thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Potato and anchovy pie with thyme shortcrust pastry recipe

Almost a classic French potato pie , with cream poured in the end to make it really unctuous .
I ’ ve added anchovies for extra savouriness , but without them the pie is vegetarian .
For the pastry ( or use 350g shop-bought shortcrust pastry ) • A few sprigs of thyme , leaves only • 1kg potatoes , such as Désirée or Rooster , unpeeled and sliced 5mm thick • To make the pastry , whizz the flour in a food processor with a pinch of salt and the butter , until it resembles breadcrumbs .
Add the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
If it doesn ’ t feel like it will hold together , add a few drops of water .
Tip the pastry on to a plate and pat into a round .
Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before using .
• Meanwhile heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onions with a large pinch of salt .
Cover and cook for five minutes until the onions are collapsing .
Remove the lid and continue to cook gently for 30 minutes , or until deep brown and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stir in the parsley .
• Heat the butter in a large pan and add the potatoes and a quarter of a teaspoon of salt .
Cook , stirring , for five minutes , then add half the cream , 100ml of water and the garlic and continue cooking , stirring often , until the potatoes are almost done and coated in a thick , creamy gunk .
Season with pepper .
Leave to cool .
• Roll out two thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface to about the thickness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to line a 20cm loose-bottomed flan or cake tin – something about 4cm deep is best .
Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes or so .
• Spread a third of the potatoes in the base of the pie tin and spread the anchovies on top .
• Spread another third of the potatoes on top , followed by the onions and the rest of the potatoes .
Pour over the oil from the anchovy tin .
Brush the edge of the pastry with beaten egg .
• Roll out the rest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ top .
Seal the edges together .
Make a hole in the middle of the pie for steam to escape .
Brush the pastry with beaten egg .
• Bake for 45 minutes until golden and crisp , then remove from the oven .
Make a small funnel out of foil and pop it into the steam hole .
Heat the rest of the cream and very slowly pour it through the funnel into the steam hole , so it doesn ’ t overflow .
Leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Almost a classic French potato pie, with cream poured in the end to make it really unctuous. I’ve added anchovies for extra savouriness, but without them the pie is vegetarian.
Prep time: 30 minutes, plus chilling time | Cooking time: 1 hour 35 minutes
SERVES
Four with a green salad
INGREDIENTS
For the pastry (or use 350g shop-bought shortcrust pastry)
250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
125g butter, at room temperature, cubed
A few sprigs of thyme, leaves only
1 large egg, beaten
For the filling
1 tbsp olive oil
600g onions, thinly sliced
Small bunch of parsley, chopped
80g butter
1kg potatoes, such as Désirée or Rooster, unpeeled and sliced 5mm thick
200ml double cream
1 garlic clove, crushed
85g anchovies in olive oil
1 small egg, beaten
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Newcastle eyeing loan deal with former Everton winger Ademola Lookman

Newcastle United are hoping to sign the former Everton winger Ademola Lookman on loan for the rest of the season and are still trying to bring in another centre-forward for this month .
Lookman is keen to return to England after a frustrating time with Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig and would like to try and revitalise his career at Newcastle .
Although talks between the two clubs have begun , a deal is not in place , with a loan fee yet to be agreed .
An option to buy clause also needs to be negotiated and a price has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there does appear to be a willingness to get a deal agreed and Newcastle will be keen for things to progress quickly .
Newcastle will be frustrated news of their interest has leaked out in Germany , but the player is believed to have told his agent that he would like to sign for the Premier League club and they remain at the front of the queue with Leipzig .
Lookman impressed for Leipzig last season on loan from Everton , but has not fared so well under new manager Julian Nagelsmann , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The 22-year-old , who began his career at Charlton Athletic , wanted to move to the Bundesliga after also becoming frustrated at the lack of regular first-team football at Everton and Lepizig liked what they saw of him on loan .

Newcastle United are hoping to sign the former Everton winger Ademola Lookman on loan for the rest of the season and are still trying to bring in another centre-forward for this month.
Lookman is keen to return to England after a frustrating time with Bundesliga leaders RB Leipzig and would like to try and revitalise his career at Newcastle.
Although talks between the two clubs have begun, a deal is not in place, with a loan fee yet to be agreed. An option to buy clause also needs to be negotiated and a price has not been set yet. However, there does appear to be a willingness to get a deal agreed and Newcastle will be keen for things to progress quickly.
Newcastle will be frustrated news of their interest has leaked out in Germany, but the player is believed to have told his agent that he would like to sign for the Premier League club and they remain at the front of the queue with Leipzig.
Lookman impressed for Leipzig last season on loan from Everton, but has not fared so well under new manager Julian Nagelsmann, who has hardly played him this season.
The 22-year-old, who began his career at Charlton Athletic, wanted to move to the Bundesliga after also becoming frustrated at the lack of regular first-team football at Everton and Lepizig liked what they saw of him on loan.


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Oxtail and black pudding puff-pastry pie recipe

A hearty pie that ’ s properly sustaining .
Make it as one big pie , with a marrowbone in each corner ( very Battersea Power Station ) or four individual pies .
Morrisons sometimes stocks marrowbones , or ask your butcher ; if you can ’ t get them , the pie is still excellent without .
Serve with mash and greens .
• 2 sprigs of thyme , plus 4 to decorate ( optional ) • Heat the dripping or oil in a large pan and add the oxtail pieces .
Cook over a medium heat , turning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caramelised colour on all sides .
Scoop the meat out into a bowl and pour the wine into the pan .
Bring to the boil , stirring and scraping until all the gunk on the base of the pan is incorporated in the liquid .
Tip it on top of the oxtail .
• Add the bacon to the pan and cook until the fat starts to run and glisten in the pan .
Stir in the shallots , garlic and celery .
Cook gently for at least 10 minutes , until soft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tomato purée and stir for a minute , then add the contents of the bowl , the beef stock , prunes and two sprigs of thyme .
Cover and simmer very gently for two hours .
• Cut the black pudding into 2cm cubes and fry in a dry pan until nicely crusted on all sides .
Add this to the oxtail and cook , uncovered , for another hour , until the meat is meltingly tender .
• Lift the meat , still on the bone , into a pie dish ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrange with the end of the bones facing up .
Alternatively split between four smaller dishes .
Make four spaces ( or one in each small dish ) to put the marrowbones in later .
• If the sauce in the pan is too thin , raise the heat and bubble until it is a nice single-cream consistency .
Remove the thyme , taste and season .
Pour over the meat and leave to cool to room temperature ( if too hot it will melt the pastry ) .
• Roll the pastry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 5mm thick .
Brush the edge of the pie dish or dishes with beaten egg .
Cut strips of pastry the same width as the edge and cover the rim with them .
Brush with more beaten egg .
Use the rest of the pastry to cover the pie and trim the edges .
Crimp the edges together or press with the tines of a fork .
Brush with the last of the beaten egg .
• Make four holes in the pastry where you left space in the filling , and stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scraps of pastry to make a rim around each bone , if you like .
• Put the pie dish on a baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes , until golden and well risen .
Check halfway through and cover with foil if the top is getting too dark .
• Serve with mashed potatoes , with a sprig of thyme in each bone “ chimney ” , if you like .

A hearty pie that’s properly sustaining. Make it as one big pie, with a marrowbone in each corner (very Battersea Power Station) or four individual pies. Morrisons sometimes stocks marrowbones, or ask your butcher; if you can’t get them, the pie is still excellent without. Serve with mash and greens.
Prep time: 25 minutes, plus cooling time | Cooking time: 4 hours
SERVES
Four
INGREDIENTS
1 tbsp dripping or vegetable oil
1 oxtail, cut into roughly 3cm chunks
250ml red wine
120g streaky bacon
2 large banana shallots, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 celery sticks, finely chopped
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 litre beef stock
100g pitted dried prunes
250g black pudding
2 sprigs of thyme, plus 4 to decorate (optional)
500g puff or rough-puff pastry
Flour, for dusting
1 egg, beaten
4 marrowbones, each about 10-15cm long
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Mackerel, saffron, fennel and cauliflower pie recipe

Fish pies aren ’ t usually made with oily fish such as mackerel , but it works well here with other punchy ingredients .
I like the lightly smoked mackerel that is still raw – available from some supermarkets – rather than the sort that ’ s used for pâtés , but ordinary unsmoked is good too .
Four to six • Cut the mackerel into 3cm chunks .
Heat a pan of well-salted water and slip the mackerel in .
Cook gently for five minutes until just done .
Drain .
Keep the mackerel to one side .
• @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the base .
Heat half the butter in a large frying pan and cook the fennel until golden on both sides .
Set aside .
• Cut the cauliflower into florets and slice the stem .
Cook in the frying pan until patched with gold .
Stir in the fennel seeds and spring onions and cook for another couple of minutes .
• Bash the saffron to a powder in a pestle and mortar and stir in two tablespoons of warm water .
• Heat the remaining 30g of butter and stir in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , until it smells biscuity , then stir in the milk , cream and wine .
Simmer , whisking , to make a smooth sauce .
Stir in the saffron and water .
Leave to cool to room temperature .
• Mix the vegetables and mackerel in the saffron sauce .
Drain and roughly chop the tomatoes and add to the mixture .
Pile into a one-litre pie dish , and brush the rim with egg .
• Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to the thickness of a pound @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the edge of the dish .
Use the rest to cover the pie , trimming the edges and sealing them .
Use any trimmings to decorate and cut a hole in the middle to let the steam out .
Brush with beaten egg .
• Bake for 30 minutes , until golden and puffed .

