March Seasonal Food Guide: Fresh Ingredients & Delicious Recipes As we step into March, the shift from winter to spring brings a fresh selection of seasonal ingredients to enjoy. From leafy greens like kale and spinach to the delicate sweetness of forced rhubarb, March is a great time to embrace vibrant, nutritious produce. It’s also a fantastic month for seafood, with hake, salmon, and shrimp making their way into our kitchens. To celebrate the best of March’s seasonal ingredients, we’ve put together some mouthwatering recipes that make the most of what’s fresh and available right now. Plus, with several UK food awareness days taking place this month, it’s the perfect time to explore new flavours and dishes. March Seasonal Ingredients https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/march Spring Onions – A crisp and mild allium that adds a fresh bite to salads, stir-fries, and garnishes. Savoy Cabbage – A hearty, crinkled-leaf cabbage with a slightly sweet and earthy flavour, perfect for roasting or steaming. Kale – A nutrient-dense leafy green with a robust texture, great for soups, sautés, or even chips. Purple Sprouting Broccoli – A colourful and tender alternative to standard broccoli, best enjoyed lightly steamed or stir-fried. Spinach – A versatile leafy green with a mild, slightly sweet taste, perfect for raw salads or cooked dishes. Hake – A flaky white fish with a mild flavour that works well grilled, baked, or pan-fried. Salmon – A rich, oily fish packed with omega-3 fatty acids, excellent for roasting, grilling, or smoking. Shrimp – A tender and slightly sweet seafood option, ideal for quick stir-fries, pasta dishes, and skewers. Forced Rhubarb – A vibrant pink fruit with a tart flavour, perfect for desserts, chutneys, and even gin infusions. Seasonal Recipes Seafood Skewers Swap out the vegetables in this classic skewer recipe for delicious seafood! Marinate salmon, shrimp, and hake in a simple lemon, garlic, and herb mix before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection. Serve with a light salad or some steamed greens for a fresh and healthy dish. Recipe Inspiration Here Rhubarb & Raisin Spiced Chutney with Chicken & Vegetable Curry This tangy rhubarb chutney pairs beautifully with a warming chicken and vegetable curry, balancing out the richness with a hint of spice and sweetness. A must-try for a cosy evening meal. Chutney Recipe Here Curry Recipe Here Hake with Savoy Cabbage Light and flaky hake is a perfect pairing with buttery savoy cabbage. Pan-fry the hake with a little lemon and black pepper and serve with sautéed cabbage for a simple but flavourful dish. Bacon, Cheese & Purple Sprouting Broccoli Quiche Swap out peas for purple sprouting broccoli in this classic quiche recipe. The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tender broccoli makes for a great lunch or dinner option. Quiche Recipe Here Traditional Sunday Dinner with Savoy Cabbage & Yorkshire Puddings No British Sunday dinner is complete without fluffy Yorkshire puddings and a side of seasonal greens like savoy cabbage. Serve with your favourite roast for the ultimate comforting meal. Yorkshire Pudding Recipe Here Forced Rhubarb Gin Celebrate the end of winter and welcome spring with a homemade rhubarb gin. The forced rhubarb adds a delicate tartness that makes for a refreshing drink. Serve over ice or mix into your favourite gin cocktail. Recipe Here March UK Food Awareness & National Days March is packed with food awareness events in the UK, making it a great month to get involved in celebrating seasonal produce and sustainable eating: British Pie Week (First full week of March) – A great excuse to try making a seafood or veggie pie using seasonal ingredients. National Butchers’ Week (Early March) – Support your local butcher and pick up some fresh cuts to pair with your seasonal sides. St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th) – Celebrate with Irish-inspired dishes like colcannon (mashed potatoes with kale) or an Irish seafood stew. World Water Day (March 22nd) – A great time to reflect on sustainable seafood choices and make responsible decisions when sourcing fish. International Waffle Day (March 25th) – Why not try a savoury waffle topped with smoked salmon and spring onions? Final Thoughts March is the perfect time to refresh your meals with vibrant, seasonal ingredients. Whether you’re trying a new seafood dish, making homemade chutney, or indulging in a comforting Sunday dinner, there are plenty of ways to enjoy what this month has to offer. Let's make this March deliciously seasonal!

