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I’ve spent two years working relentlessly over each recipe making sure that recipes are accessible and inclusive for everyone, no matter how advanced you are in the kitchen. You won’t be disappointed - order today and get 12% off!
👋 Welcome back to Leftovers
Winter gets a bad rap. Yes, it’s cold, rains a lot and sometimes the days seem to hardly get started, but there are also so many things I love about this darker, slower time of year! So, in this month’s newsletter I’m going to share with you the reasons I celebrate winter and how I stay positive, plus I’ll give you some things to look forward to so we can keep our spirits high.
Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on my Instagram and TikTok channels as I’ll be posting my favourite festive feast ideas, from snacks that will go with a cocktail or two, to low-waste options for gatherings with friends and loved ones. Also my budget-friendly Christmas tips and some incredible new recipes for how to transform those leftovers.
7 THINGS I LOVE ABOUT WINTER 🥶
1. Walks – I recently took a trip to the Lake District where it was wet, windy and definitely wholesome. There was a lot of glowing cheeks and wet-weather-wear involved. Since I got back, I’ve decided I’m going to take regular walks outside this winter whatever the weather. What is it they say? There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes? So, put your raincoat on and a pair of wellies and get outside for an instant free mood boost, some exercise and to get back to nature – I recommend a walk up a big hill for maximum effect. I always take a flask of something hot with me too – soup, coffee or hot chocolate – let’s make flasks cool again!
2. Getting home after a walk – OK, I admit it, one of the best things about those walks outside in the winter is getting back inside again and changing into comfy clothes – big knitted jumpers and thick socks are a go-to in our house from now until spring.
3. Bowl food – Some of the best foods in the world come in bowls – pasta dishes, chillies, stews and soups. Use a slow-cooker and they can be cost effective too. They are also a great low-waste option – you can put whatever you want in them so are perfect for fridge clear outs. Check out my favourite winter stew!
4. Reading, TV and thinking up new ideas for next year – Winter = more time inside. There’s just no way round it. Which means it’s the perfect chance to catch up on that TBR book pile, stream the latest show (I’m really into the new series of White Lotus right now) or revisit a classic. Or get your notebook out and start plotting those Big Ideas for next year. . .
5. Hats – Ideally knitted in bright colours – and preferably with a bobble on top for extra winter cheer points. You can lose up to 10% of your heat through your head. Don’t waste it! You know how I feel about waste…
6. Getting festive – It’s tough out there at the moment, and many of us may not be feeling quite as festive as usual, but we can still put up some decorations, maybe bring some (sensibly sourced) branches in from outside and give our space a bit of sparkle. Even lighting a candle can help you see things in a different light.
7. Hot drinks – Whether you’re a chamomile tea kind of gal/guy or you can’t wait to go big every year on frothy oat milk pumpkin spiced lattes with extra whipped cream and chocolate flakes, now is the time to dig out your favourite mug and give it some action.
Hey you….
Yes, you! I’d love to know which foods you throw away the most - leave your response in the comment section below. I’ll be coming up with recipes to go with your answers in my next recipe videos on Instagram and TikTok.
THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!
It’s only 23 days until Christmas and whether you celebrate it or not, if you are able to take a few days out of your usual routine, it’s a great opportunity to have a bit of a break and prepare for the new year.
One thing to remember is that Christmas doesn’t need to cost a lot of money:
Plan recipes ahead
Don’t overcook
Save and turn your leftovers into new meals
THE SEASON OF GIVING + 200 Million Meals with Olio
At this time of year it’s also so important to remember to give back. Whether it’s a donation to your local food bank, a shift in a charity shop or soup kitchen, or a helping hand to someone who needs it, let’s all try and share the love this winter. It’s going to be a tough one for many.
A few months ago I accepted an ambassador role at Olio. If you haven’t discovered Olio before, it’s an app that allows you to donate or accept free food in your community. I use the app every time I have a big food shoot or when I’m going on holiday, whatever the reason it’s a great opportunity to donate surplus food to those who need it.
Watch the 200 Million Meals Campaign
5 Charities to Support:
WHAT I’VE BEEN UP TO…
The Clean Energy Revolution – I’ve been hosting Season 2 of the National Grid podcast, looking at how energy use can help tackle the effects of climate change. We discuss a huge range of topics from what we can learn from nature to the future of transport. Catch up here!
December Recommendations:
Show: White Lotus on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV
Music: Max’s Winter Mix
Podcast: How To Fail with Elizabeth Day
SEE YOU NEXT MONTH. . .
Share my channels with your friends TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest and Whisk for more recipe content!
Thanks for your support,
Max