Fish pies aren’t usually made with oily fish such as mackerel, but it works well here with other punchy ingredients. I like the lightly smoked mackerel that is still raw – available from some supermarkets – rather than the sort that’s used for pâtés, but ordinary unsmoked is good too.
Prep time: 25 minutes, plus cooling time | Cooking time: 55 minutes
SERVES
Four to six
INGREDIENTS
4 fillets of mackerel
2 bulbs of fennel
60g butter
1 cauliflower
1 tsp fennel seeds
3 spring onions, sliced
2g saffron (a large pinch)
2 level tbsp flour
260ml whole/semi-skimmed milk
100ml double cream
2 tbsp white wine
1 x 400g tin of tomatoes
1 small egg, beaten
300g puff pastry
Flour, for dusting
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Cardamom spiced celeriac and leek broth with lemon and parsley brown butter recipe

A rustic soup of lentils and root veg .
It ’ s good made with a spoonful of curry paste instead of the cardamom , too , especially if the vegetables are very sweet , in which case I ’ d serve it with a dollop of yogurt .
• Heat the oil in a pan and add the celeriac and carrots .
Fry over a high heat until just touched with brown .
Add the leeks and cardamom , along with a pinch of salt , and cook , covered , over a medium-low heat until soft .
Add @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are almost done , but still have a little bite .
• Remove a cupful of the mixture and purée with a hand blender , then return to the pan along with the lentils .
Add the cavolo nero and cook until wilted .
• Melt the butter and add the pine nuts , and cook until turning deep gold .
Add the lemon zest and garlic , sizzle for a few seconds , then stir in the parsley .
Serve the soup with the lemon and parsley brown butter on top .

A rustic soup of lentils and root veg. It’s good made with a spoonful of curry paste instead of the cardamom, too, especially if the vegetables are very sweet, in which case I’d serve it with a dollop of yogurt.
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes
SERVES
Two
INGREDIENTS
2 tsp olive oil
320g celeriac, peeled and cubed
80g carrots, cubed (optional)
320g leeks, sliced and washed
Seeds from 2 cardamom pods
160g cooked lentils
100g cavolo nero, roughly sliced
For the brown butter
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp pine nuts
Grated zest of ¼ lemon
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
Handful of chopped parsley
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--The best beard trimmers

The best beard trimmers

Death , taxes , and shaving .
Unless you ’ re the most ardent of hirsute hipsters , a Victorian celebrity or a wildling in Game of Thrones , you ’ ll have to face the daily ( or weekly ; or monthly ) confrontation with the razor .
But , for those of us who do like to maintain some coverage , a razor doesn ’ t quite cut it .
Whether your preference is for the permanent five o ’ clock shadow look , a lengthier beard , or just a mix of hairy and hairless , an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The obvious reason [ to get a beard trimmer over a regular razor ] is no irritation , ” says Marcus Jaye , a men ’ s grooming blogger and author .
“ There ’ s no shaving rash or irritation of your skin , and the chances of cutting yourself is reduced.
” If you ’ re someone who regularly gets cut skin or rashes , a switch to a beard trimmer is worth considering .
Dr Stefanie Williams , a dermatologist , agrees .
Manual razors , she explains @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which increases the risk of ingrown hairs and folliculitis .
A good electric shaver , in contrast , does n't offer such a close shave , which is actually better for your skin .
The first electric razor patent was way back in 1898 , but it ’ s safe to say technology has moved on a fair bit since , and there are a few features you should look out for when considering a beard trimmer .

It’s never been more important to find the best beard trimmer. Like a lot of men, I became alarmingly obsessed with the quest for the perfect beard styler during lockdown. Unable to go and ask a Turkish barber to trim my facial hair into a perfectly contoured thing of beauty, I was forced to try and do that myself in my bathroom. Initially, the results were mixed, to put it politely.
Not that there are any lack of products for the man who wants to trim his beard at home – the market has become flooded with choices. “I think a great deal of it is down to the vogue for beards that began around 10-15 years ago with the hipster/lumbersexual trend and has stayed that way ever since,” said Stephen Doig, Telegraph men’s style editor. “And with it, a cottage industry devoted to making sure that men are appropriately kitted out for their beard maintenance.”
I’ve spent the last few months testing the latest trimmers from all the major manufacturers. You can read my findings below, followed by some more advice from Stephen. But if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick look at my top five:
Which are the best beard trimmers in 2023? At a glance
What should you look for in a beard trimmer?
Doig says you should think about safety and flexibility first. “I think it’s important to get the basics right; a good grip on the handle because slip ups can cause cuts, a safe razor and the ability to switch between lengths,” he said. After that it’s a case of how much you want to spend on precision tools for styling your beard and trimming the hair on your head and body.
To understand how best to deploy trimmers, Doig suggests we speak to the most practised among us. “Whenever I speak to barbers, the key thing is to shave and trim in the direction the hair grows, so avoid going against the grain and meeting resistance which will irritate the skin,” he said.
How I tested the best beard trimmers


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Vegan moqueca (Brazilian stew) of aubergine, sweet potato and pepper recipe

Brazilian moqueca is a fish stew , rich with ginger , coconut , and dende oil , a deep orange oil from palm nuts .
This version is made with vegetables instead ( although you could always add fish and seafood , simmering them in the coconut broth ) and I have substituted paprika oil for the nutty dende oil – it ’ s not the same , but it ’ s in the right spirit .
Two for lunch or supper • Remove the seeds and stalk from the red pepper and cook on a ridged griddle or under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with black and blistered .
Leave to cool .
• Cut the aubergine into eight long wedges and cook on the griddle until well browned and cooked through .
Peel the blackened skin off the pepper and slice thickly .
• Heat one teaspoon of the oil in a pan and add the onion .
Cook until soft , then stir in the ginger , turmeric , garlic and chilli .
Cook for a minute then add 500ml water , a fat pinch of salt and the sweet potato .
Simmer until the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the coconut milk , and simmer until a nice soupy consistency .
• Add the aubergine , tomato and pepper and heat through .
Taste and add salt and plenty of black pepper .
• Heat the rest of the oil and paprika gently in a small pan .
Serve the moqueca scattered with coriander leaves , spring onions and a drizzle of the red paprika oil , plus the lime halves for squeezing over .

Brazilian moqueca is a fish stew, rich with ginger, coconut, and dende oil, a deep orange oil from palm nuts. This version is made with vegetables instead (although you could always add fish and seafood, simmering them in the coconut broth) and I have substituted paprika oil for the nutty dende oil – it’s not the same, but it’s in the right spirit.
Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes
SERVES
Two for lunch or supper
INGREDIENTS
4 tsp rapeseed oil
25g fresh root ginger, grated
½ tsp ground turmeric
1 fat clove of garlic, crushed
Half a red chilli, sliced
200ml coconut milk
Juice of half a lime
80g sliced onion
80g tomato, peeled and chopped
1 clove of garlic, sliced
1 red pepper (about 250g)
1 aubergine (about 300g)
1 medium sweet potato (about 350g) peeled and sliced
A handful of coriander leaves
1 spring onion, thinly sliced
½ tsp paprika
A halved lime for squeezing
METHOD


thetelegraph--2020-01-08--Pho ga chicken noodle soup with crispy chicken skin recipe

Salad soup ?
Yes , sort of , in that the hot broth is enough to cook the raw veg .
Pho , or any of the noodle soups , are brilliant ways to bump up your vegetable intake , as just about any of the contents of your veg drawer can go in – including those lonely single spring onions or orphan spears of asparagus lurking forgotten at the bottom .
• 4 chicken thighs , skin on and bone in • 500ml chicken stock ( home-made , or it ’ s worth splashing out on a carton from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4 .
Pull the chicken skin from the thighs and separate the meat from the bones .
Spread the skin out on a baking tray ( one with a lip to catch the fat that will run off ) , stretching it out as much as possible .
Sprinkle with salt and then top with another baking tray ( or roasting tin ) , pressing it down to keep the skin flat .
• Put the trays in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you can see the skin is golden and crisp .
They might take a little longer , but don ’ t let them get too dark .
Lift out the trays carefully and pour away the fat ( you can use it for frying potatoes ) .
Use a fish slice to lift the skins on to kitchen paper and leave to cool .
• Now make the broth .
Thickly slice the ginger and shallots and cook them on a ridged griddle or under a grill until patched with black .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ stock , chicken bones and star anise and simmer for an hour .
• Prepare the vegetables .
Cut the pak choi into eight wedges through the base .
Spiralise the carrots or shave them into ribbons with a vegetable peeler .
Slice any large radishes thickly .
• Add the chicken meat and mushrooms to the broth pan and simmer for 10 minutes or so , until cooked through .
• Lift out the chicken and mushrooms and keep to one side , sprinkling them with one teaspoon of the fish sauce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back to simmering point , adding half the chilli and seasoning with another teaspoon of fish sauce .
Taste and adjust the seasoning .
• Cook the noodles for two minutes in boiling water ( or according to the packet directions ) adding the carrots at the same time , to soften them slightly .
Drain .
• Divide the noodles and carrots between two bowls , and top with the bean sprouts , pak choi , mushrooms and chicken , sliced .
Ladle over the broth , add the radishes and tuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Serve with the spring onions , herbs and remaining chilli , ready to scatter over , lime to squeeze , and offer more fish sauce at the table .

Salad soup? Yes, sort of, in that the hot broth is enough to cook the raw veg. Pho, or any of the noodle soups, are brilliant ways to bump up your vegetable intake, as just about any of the contents of your veg drawer can go in – including those lonely single spring onions or orphan spears of asparagus lurking forgotten at the bottom.
Timings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Serves
Two
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs, skin on and bone in
60g ginger
2 shallots
500ml chicken stock (home-made, or it’s worth splashing out on a carton from the chiller cabinet if you can)
2 star anise
160g pak choi
160g carrots
160g radishes
160g shiitake mushrooms
2 tsp Vietnamese or Thai fish sauce
1 red chilli, thinly sliced
50g rice noodles (dried, not ready to eat)
160g bean sprouts
2 spring onions, thinly sliced
Fresh mint, coriander, and lime wedges to serve
Method


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--A&E waiting times worst on record, as medics say NHS on its knees

Accident & Emergency waiting times are now the worst on record , with more than a fifth of patients waiting more than four hours .
Medics warned that they were “ on their knees ” as the NHS continued to miss a raft of key targets .
Casualty units should see at least 95 percent of patients within four hours .
But the figure fell to 79.8 per cent in December , the lowest performance since records began in 2004 .
The number of patients enduring waits of more than 12 hours on trolleys also hit a new high last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corridors and side-rooms , more than double the previous month .
Four in five surgeons said they had to cancel an operation last month due to shortages of beds .
The survey by the Royal College of Surgeons came as the percentage of patients treated within 18 weeks was the lowest for more than a decade .
The NHS figures show 84.4 percent of patients waiting for planned treatment were seen within the target , the lowest since September 2008 .
The statistics show the health service is dealing with unprecedented demand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambulance responses last month .
The figures show that last year , there were 1.2 million A & E attendances compared with the previous year .