Seasonal Recipes and Local Food for February: Celebrate the Month with Fresh British Flavours 💞February might be a chilly month, but it’s the perfect time to warm up with hearty, seasonal meals made from the best produce British farms have to offer💞 From cozy comfort food to romantic Valentine’s Day dinners, this month offers countless opportunities to enjoy fresh, local ingredients. Let’s explore February’s seasonal produce and awareness days to inspire your next farm-to-table feast. What’s in Season This February? Support local farmers and savour the best of British produce. Here’s what’s at its peak this month: Cauliflower: A versatile veggie perfect for roasting, mashing, or even turning into a low-carb pizza base. Purple Sprouting Broccoli: Bursting with colour and nutrients, great in stir-fries or as a simple side. Kale: A superfood that works beautifully in soups, salads, or smoothies. Brussels Sprouts: These aren’t just for Christmas—try them shredded in stir-fries or roasted with garlic. Spring Greens: Fresh, tender leaves ideal for steaming or sautéing with a touch of butter. Leeks: The star ingredient in warming soups and quiches. Turnips: Earthy and sweet, perfect for roasting or mashing with butter. Venison: A lean and flavourful meat, ideal for stews or as a show-stopping roast. Check out our web page for more information here: https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/february Seasonal Recipe Inspiration Looking for ideas to celebrate the flavours of February? Here are some easy, no-fuss meals that highlight seasonal ingredients: 1. Pizza Day - February 9th - check out a quick and easy way to make a pizza using ready roll pastry here: https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/easy-to-make-posh-pizza 2. Venison Dinner Make the most of venison by slow-cooking it with turnips, leeks, and spring greens. Serve with crusty bread, gravy and Yorkshire pudding for a hearty winter warmer. Or have a go at our venison cottage pie recipe! https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/venison-cottage-pie-recipe 3. Kale and Brussels Sprout Stir-Fry Shred kale and Brussels sprouts, then stir-fry them with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of honey for a quick and nutritious side dish. 4. Leek and Potato Soup (Real Bread Week - February 24th to March 2nd) Pair creamy leek and potato soup with freshly baked bread to celebrate Real Bread Week. Add a sprinkle of purple sprouting broccoli for an extra pop of colour and flavour. 5. Valentine’s Day Dinner: Valentine's pie Impress your loved one with a romantic dinner. https://www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com/valentines-pie Awareness Days in February February’s awareness days are the perfect excuse to get creative in the kitchen: Yorkshire Pudding Day (February 4th): Celebrate this iconic British dish by pairing Yorkshire puddings with venison stew or simply enjoy them as a savoury treat. Pizza Day (February 9th): Whip up a homemade pizza with seasonal toppings for a healthier twist on takeaway. Mind Your Head (February 17th): Take care of your mental health by cooking a comforting meal with seasonal, nourishing ingredients. Real Bread Week (February 24th - March 2nd): Get hands-on in the kitchen and bake your own bread to pair with soups and stews. Why Choose Local? By cooking with seasonal British produce, you’re not just eating healthier—you’re also reducing food miles and supporting local farmers. Seasonal vegetables are fresher, tastier, and often more affordable than out-of-season imports. For more February recipe inspiration and easy meal ideas, visit No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents . Let’s make this February deliciously seasonal!

