…taking Daddy for a walk.

Jude’s very first word was ‘duck’. He still loves them.

The cheekiness in his face as he chases the poor duck. Sorry duck!

Time for a tea break. If I had one complaint it was that the teacups were just too small for this tea loving lady.

Play time!

Smile Daddy, you’re getting a ride in a tractor after all.

The tractor is abandoned for trailer climbing.

What’s up here…

And you can’t leave without a visit to the gift shop. I was delighted with this find of the rather retro game Beetle. We used to have such fun at the school Beetle Drives when I was a child. I can’t wait to recreate the magic.

And so as the fun and frolics catch up with me I bid you a weary goodnight.

Love, Emma x

We took Jude on a weekday and saw children on school trips from both primary and secondary schools as well as adults without any children in tow. A good indicator that there is something of interest for all ages here. Jude loved being able to run around in the open space and was particularly taken by the vintage cars and carriages in the museum. The gift shop was very reasonably priced too (although Jude did get a little too attached to the cars and camper vans they had on display). We had a thoroughly enjoyable morning here in which a toddler with a short attention span was kept happy and amused.

And…he’s off. An excitable Jude gets a head start with exploring the gardens.

Heading deep into the undergrowth…

It’s an aeroplane! Being close to Luton Airport was a definite bonus for one little man.

Getting musical. Playing the chimes outdoors.

Here chick, chick, chick…Jude loved the chickens.

Time for a pit stop. Whilst we enjoyed a coffee Jude kept watch for more aeroplanes.

Like his mummy, Jude has a penchant for vintage and was quite taken by all that the museum had to offer.

Look what I found in the gift shop. Vintage!

Whilst I fell in love with the books Jude demonstrated his OCD over in the transport section of the gift shop.

When told that he could choose one car to take home, Jude thought he’d try his luck at smuggling the others out. Nice try, Jude.

As you can see, we had a truly lovely day at Stockwood and would highly recommend you pay a visit.

Love, Emma x

These banana and apricot mini muffins are really quick to make and are great to use when you need a breakfast-on-the go. The perfect size for little tummies, the wholemeal flour helps to keep them going until break time and the honey adds just enough sweetness to keep their young palates interested. Pop them in the pack-up as part of a nutritious lunch or offer when schools out to bridge the hunger-gap before dinner time. They do freeze well but they usually don’t make it that far in this house. Regular sized muffin cases can of course be used too.

Ingredients

Makes approximately 16-18 mini muffins

200 g plain wholemeal flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

60 g of runny honey

A splash of vanilla extract

2 medium bananas peeled and gently mashed (don’t over mash the bananas as it will affect the outcome)

60 g of chopped apricots

55 g of butter

1 egg beaten

200 ml of low fat milk

Method

Use the wet into dry method.

Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Prepare the  mini muffin tray with paper cases.

Melt the honey, butter and vanilla extract gently over a low heat and allow to cool a little.

Add the egg and milk to the honey, butter and vanilla mix.

In a separate bowl mix the flour, baking powder and cinnamon together.

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix lightly.

Gently fold in the mashed banana remembering to not over-mix.

Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases and bake for 15 – 20 minutes.

With all your might in the world, allow the muffins to cool enough to avoid a burnt tongue then sit back with a cup of camomile tea and enjoy.

Love, Emma X

Here’s my pick of the petals…

Yellow Daisy Lace T-Shirt from Oasis £35.00
Wear With white Capri pants and pumps in the day or black cigarette pants and heels for a stylish evening look.

Daisy Lace Shift Dress from Next £55.00

Daisy Print Wrap Dress from Uttam Boutique £45.00

Pink Neon Daisy Shorts from Jigsaw £29.00
Pair these playful shorts with a white T-shirt for fun in the sun or smarten the look up with a blouse.

Brighton Daisy Bikini from Cath Kidston £32.00

Blue NW3 Daisy Cat Scarf by Hobbs £59.00

Daisy Stud Earrings from Topshop £5.00