Accident & Emergency waiting times are now the worst on record, with more than a fifth of patients waiting more than four hours.
Medics warned that they were “on their knees” as the NHS continued to miss a raft of key targets.
Casualty units should see at least 95 percent of patients within four hours.
But the figure fell to 79.8 per cent in December, the lowest performance since records began in 2004.
The number of patients enduring waits of more than 12 hours on trolleys also hit a new high last month, with 2,347 patients stuck in corridors and side-rooms, more than double the previous month.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Reviewed: the 12 best ski helmets for this winter

In many ski resorts , there are now more people wearing helmets than not , and with so many options @ @ @ @ @ never been a better time to get a head start on safety .
Most of @ @ @ @ @ in an array of colour options , so style needn ’ t suffer either – @ @ @ @ @ ’ s important it ’ s really easy to find one to match your look @ @ @ @ @ with visor revolution to benefit from the big screen ’ s massive field of vision @ @ @ @ @ with a helmet that fits over a goggle strap , there ’ s something here @ @ @ @ @ expert guide to buying a new helmet here .
Function and performance meet superior style @ @ @ @ @ eyewear combo

FAQ
What is the difference between a ski and snowboard helmet?
There is no difference. It can be easier to think about these as snow-sports helmets, rather than ski or snowboard. There are some brands that are more popular with skiers and some more desired in snowboarding, but there’s no fundamental difference. They all need to meet certain standards: EN 1077 is the European norm, ASTM F2040 for America and, following the UK leaving the EU there’s a UKCA 2016/425 standard.
What are ski helmets made of?
Almost all helmets have a core of expanded polystyrene (EPS) although some have expanded polypropylene (EPP). They’re different types of foam but still act as the main cushioning layer between your head and anything it collides with.
Outside of this core is the shell. There are three main shell types: hard shell, in-mold and hybrid. A hard shell is as it sounds, with a tough hard plastic sitting outside the foam core. This outer is normally made of ABS plastic, the same material as Lego, and is very durable but can be heavier. In-mold helmets have a thin layer, normally polycarbonate (PC), bonded to the foam core. This type of helmet can be far lighter than a hard-shell and have a lot of venting although, unlike hard shell helmets, the venting is normally non-adjustable. Hybrid helmets use a combination of these constructions.
Helmets also have a soft, fabric lining that helps to wick away moisture, adds warmth and enhances comfort. These can be removed and washed on most helmets, including all of the helmets featured here.
Adjustable fit tension is really important, and all the helmets mentioned above have a dial adjuster to take tune how snug the helmet is. BOA is a brand of dial, using cables, but own-brand dial systems can work equally well.
Many helmets now have magnetic buckles. These are really easy to use and very secure. They can be a lot easier to fasten and release than a regular click buckle that you need to squeeze to release.
When selecting a helmet for your sport(s), think about what you will be doing. If you’ll be just riding about resort and you often get cold, then having venting you can close and good padding inside can help. If you hike for lines and get hot, then having something with lots of venting can be a real benefit. If you like to listen to music, then having audio-ready earpads is great, as you can slide little purpose-built headphones inside the earpads, although these are normally something you have to buy separately.
If you ski or snowboard in the warmer spring or summer months, then having removable earpads can be a benefit.
How do I know the helmet fits?
The helmet should be easy to put on, not cause undue pressure anywhere and it shouldn’t move around on your head as you move.
Helmets come in a variety of sizes, with each size catering for a range of 3-5cm. The ranges given above show the total range of head sizes each model caters for. To find out your head size, hold a piece of string 1-2cm above your eyebrows, wrap it around the lump at the back of your head and back to your forehead. Mark where the end meets and measure this. That will give you an idea of your head size. We’ve all got a unique shape to our head, so the measurement is just a starting point, and trying a range of helmets on can really prove invaluable.
When you try the helmet on, fasten it up, tighten the size adjuster and shake your head a little. The helmet should move with your head. You also should not be able to force the helmet off the back or front of your head when the chin strap is fastened.
How often should I change my ski or snowboard helmet, and how do I store it?
A new helmet can be a sizeable investment, so you want it to last. It is worth noting though, that if you have a big impact on your first outing then you may need to change the helmet. That is about the worst-case scenario though. If the helmet never suffers any impact and is well looked after, then most manufacturers recommend changing it every 3-5 years. They’ll state this in the documents that come with the helmet you buy.
If you do have a small knock, then check the helmet over. Look for dints, compressions or cracks. You can also flex the helmet a little to see if there are any cracks, but take care not to stress it as you could cause other damage. If you’re unsure, then visit a ski shop where they can help you.
Storage should be out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Just make sure the helmet and liner has been thoroughly dried before you put it away between seasons. The same when skiing, air the helmet and help it to dry overnight, but don’t put it close to a heat source.
Lofts can get really hot in the summer and garages or sheds can suffer from moisture. Somewhere inside the house, such a wardrobe or cupboard, can be a great storage location. Just make sure there’s nothing sharded and that things don’t rest on top of the helmet. Most helmets come with a helmet bag, so it can be a great idea to store the helmet and goggles in the same bag, so keep them organised.
What is MIPS?
MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System and is a branded technology. This is normally a plastic layer that sits between the EPS foam layer and the soft fabric lining of the helmet. The plastic layer is attached to the EPS layer with rubber fasteners that are under a little tension. MIPS is designed to allow a little rotational movement of the shell and EPS liner on impact, to reduce the force on the brain. There has been a lot of research into the issue of rotation from oblique (slanted) impacts.
MIPS is just one brand name though, and some manufacturers have other technologies to help deal with the same problem.
It’s also worth noting that MIPS is about reducing rotational forces and does not necessarily deal with direct impacts. This is one of the roles of the EPS foam layer, and other technologies.
What is Recco?
Recco is a technology used in lots of skiing and snowboarding applications. It is comprised of a little electronic device, called a reflector, and a large detector that is used by rescue teams. Manufacturers can install the reflector in many types of clothing and hardware, including helmets. It does not need charging or any sort of power source. It is designed to help rescue teams locate the reflector, and the person, if they get caught in an avalanche. It can also be used in certain situations to locate people that have got been lost, even if it’s not an avalanche situation.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Reviewed: the best ski goggles for 2020

Reviewed: the best ski goggles for 2020

Modern goggles are superb , offering incredible clarity of vision and improved definition that unquestionably improves snow sports in the mountains .
Developments in optics mean the lenses can make a big difference in challenging conditions , like those dreaded flat-light days .
That said , fit and comfort are still key , and we ’ re all different – so finding the right frame shape and lens colour is deeply personal .
This means it ’ s definitely worth trying the goggles on first to see which is most comfortable for your face shape and also which lenses your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ ve reviewed offer a minimum of 100 per cent protection from the sun ’ s damaging UVA and UVB rays , as should be expected , to look after precious eyes .
They also all come with a fog-preventing double lens as standard , which has an anti-fog treatment on too , along with some type of scratch protection for the lenses to keep them in prime condition for longer .
Another useful standard is silicone-lined straps to help to keep the goggles securely in place and most of those featured have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about goggle essentials like lens shape and colour , or find out what photochromic lenses can do , to choose the best for you ?
Check out our buying guide .