The Countryside Kitchen, a project by No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC, has launched a Crowdfunder campaign this festive season to raise vital funds for its immersive on-farm workshops. These workshops teach families, children and individuals about growing, cooking, and eating nutritious, sustainable food while promoting mental and physical wellbeing. With match funding from the Aviva Community Fund, every pound you pledge will be doubled, making your support go even further. The campaign is live now, with a deadline for pledges of 10th January 2025. You can donate and find more details at www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/the-countryside-kitchen . Milly Fyfe, founder of No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC, shared why this project is close to her heart: "The Countryside Kitchen is about empowering people to reconnect with food, farming, nature, and each other. By teaching sustainable practices and encouraging healthy eating, we’re creating lasting change in our community. The match funding from Aviva is a fantastic boost, doubling the impact of every donation we receive. We’re so grateful for the support and hope everyone will join us in making a difference this Christmas." Funds raised through the Crowdfunder campaign will be used to make the kitchen an accessible and welcoming space for all, purchase essential equipment for growing and cooking workshops, and enhance the overall experience of learning and connection on the farm. This Christmas, give the gift of knowledge, sustainability, and community spirit. Your support can help The Countryside Kitchen continue its mission of education and inspiration. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC. For media enquiries, please contact: Ends Pictured is founder Milly Fyfe with some rhubarb in the kitchen garden --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to editors More pictures and information available on request by emailing: hello@millyfyfe.com About No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC is a social enterprise dedicated to connecting families with UK-produced food and empowering them to create meals from scratch. Our initiatives include: Seasonal Recipes: Delicious and family-friendly meal ideas using fresh, seasonal produce. Simple, Accessible Cooking: Easy-to-follow recipes that utilize simple ingredients available to the average household. Spotlight on UK Farmers: Showcasing the stories, products, and locations of UK farmers and food producers, along with tips on where to purchase and how to use their ingredients. We share our content through our food blog , social media platforms ( Facebook and Instagram ), and our podcast, The Countryside Kitchen Meets , available on all major streaming services. Our Story Founded in September 2020 by Milly Fyfe, an award-winning digital marketing expert, farmer, mother of two, home cook, and farming communicator, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents began as a food blog during the pandemic. Milly shared insights into farm life, updates from her kitchen garden, and involved her children in growing, harvesting, and cooking simple meals. These activities inspired friends and followers to replicate and embrace similar practices. In April 2023, the project was officially registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), continuing its mission to connect UK-produced food with delicious, engaging home-cooked meals through vibrant social media content. Our Mission Milly Fyfe believes that scratch cooking offers numerous benefits, including: Health and Wellbeing: Promotes nutritious eating habits and supports overall health. Mental Health: Encourages positive mental wellbeing through the joy of cooking and connecting with nature. Community Sustainability: Sustains rural communities by creating job opportunities, boosting tourism, and enhancing access to local services. Educational Impact: Provides hands-on learning experiences through The Countryside Kitchen, fostering practical skills in growing and cooking food. Long-term Impact The Countryside Kitchen emphasises a hands-on approach to learning, empowering children to grow up enjoying a variety of home-cooked meals and reducing reliance on processed foods. By enhancing parental cooking knowledge and fostering informed food choices, we aim to instil lasting benefits for future generations, promoting healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections.

We’re excited to announce a new way you can support the work we do at No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC – and it’s great for the environment too! We’ve registered with Recycle4Charity , a fantastic initiative that lets you donate to our cause simply by recycling your used ink cartridges. As an added bonus, we’ve also become a collection point, making it even easier for you to get involved! How It Works Supporting us is simple: Recycle from Home : Register via this link to get started. Send your used ink cartridges directly to Recycle4Charity using their freepost service. Drop Off at Our Collection Point : Bring your cartridges to us, and we’ll take care of the rest! Every cartridge recycled through our partnership generates a donation to help us continue our mission of providing food education, healthy eating workshops, and support for families. Why It Matters By recycling your ink cartridges, you’re not just helping the planet by reducing waste – you’re also contributing to vital community initiatives that make a difference to families in need. Together, we can promote sustainability, healthy lifestyles, and food security. Let’s Get Started! Join the movement and support our work by clicking here: http://www.recycle4charity.co.uk/Register/219685 . Thank you for helping us make a difference! Your support means the world to us – and to the families we serve. #NoFussMealsForBusyParents #MakingADifference #CookingFromScratch #FoodAndFarming