Love them or hate them… we need bees!

Love them or hate them… we need bees!

Dating back to over 40 million years before the evolution of man, Honey is the oldest sweetener existent in the world. While the accurate date of origin of this sweetener remains unknown the oldest written record available dates back to Egyptians in 5,500 B.C. The...
A new member of staff joins the Variety family

A new member of staff joins the Variety family

You might well hear a new voice on the telephone if you call us with any queries… we welcome our newest member of staff, Naomi Williams. Naomi joined us in March on a full-time basis and works as an ‘Agency Co-ordinator. Naomi is 23 and an avid Rugby...
Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Summer’s here and picnics at the beach are looming…how about taking some easy homemade chocolate chip cookies…you don’t even have to roll them out! Ingredients: 125g (4½oz) softened unsalted butter 175g (6oz) soft brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla...
Leave the car at home this summer

Leave the car at home this summer

and save 15% off the price of a Family & Friends Railcard   We all love days out, but fuel is expensive… and travelling in the car to and from your destinations boring for children (we’ve probably all witnessed the fights in the back!), so why not...
Pasta Bows with a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pasta Bows with a Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients: 50g (2oz) butter 4 large shallots, peeled and finely chopped 450g (1lb) mixed fresh mushrooms, finely chopped 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Salt and freshly ground black pepper ½ whole nutmeg, grated 500g (1lb 2oz) pasta bows 250ml (8 fl oz) crème...
Dauphinoise Potatoes

Dauphinoise Potatoes

Whether you’re entertaining or just as a treat for the family over the bank holidays, this recipe is absolutely delicious and will become a firm family favourite… it’s perfect with meat or fish! Ingredients: 900g (2lb) baking potatoes Pinch of nutmeg...
Easter Recipe Idea – Lemon Posset

Easter Recipe Idea – Lemon Posset

If you’re entertaining this Easter, and fancy a change from chocolate, this is a wonderful refreshing dessert that can be made the day before you need it…   Ingredients: 600ml (1 pint) double cream 150g (5oz) sugar Juice of 2 small lemons Method: 1....
Lime Cheesecake

Lime Cheesecake

This is a great recipe to make for any event and best made the day before you need it… it’s absolutely delicious!   Ingredients: 150g (5oz) digestive biscuits 50g (2oz) butter, melted 350g (12oz) full-fat cream cheese 150g (5oz) caster sugar 4 medium...
Berry Mess

Berry Mess

 Ingredients:     250ml (8fl oz) double cream     2 teaspoons icing sugar     50g (2oz) meringue (either bought or make yourself)     225g (8oz) mixed berries + extra to decorate     Method:     1.  Whip the cream with the icing sugar to soft peaks     2.  Crumble...
Cinnamon French Toast

Cinnamon French Toast

Everyone home and always hungry? This cinnamon french toast is delicious at any time of the day…   Ingredients: 4 thick slices white bread, crusts removed (can be a few days old) 1 egg 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 125ml (4fl oz) milk butter...
Christmas Jumpers

Christmas Jumpers

Win One Of 5 NEXT Gift Cards worth £50 each in our Christmas Jumper Competition. The craze last year, and from what we’ve seen in the shops this year too, is to have outrageous adult or children’s Christmas Jumpers to wear on the big day… there are...