FAQ
What is the difference between a ski and snowboard goggle?
As with helmets, there is no difference between a ski and snowboard goggle. There are brands and aesthetics that are more popular with one style of sliding down a snowy slope, but function and technologies aren’t unique to one or the other.
What should I look out for when choosing a goggle for skiing or snowboarding?
Goggles come in many different shapes and fits, so make sure you try the goggles on before you buy them. You should feel the face foam contacting all around. If there’s a gap, such as around the bridge of your nose, then you’ll get a lot of air in and it won’t work optimally or be as comfortable.
You also don’t want to feel too much pressure from the frame. If you’re going to be using them with a helmet, then try them on with your helmet. If you rent a helmet, then ask the shop if you can try the goggles on with a few different helmets, to make sure you don’t get that nasty gap between goggle and helmet (modern goggles integrate really well with a range of helmets, so it’s not normally a big issue).
The goggle strap should have silicon beading around the inside, which helps to keep the strap in place the helmet or over your beanie. All of the goggles featured here have this.
Is there a difference between women’s and men’s goggles?
Goggles are unisex. There are colours that may be preferred by some men or women, and often a larger frame works better for larger men, and smaller framed goggled can be preferred by women, but they’re not just for women or men. Go for what works for your preferences and face shape.
How do I look after my goggles?
Goggles can get finger marks on the lens or damp from sweating or fresh snowfall. All of the goggles here come with a soft microfibre bag to protect them when not being worn. This bag is also used to clean the lens.
If there are finger marks, you can wipe thee way easily, and sometimes breathing onto the outer lens can help. If the goggles get covered in snow, just take care so no harsh snow crystals scratch the lens.
Lenses can also get scratched when attached to your backpack, such as when hiking, or gondolas and ski lifts. I am massive fan of GoggleSoc. This is a little protective cover, elasticated around the edge, that slips over your goggles to protect them when not on your face. It also works as a lens cleaning cloth. It then easily stores in a pocket for skiing. They also make them for visor lenses, if you prefer visors (check out our Best Ski Helmets for 2022 for visor helmets).
If your lenses get iced up on the outside, let this melt before trying to clear the lens. If you get snow inside the goggle, it can be very tempting to wipe this away. Don’t do this. Moisture can soften the excellent anti-fog coating on the inner lens, and you can damage this if you wipe it when wet.
Instead, tap the goggle against your leg or hand to clear the snow out. Then let it air dry as much as possible, such as while having lunch. This can also be why it’s handy having more than one lens, so you can swap one out if it gets wet.
Air dry your goggle each night between ski days. Avoid putting them on a radiator or directly next to a heat source. Always allow your goggles to air once you get back home from your trip, and store them in their microfibre bag. Some goggles come with a protective case. This is superb for transporting and storing your goggles, once they’re dried.
What colour lens is best for skiing?
Goggle lenses come in a vast array of colours and tints. Darker tints are better for brighter conditions, as they let less light through the lens (lower VLT, see next FAQ point). A lighter tint, or even a clear lens, lets more light through and is better when it’s really cloudy, snowing or when night skiing.
The actual colour of the lens ranges from really dark greys and browns, through amber, rose, blue, yellow and clear. There’s a massively broad range, even within these, so again this is why trying the goggles on is super important. Some people really like an amber lens, others prefer a yellow colour when it’s cloudy, while for many this just isn’t comfortable and a rose may work better.
This is why trying the goggles on in a shop absolutely makes a difference. Walk around the shop, where the lights are bright, where there’s more shadow, look out of the windows. You can quickly tell if your eyes are relaxed in a certain lens. If the goggle comes with more than one lens, try them both on, to make sure your eyes are happy.
Modern lenses now often have superb colour handling. Each brand can have a different way to solve this problem, but the result is excellent depth perception, boosted contrast and an easier time in differentiating between changes in snow.
Essentially, brands are looking to filter out wavelengths of light that don’t help, and enhance wavelengths, therefore colours, that do help us. Brands have their own name for their solution, such as Oakley Prizm, Bollé Volt, Scott Amplifier, Smith ChromaPop and so on.
What is VLT in ski goggles?
VLT stands for Visual Light Transmission and lets you know how much light can get through the lens, given as a percentage. The lower the VLT, the less light permitted through, and the darker the lens will seem. A higher VLT lets more light through and works great when you have those dreaded flat-light days. I’ve not stated the VLT for each goggle, as it will change depending on the lens you go for.
VLT is not a rating of stopping harmful UV light though. All of the goggles here protect against damaging UV light. Check the goggle packaging to ensure it states 100% UV protection, or is rated as UV 400.
Lenses, as with sunglasses, are also split into 5 categories from 0 to 4. Lenses for snowsports have an S before the number, so a cat. S1 lens is designed for use in snowy terrain and lets quite a lot of light through. Cat. S4 is the darkest option, for really bright, sunny days. The majority of snowsports goggles have a category S2 or S3 lens, working for typical winter conditions you get in the mountains.
You can also get photochromic, or photochromatic, lenses. These lenses automatically change how light or dark they are, depending on how much UV light hits the lens. Some cover only a couple of categories, such as S2-S3, while others have a greater range, covering 3 categories. Photochromic lenses don’t change tint instantly but over a minute or so.
It’s also important to note that the majority of photochromic lenses won’t go their lightest tints when it’s really cold; it’s just a limitation of how they work. This is why some photo lens goggles come with a spare low-light lens.
If you ski in sunny conditions then you may be looking at polarized lenses. You don’t get many polarized goggles as it can make picking out the difference between soft and hard snow, or ice, more challenging. Some brands use a semi-polarized filter to help deal with this problem.
Do goggles work with prescription glasses?
If you’re a glasses wearer, look for goggles that are over-the-glasses ready. These will state OTG on their info. We’ve included this in the info for each of the goggle above, to help you.
OTG goggles typically have a notch in the frame design, which permits the face foam to squash out of the way of the legs of the glasses, without letting a load of cold air in. It is best to try to the goggles on over your glasses, to make sure they work together. You may well find your glasses will be ‘held’ by the goggle when you take the goggle off; this is totally normal.
What is the difference between a cylindrical, spherical or toric lens shape?
Goggle lenses come in various shapes. The classic design where it’s flat vertically but curved around your face, side to side, is called cylindrical (like it’s been formed around a cylinder). This is an old school way of shaping lenses but very contemporary in their look. Modern lens construction techniques mean these lenses offer far less distortion than their ancestors.
Spherical lenses have a curve in both directions, up and down and side to side, like the lens has been cut from a sphere. This is closer to the shape of your eyeball so can offer excellent vision. The lens also sits further way from your face, so some find you get reduced fogging with a spherical lens.
Toric lenses are a relatively new development in snowsports goggles. There a few ways to make toric lenses. Some brands tailor the thickness of the lens in different areas, while others focus on the curvature of the lens, and there may a blend of both techniques.
The easiest way to picture a toric lens can be to imagine a giant o-ring, or thin, giant donut. Tilt the ring so it’s balanced on one thin side, with the hole in the middle, side to side. Take a small goggle lens section out of the edge closest to you; this will have a pronounced curve side to side in the lens, but the vertical curve will be much flatter. Toric lenses can provide an incredible field of view and the best distortion-free optics.
View the latest Amazon and Decathlon deals


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Bafta nominations 2020: #BaftasSoWhite outcry after all-white acting nominees, and Joker leads with

Bafta nominations 2020: #BaftasSoWhite outcry after all-white acting nominees, and Joker leads with 11 nods

All-American films Once Upon A Time ... in Hollywood , Joker and The Irishman have triumphed in this year 's Bafta nominations , amid criticism that the 2020 British film awards have ignored diversity .
Joker , directed by Todd Phillips , is the frontrunner with 11 nominations , with The Irishman and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood both received 10 .
The most-nominated British film was Sam Mendes ' war epic 1917 , which received nine nominations , including nods for Best Film , Outstanding British Film and Director .
However , Bafta was swift to receive criticism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Leading Actor , Leading Actress , Supporting Actor , Supporting Actress ) acknowledged the efforts of people of colour .
Australian Margot Robbie was even nominated twice in the Supporting Actress category , for Bombshell , in which she plays Kayla Pospisil , and Once Upon A Time ... in Hollywood , in which she has a limited speaking role as the Sixties actress Sharon Tate .
On Twitter , the # BaftasSoWhite hashtag appeared as the nominations were being announced , with people pointing out the snubs suffered by actresses Jennifer Lopez @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , missed out for her critically acclaimed role in Hustlers , along with Awkwafina , the actress of Chinese heritage who picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe on Sunday , who was recognised in the publicly voted Rising Star category , and Lupita Nyong ' o , who starred in Us .

All-American films Once Upon A Time... in Hollywood, Joker and The Irishman have triumphed in this year's Bafta nominations, amid criticism that the 2020 British film awards have ignored diversity.
Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, is the frontrunner with 11 nominations, with The Irishman and Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood both received 10. The most-nominated British film was Sam Mendes' war epic 1917, which received nine nominations, including nods for Best Film, Outstanding British Film and Director.
However, Bafta was swift to receive criticism none of the four acting categories (Leading Actor, Leading Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress) acknowledged the efforts of people of colour. Australian Margot Robbie was even nominated twice in the Supporting Actress category, for Bombshell, in which she plays Kayla Pospisil, and Once Upon A Time... in Hollywood, in which she has a limited speaking role as the Sixties actress Sharon Tate.
On Twitter, the #BaftasSoWhite hashtag appeared as the nominations were being announced, with people pointing out the snubs suffered by actresses Jennifer Lopez, who is of Puerto Rican heritage, missed out for her critically acclaimed role in Hustlers, along with Awkwafina, the actress of Chinese heritage who picked up a Best Actress Golden Globe on Sunday, who was recognised in the publicly voted Rising Star category, and Lupita Nyong'o, who starred in Us.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Tick bites: Should you be worried about Lyme disease and how can you protect yourself?

Justin Bieber is the latest high-profile person to speak about battling Lyme Disease , joining a list of celebrities that includes Bella Hadid , Alec Baldwin and Ben Stiller .
`` It 's been a rough couple years , '' the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram , adding that he 'd `` had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my , skin , brain function , energy , and overall health . ''
In 2017 , former England rugby player Matt Dawson spoke about how he 'd contracted the disease while taking a leisurely walk through English woodland with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a tick – although he did n't notice at the time .
Dawson revealed he was later diagnosed with the bacterial infection , Lyme disease and had to undergo multiple heart operations and 18 months of treatment to rid himself of what that one little tick had given him .
`` It was something I 'd always associated with places abroad , on the continent , in America , wherever there were deer , '' said Dawson , addressing his naivety around the disease .
“ There ’ s no way that I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a forest with my kids and gone back home and thought , ‘ Right , I ’ ll just check for some ticks just to make sure everything is fine ’ .
I just wouldn ’ t have thought of that .
”

Justin Bieber is the latest high-profile person to speak about battling Lyme Disease, joining a list of celebrities that includes Bella Hadid, Alec Baldwin and Ben Stiller.
"It's been a rough couple years," the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram, adding that he'd "had a serious case of chronic mono which affected my, skin, brain function, energy, and overall health."
In 2017, former England rugby player Matt Dawson spoke about how he'd contracted the disease while taking a leisurely walk through English woodland with his children. He was bitten by a tick – although he didn't notice at the time. Dawson revealed he was later diagnosed with the bacterial infection, Lyme disease and had to undergo multiple heart operations and 18 months of treatment to rid himself of what that one little tick had given him.
"It was something I'd always associated with places abroad, on the continent, in America, wherever there were deer," said Dawson, addressing his naivety around the disease. “There’s no way that I would’ve walked through a wood or a forest with my kids and gone back home and thought, ‘Right, I’ll just check for some ticks just to make sure everything is fine’. I just wouldn’t have thought of that.”


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Big-name Australia stars could be unavailable for Hundred matches over ODI scheduling clash as ECB r

Big-name Australia stars could be unavailable for Hundred matches over ODI scheduling clash as ECB releases ticket prices

Ten Australian players , including Steve Smith , Mitchell Starc and David Warner , have signed up for the Hundred but could miss part of it due to a one-day series in Zimbabwe .
The ECB is hoping that Cricket Australia will rest its star players for the Zimbabwe tour and use it to give experience to others , freeing up the bigger names to play in the Hundred .
The ECB has been in talks with Australia to allow Smith and Starc to play in the opening game even though it is one day after the final Australia ODI @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other side of the country .
The Hundred is due to run between July 17 and August 15 .
Smith , Warner and Starc led a 10-strong Australian contingent that were picked up in the new competition 's October draft , with Glenn Maxwell , Aaron Finch , D'Arcy Short , Chris Lynn , Nathan Coulter-Nile , Dan Christian and Adam Zampa also chosen .
Oval Invincibles are the only one of the eight teams not to have any Australian representation .
Welsh Fire , the Cardiff-based side , are at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their two top £125,000 picks on Smith and Starc .
Meanwhile , families of four will be able to buy tickets for the Hundred from just £26 after the England & Wales Cricket Board released its pricing scale .

