Rhubarb season runs from April through to the end of summer, but it’s a real treat to eat fresh before the hot weather truly arrives. In the UK, it’s best grown in the “Rhubarb Triangle” in West Yorkshire, so we asked two-starred Michelin chef Michael Wignall, who runs The Angel Inn at Hetton, for his favourite ways with the vibrant vegetable. Rhubarb cooked in foil Serves: 4 Ingredients: 400g rhubarb (washed and cut into approx 5cm batons) 5 drops of vanilla extract Zest and juice of 1 lime 100g light brown sugar Aluminum foil Method: Set an oven at 180C. Place a sheet of aluminum foil (approx size of 2 x A4 sheets) on your work top. Lay your rhubarb on one side (ensure they are laid uniform) and leave the other side empty. Mix the zest and juice of lime, vanilla extract and brown sugar together and sprinkle over the rhubarb. Fold the empty side of the foil over the rhubarb to each corner and then fold each side into towards the centre 2-3 times, to wrap the rhubarb tightly, like an envelope (the better the seal the faster the rhubarb will cook, retaining all of its lovely flavour and juices). Place the foil envelope onto a ceramic tray (this is to allow you to use the juices, should any leak out) and cook for approx 25-35 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool for 5 minutes before carefully opening the bag and serve. Serving suggestions: Serve with warm ginger custard, crème fraiche or clotted cream. Or go savoury with roasted duck or chicken. Rhubarb crumble Serves: 4-6 Ingredients: For the crumble topping: 450g plain flour (sieved) 270g muscovado sugar 250g unsalted butter (diced) 170g ground almonds (replace with oats, if nut free) 60g pecan nuts (chopped fine) replaced with pumpkin seeds for nut free) Zest of 1 orange For the fruit base: 800g of rhubarb (washed and chopped into approx 3cm) 200g blueberries (adds a lovely sweetness and colour) 150g light brown sugar Method: For the crumble mixture: Rub together the flour, sugar and almonds, making sure there are no lumps in the sugar (Muscovado sugar can get quite lumpy). Then add the butter in 3 stages and rub together, until you have a breadcrumb consistency. Lastly, add the pecan nuts and stir in thoroughly. For the fruit base: Add the sugar and rhubarb to a large pan and cook on a medium heat, until the rhubarb has slightly softened. Remove from the heat and lightly stir in the blueberries. Place the mixture onto a tray to cool. Preheat an oven to 180C, divide the filling into individual heat proof ramakins or one large heat proof dish. Sprinkle with the crumble mixture (do not press down) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden in colour and the filling is starting to bubble at the sides. Serving suggestion: Serve with ginger custard or ice cream. Lemon and ginger posset Serves: 6 Ingredients: 500ml double cream 250ml castor sugar 4 lemons (juice and zest) If you can, source good quality lemons – leafy and unwaxed. Amalfi lemons are the best, if in season. It makes all the difference! 20g root ginger (peeled and finely grated) 2 sheets of bronzed gelatin, soaked in ice cold water Method: Place the cream, sugar and ginger in a medium sized pan and bring to the boil. Remove from the heat, add the lemon juice and then the soaked gelatin. Stir well and pass through a fine sieve, into a pouring jug. Pour into ramakins or glasses and allow to set in the fridge for 5 hours. Serve with the compote of Rhubarb and vanilla. (Recipe below) Rhubarb compote Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1kg rhubarb (leaves and base removed) 350g castor sugar 1 vanilla pod (split and seeds removed) 50ml water ½ tsp of ground ginger Method: Cut the rhubarb into approx 2cm slices, along the length of the stem. Place a wide thick bottomed pan, onto a medium heat and add the sugar, vanilla, ginger and water. Allow the mixture to dissolve. Add the chopped rhubarb, making sure it is completely coated in the sugar syrup. Cook over a medium heat, stirring often, until the rhubarb begins to break down and turns into a thick mixture (there should be no water remaining). Chef’s tip: Forced rhubarb is best for this, as there is no need to peel, you get a lovely colour. Outdoor summer rhubarb can work well but peel before cutting and cooking and replace the water with 100ml of cranberry juice. Read More Love wine but can’t afford it? Here’s how to drink luxury for less Three meat-free dishes to try this National Vegetarian Week How to make TikTok’s viral whole roasted cauliflower Gordon Ramsay: ‘I’m going off the beaten track to become a better cook’ Gordon Ramsay’s coffee-spiced pork shoulder recipe Gordon Ramsay takes on Louisianian gumbo

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The type of toys children play with can have a profound effect on their success in adult life, according to an academic report. Dr Jacqueline Harding, a child behavioural expert, said repetitive childhood play can provide a long-lasting memory imprint and have the potential to subconsciously steer their career path. And they can help develop and deepen problem-solving abilities and improve imagination and creativity. Dr Harding explained how joy in early life from playing with toys can become a strong driver in later life decisions. It follows research of 1,000 parents of 0-7 year olds, which found 75 per cent buy toys they hope will contribute towards their child’s future success. More than half (51 per cent) deem their child’s playthings very important to develop their critical skills, crucial for everyday life. The study was commissioned by Mattel, creators of Thomas & Friends, which has released a white paper from King’s