Ten Australian players, including Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and David Warner, have signed up for the Hundred but could miss part of it due to a one-day series in Zimbabwe.
The ECB is hoping that Cricket Australia will rest its star players for the Zimbabwe tour and use it to give experience to others, freeing up the bigger names to play in the Hundred.
The ECB has been in talks with Australia to allow Smith and Starc to play in the opening game even though it is one day after the final Australia ODI against England at Bristol, a day-nighter the other side of the country. The Hundred is due to run between July 17 and August 15.
Smith, Warner and Starc led a 10-strong Australian contingent that were picked up in the new competition's October draft, with Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, D'Arcy Short, Chris Lynn, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Dan Christian and Adam Zampa also chosen.
Oval Invincibles are the only one of the eight teams not to have any Australian representation. Welsh Fire, the Cardiff-based side, are at the opposite end of the spectrum having used their two top £125,000 picks on Smith and Starc.
Meanwhile, families of four will be able to buy tickets for the Hundred from just £26 after the England & Wales Cricket Board released its pricing scale.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--CES 2020: The weirdest gadgets from the world’s biggest tech show

LuluPet ’ s AI Smart Cat Litter Box , which is an honouree in CES 2020 ’ s innovation award , is touted to have built-in stool and urine image recognition and `` excretory behavioral algorithms '' .
Which is not a phrase you might have ever expected to read .
And it seems , this year , CES just ca n't get enough of kittens .
Yukai Engineering unveiled the prototype for its headless robotic kitten at the event , something which may sound unbelievably creepy but , oddly enough , will be marketed to seniors in nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a larger version was released , but , according to the company , people wanted to be able to take their devices out and about .
The Petit Qoobo is small enough to fit in a bag .
What 's the appeal , you may ask ?
Apparently its `` comforting communication warms your heart the way animals do '' .
Televisions are not usually the strangest thing to see on the CES floor , but how about one that can automatically spin around to display vertically ?
Samsung ’ s Sero TV @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to allow viewers to cast vertical video such as Instagram and TikTok from their phones to the biggest screen in the house .
In theory , a telly that ’ s moving with the times… but hopefully one that isn ’ t going to fall off .

LuluPet’s AI Smart Cat Litter Box, which is an honouree in CES 2020’s innovation award, is touted to have built-in stool and urine image recognition and "excretory behavioral algorithms". Which is not a phrase you might have ever expected to read.
The headless kitten
And it seems, this year, CES just can't get enough of kittens. Yukai Engineering unveiled the prototype for its headless robotic kitten at the event, something which may sound unbelievably creepy but, oddly enough, will be marketed to seniors in nursing homes. It comes a few years after a larger version was released, but, according to the company, people wanted to be able to take their devices out and about. The Petit Qoobo is small enough to fit in a bag.
What's the appeal, you may ask? Apparently its "comforting communication warms your heart the way animals do".
Samsung rotating TV
Televisions are not usually the strangest thing to see on the CES floor, but how about one that can automatically spin around to display vertically?
Samsung’s Sero TV is already available in Korea, designed to allow viewers to cast vertical video such as Instagram and TikTok from their phones to the biggest screen in the house. In theory, a telly that’s moving with the times… but hopefully one that isn’t going to fall off.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--England are finally confronting what they always dreaded - a future without James Anderson

As James Anderson leaves South Africa , nursing his broken rib , it is time to accept England are now moving into a new era without their greatest ever bowler .
Anderson may squeeze another couple of matches out of his body , such is his determination and love of playing for England , but the future lies with Jofra Archer , the next leader of the attack .
At 37 there are only so many times a player can endure the long , lonely days of rehabilitation which can break even the strongest of spirits , and it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s body are breaking down under the strain .
His latest injury was sustained , unusually , not by a blow to the chest while batting but simply by the pressure of bowling and pushing himself to the limits in the second Test in Cape Town , where he had a lot to prove after a poor comeback match in Pretoria .
The rib injury would be easier to shrug off as bad luck had it been inflicted by a bouncer .
It is more worrying that it was caused by the workload @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Side injuries are very serious for bowlers and it follows the nasty calf injury that restricted him to four overs in the Ashes this summer and ruled him out of the tour to New Zealand .

As James Anderson leaves South Africa, nursing his broken rib, it is time to accept England are now moving into a new era without their greatest ever bowler.
Anderson may squeeze another couple of matches out of his body, such is his determination and love of playing for England, but the future lies with Jofra Archer, the next leader of the attack.
At 37 there are only so many times a player can endure the long, lonely days of rehabilitation which can break even the strongest of spirits, and it is worrying how different parts of Anderson’s body are breaking down under the strain.
His latest injury was sustained, unusually, not by a blow to the chest while batting but simply by the pressure of bowling and pushing himself to the limits in the second Test in Cape Town, where he had a lot to prove after a poor comeback match in Pretoria.
The rib injury would be easier to shrug off as bad luck had it been inflicted by a bouncer. It is more worrying that it was caused by the workload of bowling, his job for 20 years. Side injuries are very serious for bowlers and it follows the nasty calf injury that restricted him to four overs in the Ashes this summer and ruled him out of the tour to New Zealand.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Blood test which picks up sleep deprivation on horizon

A blood test which tells parents whether their children are getting enough sleep is on the horizon .
Scientists have @ @ @ @ @ RNA - molecules that translate DNA code into useful proteins - are altered in the @ @ @ @ @ .
Researchers said their findings could , in future , help devise a test that @ @ @ @ @ the children are getting enough sleep , but also determine whether they are susceptible to @ @ @ @ @ Fabio Lauria , of the Institute of Food Sciences of the National Research Council in @ @ @ @ @ authors of the study , said : “ The study shows for the first time @ @ @ @ @ microRNAs are different between “ short sleepers ” and “ normal sleepers ” “ This @ @ @ @ @ determine if children are sleeping enough by using a simple blood test and use this @ @ @ @ @ aspects of their health .
”

A blood test which tells parents whether their children are getting enough sleep is on the horizon.
Scientists have discovered that tiny pieces of RNA - molecules that translate DNA code into useful proteins - are altered in the blood of sleep deprived people.
Researchers said their findings could, in future, help devise a test that could not only assess whether the children are getting enough sleep, but also determine whether they are susceptible to other health conditions.
Dr Fabio Lauria, of the Institute of Food Sciences of the National Research Council in Italy and one of the authors of the study, said: “The study shows for the first time that levels of specific circulating microRNAs are different between “short sleepers” and “normal sleepers”
“This could allow clinicians to easily determine if children are sleeping enough by using a simple blood test and use this as an indication of other aspects of their health.”


Scotch broth recipe

For me , no traditional Scottish meal is complete without a hearty Scotch broth .
Usually it ’ s made with lamb , but I like to give it a twist by adding mutton to mine : it creates a truly juicy depth of flavour .
• 1 x 1kg piece of mutton shoulder , flank or neck ( bone in ) • Soak the pearl barley and the split peas in separate bowls of cold water for a minimum of 3 hours , preferably overnight .
Drain and rinse well .
• Trim excess fat from the piece of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ barley in a pot with 2 litres cold water and slowly bring to a simmer .
Add the salt .
• Cover and simmer for 45 minutes , occasionally skimming off any fat or residue that floats to the surface .
Add the vegetables , garlic and split peas and continue to simmer gently for up to an hour until the mutton is thoroughly cooked .
• Add a little water if the broth is looking too dry .
Remove the mutton from the pot and separate the meat from the bone .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the pot .
Season to taste with salt and black pepper .
Serve hot , sprinkled with parsley .
Recipe from MasterChef : The Masters at Home ( Absolute Press , £25 ) .
Order your copy from books.telegraph.co.uk

For me, no traditional Scottish meal is complete without a hearty Scotch broth. Usually it’s made with lamb, but I like to give it a twist by adding mutton to mine: it creates a truly juicy depth of flavour.
Prep time: 15 minutes, plus soaking time | Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
SERVES
Six
INGREDIENTS
100g pearl barley
75g dried split peas
1 x 1kg piece of mutton shoulder, flank or neck (bone in)
1 tsp salt
1 large onion, chopped
1 large leek, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and diced
¼ small Savoy cabbage, shredded
1 medium swede, diced
2 celery sticks, diced
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp chopped parsley
METHOD
Soak the pearl barley and the split peas in separate bowls of cold water for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably overnight. Drain and rinse well. Trim excess fat from the piece of mutton. Put the mutton and pearl barley in a pot with 2 litres cold water and slowly bring to a simmer. Add the salt. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, occasionally skimming off any fat or residue that floats to the surface. Add the vegetables, garlic and split peas and continue to simmer gently for up to an hour until the mutton is thoroughly cooked. Add a little water if the broth is looking too dry. Remove the mutton from the pot and separate the meat from the bone. Tear the meat into shreds and return to the pot. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve hot, sprinkled with parsley.
Recipe from MasterChef: The Masters at Home (Absolute Press, £25). Order your copy from books.telegraph.co.uk


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--How Prince Harry and Meghan fell out of love with the Royal family

Prince Harry and Meghan 's announcement that they will be `` stepping back '' from the Royal family came as @ @ @ @ @ have responded describing the move as `` deeply disappointing '' and the Queen is said @ @ @ @ @ .
The split has been a long-time coming though as Prince Harry and Meghan have @ @ @ @ @ The Firm '' .
Watch the video to find out exactly how the Duke and @ @ @ @ @ of love with the Royal family .

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's announcement that they will be "stepping back" from the Royal family came as a shock. Buckingham Palace have responded describing the move as "deeply disappointing" and the Queen is said not to have been consulted.
The split has been a long-time coming though as Prince Harry and Meghan have increasingly distanced themselves from "The Firm".
Watch the video to find out exactly how the Duke and Duchess of Sussex fell out of love with the Royal family.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Northern Rail could be nationalised 'within months', says Transport Secretary Grant Shapps

Northern Rail could be nationalised within months after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said its poor performance meant `` it 's the end of the franchise '' .
The embattled franchise will only be able to continue `` for a number of months '' , according to the most recent financial information , the Government has said .
Speaking on a platform at Leeds station , Mr Shapps said of Northern : `` We can not allow this situation to continue .
`` Essentially , it 's the end of the franchise . ''
He said he was `` dismayed '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no magic wand to solve this '' .
Mr Shapps announced he is evaluating a proposal from the train operator on options for continuing its franchise , one of which is taking it into Government control .
He said : `` Following completion of this process I will consider whether to award ARN ( Arriva Rail North ) a short-term management contract or whether to ask the Department of Transport 's own operator of last resort to step in and deliver passenger services . ''
Longer-term decisions on the franchise will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Williams Rail Review , expected to be published shortly .
Chris Burchell , Arriva 's managing director of UK Trains , said : `` We accept services on the Northern network are not yet good enough and we sincerely apologise to our customers for our role in that .

Northern Rail could be nationalised within months after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said its poor performance meant "it's the end of the franchise".
The embattled franchise will only be able to continue "for a number of months", according to the most recent financial information, the Government has said.
Speaking on a platform at Leeds station, Mr Shapps said of Northern: "We cannot allow this situation to continue.
"Essentially, it's the end of the franchise."
He said he was "dismayed" by Northern's performance but said "there is no magic wand to solve this".
Mr Shapps announced he is evaluating a proposal from the train operator on options for continuing its franchise, one of which is taking it into Government control.
He said: "Following completion of this process I will consider whether to award ARN (Arriva Rail North) a short-term management contract or whether to ask the Department of Transport's own operator of last resort to step in and deliver passenger services."
Longer-term decisions on the franchise will be made in the light of recommendations of the Williams Rail Review, expected to be published shortly.
Chris Burchell, Arriva's managing director of UK Trains, said: "We accept services on the Northern network are not yet good enough and we sincerely apologise to our customers for our role in that.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--£1 pill could stop women from suffering miscarriages, study finds

A £1 pill currently used to treat diabetes could stop women suffering miscarriages , research suggests .
A woman who took part in the trial has spoken of her joy after giving birth to a son after suffering four miscarriages .
Cally Cusack said and her partner Joshua had almost given up hope of having their own baby , but finally achieved success after three months on the drug .
The treatment works by increasing the amount of stem cells in the lining of the womb , improving conditions to support pregnancy .
Previous research by University of Warwick researchers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the womb lining is causing thousands of women to suffer from recurrent miscarriages .
This is defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies , with additional miscarriages decreasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy .
The team also demonstrated that stem cells protect key cells from excessive stress and inflammation , which can cause the breakdown of the womb lining .
The study , published in the EBioMedicine journal , a new class of diabetes drugs called gliptins targets an enzyme involved in the recruitment of circulating stem cells to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this enzyme , called DPP4 , using a particular drug - sitagliptin - would improve conditions in the womb for pregnancy .

A £1 pill currently used to treat diabetes could stop women suffering miscarriages, research suggests.
A woman who took part in the trial has spoken of her joy after giving birth to a son after suffering four miscarriages.
Cally Cusack said and her partner Joshua had almost given up hope of having their own baby, but finally achieved success after three months on the drug.
The treatment works by increasing the amount of stem cells in the lining of the womb, improving conditions to support pregnancy.
Previous research by University of Warwick researchers revealed a lack of stem cells in the womb lining is causing thousands of women to suffer from recurrent miscarriages.
It also found that stem cells protect against stress and inflammation, which can cause the breakdown of the womb lining.
The new study used a diabetes drug called sitagliptin to attempt to inhibit an enzyme which affects circulation of stem cells in the womb.
In the trial, 38 women aged 18 to 42 who had experienced a large number of recurrent miscarriages - five on average - were given either a course of sitagliptin or a placebo for three menstrual cycles.
Those given the drug saw their stem cell count increase by an average of 68 per cent, with a 50 per cent decrease in the number of "stressed" cells present in the lining of the womb.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Why Donny van de Beek would make a great fit at Manchester United

One of the most surprising aspects of Ajax ’ s Champions League run last season was that the club were able to retain so many of the exciting talents that reached the semi-final .
While Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong secured big-money moves to Juventus and Barcelona , the likes of Hakim Ziyech , David Neres , Andre Onana and Nicolas Tagliafico are still key parts of a team top of the Eredivisie , and despite interest from Real Madrid , Donny van de Beek stayed put to continue to play an integral role in Erik ten Hag @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be the case for much longer .
Manchester United are seriously considering paying the £50million or so required to secure the 22-year-old Dutch international ’ s signature and it ’ s not difficult to see why .
A central midfielder who can play as a six , eight , or 10 , Van de Beek is a box-to-box creative attacker who can also sit deep and dictate play .
Young but experienced and with plenty to prove , Van de Beek works hard on the pitch for the benefit of his teammates and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from his boyhood club .
Liverpool 's strategy of buying players in this bracket has shown up United 's celebrity chasing for the folly it was , with the expensive failures of Angel Di Maria and Alexis Sanchez still not fully confined to history .

Manchester United have signed Ajax midfielder Donny Van de Beek, the latest of the Dutch champions' homegrown talents to depart following the recent big-money moves of Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, and Hakim Ziyech.
United have agreed to pay £39.3million plus add-ons for the 23-year-old Dutch international and it's not difficult to see why. A central midfielder who can play as a six, eight, or 10, Van de Beek is a box-to-box creative attacker who can also sit deep and dictate play. He does everything a midfielder is supposed to do very well and will add real quality to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad.
Where Van de Beek will fit in
Having scored eight goals and provided five assists in 23 league appearances last season (the Eredivisie ended prematurely after 25 games), Van De Beek can be expected to contribute wherever necessary, be it as the 10 or one of two pivots in a 4-2-3-1 system, or as an eight on the right of a 4-3-3. His movement off the ball and reading of the game has been crucial to Ajax's possession-based style of play over the last few years, floating in and out of space to either link play or drive the team forward.
Ajax had the highest average possession share in the league last season with 60.1 per cent, excelling in the kinds of situations that United have occasionally struggled in. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team were undone regularly by sides who sat deep and hit them on the counter, with United unable to get the ball through the lines quickly enough to cause damage and punished while overexposed. This was certainly the case before Bruno Fernandes arrived and galvanised the team, providing genuine attacking threat from midfield ahead of Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic, but without his cutting edge United simply lacked inventiveness and quality in the final third.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Flurry of SoftBank-backed companies laying off staff as WeWork fallout bites

A number of start-ups backed by SoftBank have laid off hundreds of staff this week as the Japanese technology conglomerate dials up its efforts to stem losses in the wake of its WeWork woes .
San Francisco-based robotic pizza maker Zume , which has been valued at $ 2bn ( £1.5bn ) having been backed by SoftBank Group and its $ 100bn Vision Fund , is slashing its workforce in half , with 360 employees preparing to lose their jobs .
Alex Garden , co-founder and chief executive of Zume , said in a note to staff that the start-up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ service as it turns its attention to sustainable packaging .
“ After much discussion with leadership , our board and our investors , we have a clear path to provide what the market wants and what the world needs – a more sustainable food future , ” he said .
Meanwhile Silicon Valley ’ s Getaround , a car sharing start-up backed by SoftBank , announced earlier this week that it was cutting 150 employees .
The company ’ s mission is to “ solve car overpopulation and empower people to carshare everywhere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chief executive Sam Zaid said “ SoftBank has stepped up in a big way ” , but the start-up had faced its “ own set of challenges , leading to less efficient operations and increased costs ” .

A number of start-ups backed by SoftBank have laid off hundreds of staff this week as the Japanese technology conglomerate dials up its efforts to stem losses in the wake of its WeWork woes.
San Francisco-based robotic pizza maker Zume, which has been valued at $2bn (£1.5bn) having been backed by SoftBank Group and its $100bn Vision Fund, is slashing its workforce in half, with 360 employees preparing to lose their jobs.
Alex Garden, co-founder and chief executive of Zume, said in a note to staff that the start-up would be discontinuing its robotic pizza delivery service as it turns its attention to sustainable packaging.
“After much discussion with leadership, our board and our investors, we have a clear path to provide what the market wants and what the world needs – a more sustainable food future,” he said.
Meanwhile Silicon Valley’s Getaround, a car sharing start-up backed by SoftBank, announced earlier this week that it was cutting 150 employees. The company’s mission is to “solve car overpopulation and empower people to carshare everywhere".
In a blogpost, Getaround chief executive Sam Zaid said “SoftBank has stepped up in a big way”, but the start-up had faced its “own set of challenges, leading to less efficient operations and increased costs”.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--China's pneumonia outbreak caused by mystery new respiratory virus, authorities confirm

A mystery new virus has been identified as the cause of a cluster of nearly 60 pneumonia cases in China @ @ @ @ @ around the world on high alert .
The infections , caused by a novel coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome ( SARS ) epidemic that spread from China in 2002 @ @ @ @ @ .
But the Chinese authorities said yesterday that , although the virus was new , @ @ @ @ @ be spreading from human to human as SARS did .
Xu Jianguo , the scientist @ @ @ @ @ analysed the samples , said preliminary results showed that the newly detected virus - in @ @ @ @ @ SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome ( MERS ) - was different from other known @ @ @ @ @ Ball , professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham , said that new @ @ @ @ @ .