College London revealing the social and cognitive benefits of train play for children. Dr Jacqueline Harding said: “Favourite toys tend to be played with almost every day and it is this repetitive act that can leave an imprint on the young developing brain. “So, it almost goes without saying that the playthings young children engage with on a regular basis can have a long-term effect and may even subconsciously steer them in a particular career direction. “Of course, this is hard to prove beyond doubt as there are so many other factors involved - but taking toys seriously is a good idea as children spend so much time engaging with them, and choosing wisely according to their individual interests can pay real dividends.” The biggest benefit parents believe children get from toys when it comes to improving critical skills is the improvement in their fine motor skills (68 per cent). Almost as many (67 per cent) said it was how toys drive imagination and creativity, while 63 per cent think toys can help with problem-solving skills. While 86 per cent went as far as saying they think toys can have a large or moderate impact on improving a child’s chances of a successful career, in the future. But when it comes to actually choosing toys for their children, the top priority is that it they are age-appropriate (59 per cent). Others want to ensure the toy is safe (55 per cent) or more than its perceived educational value (47 per cent). It also emerged 58 per cent have particular brands or toy lines they turn specifically for their developmental value. But 21 per cent fear their little ones don’t play with educational toys as much as they’d like, according to the OnePoll.com data. Dr Harding added: “One astounding insight is that at two years of age children engage in the same level of mental work as adults whilst engaged in imaginative play. “It is well established that imaginary play and creative pursuits offer up a wealth of surprising benefits that have exciting biological and neurological benefits for children and adults. “During childhood, the brain is known to be particularly absorbent – this is known as ‘neuroplasticity’. “In other words, it is easier to learn aspects of life – so not only does play yield a significant benefit during childhood itself but also in later adult life.” It comes after a separate white paper by Dr Salim Hashmi, a researcher from King’s College, reviewed more than 1,600 scientific research papers to explore the advantages of playing with toy trains. One of the primary benefits Dr Hashmi identified was children who play with toy trains can develop better thinking and social skills, allowing them to learn and practice collaboration, cooperation, and social understanding while interacting with others. His study also highlighted how playing with toy trains allows children to develop and refine essential thinking skills, contributing to their problem-solving abilities. Talking about his research for Thomas & Friends, Dr Hashmi said: “Constructing tracks, arranging train cars, envisioning scenarios, and enacting them during train play can stimulate cognitive development and enhance critical thinking, spatial analysis, and decision-making skills. “Collaborative play with toy trains could help encourage teamwork, negotiation, and collaboration, as children share resources, ideas, and play together. “Additionally, playing with toy trains provides children with opportunities to develop and practice problem-solving abilities. “Overall, train play, is an excellent way for children to develop key skills.” Top tips on choosing a toy for your child: 1. Take time to watch your child playing and try to get ‘into their thinking’ – what appears to light up their brain? 2. Guide children towards toys and play experiences that meet the need for them at their stage of development. 3. Be aware of the types of play that can aid them in their future – toys that help them begin to connect with others (when they are developmentally ready and able to do so). 4. Play with your child in a way that does not take over but allows them agency - a little control. 5. At other times, sit back and allow your child space to think while they play - being mindful that in their brain so much is taking place. 6. Talk to your child in ways that they can understand about what they are doing while they play – just gentle questions not an inquisition. Children often wish to share with adults what they have achieved or what matters to them while they play. 7. Allow your child time to explain what they are doing. Younger children will perhaps just show you rather than talk about it while older children might wish to discuss how they solved a problem or found a solution while they played. 8. Help children begin to collaborate with others while they play. Sometimes this may just involve keeping a watchful eye and ensuring a fair distribution of resources, so conflicts are avoided. 9. Relish play and be respectful of the power it yields in terms of a child’s mental health and general wellbeing. 10. Guide children towards toys and play experiences that are inclusive and not gender specific. Read More Study finds free childcare reform has ‘little benefit’ to poorer families Couples delay getting married in order to buy new home Most children in kinship care living with at least one grandparent, figures show Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas reach agreement after child custody row Comedian Ashley Blaker on why he wants to ‘change the conversation’ around children with special needs Brian Austin Green gets candid about co-parenting with Megan Fox

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