A mystery new virus has been identified as the cause of a cluster of nearly 60 pneumonia cases in China which have put health authorities around the world on high alert.
The infections, caused by a novel coronavirus, are reminiscent of the deadly severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic that spread from China in 2002, killing almost 800 people.
But the Chinese authorities said yesterday that, although the virus was new, it did not appear to be spreading from human to human as Sars did.
Xu Jianguo, the scientist who led the team that analysed the samples, said preliminary results showed that the newly detected virus - in the same family as both Sars and Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers) - was different from other known human coronavirus species.
Jonathan Ball, professor of molecular virology at the University of Nottingham, said that new viruses always posed a risk.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Iran crisis latest news: US has 'encouraging intelligence' that Iran is backing down

Mike Lee , a Republican senator , said he was “ insulted ” by a classified briefing given to senators from Mike Pompeo , the US secretary of state , Mark Esper , the defence secretary , and Gina Haspel , the director of the CIA .
“ It is not acceptable for officials within the executive branch of government - I do n't care if they 're with the CIA , the Department of Defence or otherwise - to come in and tell us that we ca n't debate and discuss the appropriateness of military intervention against Iran , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ details emerged of the Iranian missile strike on US forces in Iraq , the New York Times reported that American spy agencies picked up indications of the Iranian attack three hours before it happened , giving US soldiers ample time to take cover .
Mr Trump alluded to that during his address from the White House , saying “ an early warning system that worked very well ” had helped prevent any US casualties .
Iraq ’ s military initially said that Iran fired 22 missiles at the al-Asad airbase in western Iraq @ @ @ @ @ @ @ city of Erbil .
The Pentagon said later that the salvo was actually 16 missiles , of which 12 struck their targets .
“ I believe based on what I saw and what I know is that they were intended to cause structural damage , destroy vehicles and equipment and aircraft and to kill personnel , ” said General Mark Milley , chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff .
The missiles caused no casualties but did damage one US helicopter and caused light damage to an American drone , according to Newsweek @

A wary calm settled over Iraq on Thursday as both the US and Iran moved to calm the situation after a week of brinksmanship and an exchange of missile strikes.
A day after Iran fired a barrage of ballistic missiles at US forces in Iraq in response to the killing of Qassim Soleimani, both sides appeared to be trying to avoid any further escalation.
Mike Pence, the US vice president, said American spies had gathered “encouraging intelligence” that Iran had ordered its Shia militia proxies not to attack Western forces and risk a new confrontation.
Two rockets were fired into Baghdad’s Green Zone late on Wednesday but there was no sign of the large-scale assault by Iraqi militias that some US officials feared might follow from the Iranian missile attack.
“We're receiving some encouraging intelligence that Iran is sending messages to those very same militias not to move against American targets or civilians,” Mr Pence told CBS News.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Mending mind and soul in the mountains: How I mastered the art of detox on an Ayurvedic retreat in t

Mending mind and soul in the mountains: How I mastered the art of detox on an Ayurvedic retreat in the Western Ghats

Bouncing our way along a serpentine , potholed track , overlooking a backdrop of wheat fields and rice paddies , it seemed nothing short of miraculous that anywhere within a three-hour drive from the megalopolis of Mumbai could be so serene .
Tailing an antiquated Enfield , with not one but three septuagenarians aboard ( robed in traditional Marathi dhotis , topi and all ) , we passed a girl , carrying a copper pot on her head with the balance and poise of a tightrope walker .
Schoolchildren used the road as their personal cricket pitch , whilst a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the only oncoming traffic .
I was more than 2,000ft above sea level , atop the Sahyadri mountain range , in a tiny village called Shilimb to be exact , home to what is lauded as one of India ’ s most comprehensive Ayurvedic retreats : Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa .
Yet , despite the state-of-the-art facilities , it is the bucolic existence that this close-knit , Maharashtrian farming community has managed to uphold and that Hilton Shillim Estate aims to incorporate into its wellness programmes .
Far more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to well-being aims to eschew the stress and freneticism of modern-day living in favour of a slower pace .
Following the principles of Ayurveda ( Indian herbal medicine ) , each of the estate ’ s programmes are based on the concept of “ dharana ” , the sixth limb of Patanjali ’ s Yoga Sutra , often translated as meaning “ steady focus ” , or as Dr Arun Pillai put it during my first consultation , “ the stable sense of sacredness that is achieved when one aligns their inner core @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thoughts exactly .

Bouncing our way along a serpentine, potholed track, overlooking a backdrop of wheat fields and rice paddies, it seemed nothing short of miraculous that anywhere within a three-hour drive from the megalopolis of Mumbai could be so serene. Tailing an antiquated Enfield, with not one but three septuagenarians aboard (robed in traditional Marathi dhotis, topi and all), we passed a girl, carrying a copper pot on her head with the balance and poise of a tightrope walker. Schoolchildren used the road as their personal cricket pitch, whilst a herd of obstinate heifers gawked at us, the only oncoming traffic.
I was more than 2,000ft above sea level, atop the Sahyadri mountain range, in a tiny village called Shilimb to be exact, home to what is lauded as one of India’s most comprehensive Ayurvedic retreats: Dharana Wellness Retreat at Shillim. Yet, despite the state-of-the-art facilities, it is the bucolic existence that this close-knit, Maharashtrian farming community has managed to uphold and that Dharana Wellness Retreat aims to incorporate into its wellness programmes. Far more than your average detox, its multifaceted approach to well-being aims to eschew the stress and freneticism of modern-day living in favour of a slower pace. Following the principles of Ayurveda (Indian herbal medicine), each of the estate’s programmes are based on the concept of “dharana”, the sixth limb of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutra, often translated as meaning “steady focus”, or as Dr Arun Pillai put it during my first consultation, “the stable sense of sacredness that is achieved when one aligns their inner core to their outer environment”. My thoughts exactly.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Five ways CES 2020 brought Black Mirror's terrifying tech to life

Bizarre gadgets abound at the Consumer Electronics Show , with many blurring the lines between the unusual and the uncanny @ @ @ @ @ exception .
Among the exhibition halls hundreds of companies jostle for attention , with some @ @ @ @ @ bizarre the better .
So strange are some inventions that products have drawn comparisons to @ @ @ @ @ Charlie Brooker which takes a darkly satirical look at the future of technology .
Here @ @ @ @ @ gadgets that owe a debt to Brooker ’ s imagination .
Miley Cyrus ’ s @ @ @ @ @ downloaded onto a robotic toy and is replaced with a virtual version of herself in @ @ @ @ @ Too in the fifth season of Black Mirror .
Similar virtual humans are a step @ @ @ @ @ year ’ s CES .

Bizarre gadgets abound at the Consumer Electronics Show, with many blurring the lines between the unusual and the uncanny.
CES 2020 is no exception. Among the exhibition halls hundreds of companies jostle for attention, with some perhaps reasoning that the more bizarre the better.
So strange are some inventions that products have drawn comparisons to the macabre Netflix series by Charlie Brooker which takes a darkly satirical look at the future of technology.
Here are just some of the gadgets that owe a debt to Brooker’s imagination.
‘Virtual humans’ - Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too
Miley Cyrus’s Ashley O has her personality downloaded onto a robotic toy and is replaced with a virtual version of herself in Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too in the fifth season of Black Mirror. Similar virtual humans are a step closer to reality at this year’s CES.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Newcastle United embarrassed by release of official club calendar with pictures of three players no

Newcastle United embarrassed by release of official club calendar with pictures of three players no longer at the club

Newcastle United say they deeply regret the release of an official 2020 calendar that contains pictures of three players who are no longer at the club and show a fan making a rude gesture in the background .
Supporters were stunned to discover that the club ’ s desktop calendar , sold as official merchandise with the club crest and branding on it , included pictures of Ayoze Perez , Salomon Rondon and Kenedy , who all left in the summer of 2019 .
Indeed , Perez , who is the picture selected for the month of January , scored @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Day for his new club Leicester City , who he joined for £30 million back in July .
Rondon also features heavily in a calendar that is a popular stocking filler for Christmas , even though he was only on loan at Newcastle last term .
There is also a picture of the Brazilian winger Kenedy , even though he returned to Chelsea in May at the end of his loan deal .
To make matter worse , one of the pictures also clearly shows an opposition fan in the background swearing at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing last season ’ s away kit .
Club officials have admitted the calendar should not have contained so many out-of-date images and that the product did not go through proper quality control at their end , even though it was seen by club employees before it went on sale .

Newcastle United say they deeply regret the release of an official 2020 calendar that contains pictures of three players who are no longer at the club and show a fan making a rude gesture in the background.
Supporters were stunned to discover that the club’s desktop calendar, sold as official merchandise with the club crest and branding on it, included pictures of Ayoze Perez, Salomon Rondon and Kenedy, who all left in the summer of 2019.
Indeed, Perez, who is the picture selected for the month of January, scored against Newcastle on New Year’s Day for his new club Leicester City, who he joined for £30 million back in July.
Rondon also features heavily in a calendar that is a popular stocking filler for Christmas, even though he was only on loan at Newcastle last term. There is also a picture of the Brazilian winger Kenedy, even though he returned to Chelsea in May at the end of his loan deal.
To make matter worse, one of the pictures also clearly shows an opposition fan in the background swearing at Newcastle players as they celebrate a goal wearing last season’s away kit.
Club officials have admitted the calendar should not have contained so many out-of-date images and that the product did not go through proper quality control at their end, even though it was seen by club employees before it went on sale.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--48 hours in . . . Sardinia, an insider guide to Italy's rugged island beauty

Sardinia is undoubtedly best known for limpid turquoise sea and exquisite beaches on the Costa Smeralda , but there are @ @ @ @ @ the island too , and for a fraction of the price .
Food and wine @ @ @ @ @ as well – the island is a designated ‘ Blue Zone ’ , a region @ @ @ @ @ and healthier lives than anywhere else on the planet .
But unless you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ Channel , you might not know that Sardinia is one of the most mysterious places @ @ @ @ @ landmass in Europe , it has archaeological sites , discovered in the 1970s , that @ @ @ @ @ 730 BC ( Sardinia ’ s Stonehenge ) .
Little is known about the Nuraghic @ @ @ @ @ over 7,000 stone fortresses ( the oldest in Europe ) around the island , and @ @ @ @ @ created are over eight-feet tall , giving rise to the notion that Sardinia might really @ @ @ @ @ of the Giants ’ .

Sardinia is undoubtedly best known for limpid turquoise sea and exquisite beaches on the Costa Smeralda, but there are plenty of those elsewhere on the island too, and for a fraction of the price. Food and wine is just as important here as well – the island is a designated ‘Blue Zone’, a region where the people live longer and healthier lives than anywhere else on the planet.
But unless you’re a fan of the History Channel, you might not know that Sardinia is one of the most mysterious places on earth. The oldest landmass in Europe, it has archaeological sites, discovered in the 1970s, that date from between 1900 and 730 BC (Sardinia’s Stonehenge). Little is known about the Nuraghic civilisation, but there are over 7,000 stone fortresses (the oldest in Europe) around the island, and some of the giant statues created are over eight-feet tall, giving rise to the notion that Sardinia might really have been a ‘Land of the Giants’.
Explore our interactive map below for all the local highlights, and scroll down for our suggested day-by-day summary of the best things to see and do. For further Sardinia inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and things to do.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--48 hours in . . . Crete, an insider guide to Greece's most storied isle

Variety is the spice of life on the largest Greek island .
Crete , home of the Minotaur legend and @ @ @ @ @ first evolved society , is a vivid and sensual mosaic of contrasts : from lofty @ @ @ @ @ to buzzing nightlife and traditional kafeneions ( coffeehouses ) .
Standing at the crossroads of @ @ @ @ @ described by Homer in his Odyssey as ‘ a fair land ... in the midst @ @ @ @ @ has been invaded countless times over the centuries .
The traces of successive invasions can @ @ @ @ @ , Venetian fortresses , and Byzantine architecture .
However , Cretans refuse to dwell on @ @ @ @ @ every occasion is an excuse for a glendi ( party ) , usually revolving round @ @ @ @ @ locally produced olive oil , fat snails gleaned in the mountains , or raki brewed @ @ @ @ @ And ( as any Greek will proudly tell you ) Crete is the country ’ @ @ @ @ @ so you can expect plenty of invitations to join in the fun .

Variety is the spice of life on the largest Greek island. Crete, home of the Minotaur legend and birthplace of Europe’s first evolved society, is a vivid and sensual mosaic of contrasts: from lofty mountains and pink-sand beaches, to buzzing nightlife and traditional kafeneions (coffeehouses). Standing at the crossroads of three continents, the atoll described by Homer in his Odyssey as ‘a fair land ... in the midst of the wine-dark sea’ has been invaded countless times over the centuries. The traces of successive invasions can be found in Turkish bathhouses, Venetian fortresses, and Byzantine architecture.
However, Cretans refuse to dwell on the past: any and every occasion is an excuse for a glendi (party), usually revolving round food: home-grown vegetables, locally produced olive oil, fat snails gleaned in the mountains, or raki brewed in the local still. And (as any Greek will proudly tell you) Crete is the country’s most hospitable island, so you can expect plenty of invitations to join in the fun.
Explore our interactive map below for all the local highlights, and scroll down for our suggested day-by-day summary of the best things to see and do. For further Crete inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife, beaches and things to do.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--48 hours in . . . San Sebastián, an insider guide to the Spanish beach town turned Michelin hotspot

Flight time : London to Bilbao normally takes around an hour and a half , then a bus to San Sebastián is a one-hour journey • Tipping is not customary , mostly consisting of change left behind by people too lazy to grab it .
At nicer restaurants , a five to 10 per cent tip is appreciated .
• It ’ s best to adapt your meal schedule to local time to reduce frustration and off-hour hunger .
Lunch is served from 1pm to 3pm in most places and dinner from 8pm to 11pm .
• The majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4:30pm or 5pm , save larger supermarkets or global chains .
• You can ’ t hail taxis just anywhere ; look for official taxi stands or call to arrange a pickup ( 00 34 943 46 46 46 ) .
At nightime only a small percentage of taxi stands are active , so it ’ s best to call .
• The norm is to pay one ’ s bill ( for drinks and food ) when finished consuming .
It is often up to the diner to keep track of food @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bars , locals never take a big plate and load it with pintxos .
If you want a pintxo from the bar , just grab it or ask the waiter to heat it up .
Then have another .
Also , feel free to throw your napkin on the ground .

There is no better spot to eat in Spain than San Sebastián. It’s a brash statement, but if anyone can make it, it’s the food-obsessed Basques that populate this dazzling coastal town. With the second-most Michelin stars per capita and a respectable claim to the title of most bars per person, this is a glutton’s heaven. The Basques have even invented a novel way of eating – hopping from bar to bar, standing up, and sampling bite-size bits of culinary art, aka, the pintxo.
Stroll the Belle Époque promenades of the city’s three urban beaches to work up an appetite, sip glasses of local fizzy txakoli wine, and listen out for the Basque language, an ancient tongue unrelated to its Indo-European neighbours, still widely spoken in this part of the world. The Basque culture and its unique, insular customs are on display at every turn, from the L-shaped frontoia (outdoor courts used for community gatherings) to the many celebrations marked by rigorous and strange steps of euskal dantza (a local dance). Soak it all in between fabulous meals.
For further San Sebastián inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, pintxo bars, nightlife and things to do.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--48 hours in. . . Cornwall, an insider guide to England's wild west

Cornwall is on everyone ’ s lips these days .
Those lingering shots of wild moorland , Grecian blue sea and soft pale sand in every episode of the BBC ’ s Poldark have drawn visitors from around the world .
Despite such popularity the county retains its cloak of tradition and sense of isolation .
Yet hidden behind the stone walls of farmhouses and fishermen ’ s cottages are stylish apartments and restaurants where acclaimed chefs serve up the finest seafood .
The largely unspoilt coastline inspires Enid Blyton-style adventures : tripping through fields fringed in wildflowers to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that are works of marine art , and swimming with seals or learning to surf a wave .
Beyond the beach there is plenty to entertain , from wildlife conservation centres and hands-on farm experiences aimed at children to historic sub-tropical gardens , steam railways and working mines , reminders of the county ’ s rich industrial heritage .
A few days of breathing fresh , clean Cornish air , eating fish straight from the sea and sleeping deeply in a clifftop eyrie is the perfect antidote to the stress of city living @

Cornwall is on everyone’s lips these days. Those lingering shots of wild moorland, Grecian blue sea and soft pale sand in every episode of the BBC’s Poldark have drawn visitors from around the world. Despite such popularity the county retains its cloak of tradition and sense of isolation. Yet hidden behind the stone walls of farmhouses and fishermen’s cottages are stylish apartments and restaurants where acclaimed chefs serve up the finest seafood.
The largely unspoilt coastline inspires Enid Blyton-style adventures: tripping through fields fringed in wildflowers to a remote beach; digging around in rockpools that are works of marine art, and swimming with seals or learning to surf a wave. Beyond the beach there is plenty to entertain, from wildlife conservation centres and hands-on farm experiences aimed at children to historic sub-tropical gardens, steam railways and working mines, reminders of the county’s rich industrial heritage. A few days of breathing fresh, clean Cornish air, eating fish straight from the sea and sleeping deeply in a clifftop eyrie is the perfect antidote to the stress of city living.
For further Cornwall inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, beaches, walks, nightlife, cream teas and things to do.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--48 hours in. . . Devon, an insider guide to the land of coasts and countryside

• Obtain a tide table from a newsagent and time your beach visit accordingly : at high tide , beaches are crowded , thin strips of sand .
Swimmers should beware of rip tides and strong currents , and only swim between the flags on beaches that have a lifeguard .
• Ticks that carry Lyme disease can be a problem on the moors and in grassy and woodland areas of Devon .
Wear insect repellant and tuck socks into long trousers to avoid being bitten .
• Predictably unpredictable , the weather in Devon can be sunny one minute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all weather .
• Many rural areas of Devon don ’ t have mobile-phone reception so be prepared for a hike to the nearest farm if you run into trouble when you ’ re out and about .
• You need nerves of steel to tackle Devon ’ s narrow country lanes , where stray sheep , speeding tractors and corkscrew bends make driving slow and precarious .
Being confident at reversing into a tight space is a must : local etiquette dictates that the driver nearest a passing place pulls into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves .
Epic scenery , cosy pubs and a strong community spirit drew Suzy Bennett from East London to a remote village on Dartmoor over a decade ago .
She travels everywhere with her dog , Ziggy .

Holidays in Devon are simple, wholesome and old-fashioned. A trip here mixes two of life’s loveliest pleasures: delicious food and the great outdoors. Most visitors are drawn to the magnificent beaches on the north and south coasts, but inland has its appeal, too: Dartmoor and Exmoor are vast rocky plateaux offering solitude and big skies, while the gentler, Friesian-filled fields of mid-Devon hide clusters of thatched villages, meandering rivers and thickly wooded cleaves.
Devon folk make the most of the rich larder on their doorstep, with pasture-fed lamb, wild venison, pheasant and locally landed seafood all staples in restaurants. At weekends, market towns bustle with food, antique and craft stalls, while village fairs offer an eccentric taste of country living. Like anywhere it pays to research before you go. Get it right and a holiday in Devon will beat any foreign destination hands-down.
For further Devon inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, pubs, cream teas, beaches and things to do.


thetelegraph--2020-01-09--Virgin Mojito cocktail recipe

Virgin Mojito cocktail recipe

This classic cocktail can very easily taste of nothing if you don ’ t get the quantities right .
Done @ @ @ @ @ in a Copacabana beach bar , laughing with close friends .
Done badly , you @ @ @ @ @ , grimly sipping mouthwash .
This one , however , gets pretty close to the @ @ @ @ @ water or soda water , to top up • Put the mint leaves into a @ @ @ @ @ small sprig to decorate .
Use a muddler to lightly bash the leaves until they @ @ @ @ @ highly minty .
Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes .
Pour in @ @ @ @ @ except the sparkling or soda water and stir .
• Top up to taste with @ @ @ @ @ decorate with the reserved sprig of mint .
Recipe from 'How to Be Sober and @ @ @ @ @ by Flic Everett ( Quadrille , £12.99 ) .
Order your copy from books.telegraph.co.uk

This classic cocktail can very easily taste of nothing if you don’t get the quantities right. Done well, you’re in a Copacabana beach bar, laughing with close friends. Done badly, you’re in your kitchen, grimly sipping mouthwash. This one, however, gets pretty close to the real thing.
Prep time: 5 minutes
MAKES
one
INGREDIENTS
A handful of fresh mint, stalks removed
Ice cubes
½ tsp caramel syrup
½ tsp sugar syrup
50ml non-alcoholic distilled spirit
Juice of ½ lime
Sparkling water or soda water, to top up
METHOD
Put the mint leaves into a tall glass, reserving a small sprig to decorate. Use a muddler to lightly bash the leaves until they are broken up and smelling highly minty. Fill the glass to the top with ice cubes. Pour in the rest of the ingredients except the sparkling or soda water and stir. Top up to taste with sparkling or soda water and decorate with the reserved sprig of mint.
Recipe from 'How to Be Sober and Keep Your Friends’, by Flic Everett (Quadrille, £12.99). Order your copy from books.telegraph.co.uk