Lodaa is Your Ultimate Source for the Latest Lifestyle News, Trends, Tips in Health, Fashion, Travel, Food and Culture.
⎯ 《 Lodaa • Com 》
Foreign Spies Are Targeting American Space Companies, US Intelligence Warns
Foreign Spies Are Targeting American Space Companies, US Intelligence Warns
US officials are warning American space companies of a potential threat from Chinese and Russian
2023-08-21 04:49
The Best Graphic Design Software for 2023
The Best Graphic Design Software for 2023
For professionals and beginners alike, personal computers and graphics software have forever changed the way
2023-08-17 20:16
Why is Anchor Brewing shutting down? Oldest craft brewery in the US to down its shutters after 127 years
Why is Anchor Brewing shutting down? Oldest craft brewery in the US to down its shutters after 127 years
According to some employees of Anchor Brewing, problems began when Sapporo took over the brewing company
2023-07-13 17:48
George Clooney's ex Lisa Snowdon reveals how menopause made her contemplate killing herself
George Clooney's ex Lisa Snowdon reveals how menopause made her contemplate killing herself
Lisa Snowdon, a 51-year-old presenter and former model, said her life was gravely impacted by menopause
2023-05-21 20:58
Players credit the NFL and union with doing a better job of teaching when sports betting isn't OK
Players credit the NFL and union with doing a better job of teaching when sports betting isn't OK
NFL players credit the league with doing a much better job of educating them on where and what they can bet on
2023-08-25 18:26
Romesco chicken and other recipes to fall in love with
Romesco chicken and other recipes to fall in love with
Have you ever fallen in love with a recipe? Romesco chicken has stolen my heart this week. I’ve made it again and again, filled my phone with thirst traps of it, sent it to my mum, wooed a late night visitor with it. For me, it perfectly encapsulates this annual moment when even summer is suffering from burnout but we’re not quite ready for it to be over. It’s packed with warming flavours, but feels light enough to enjoy if the sun ever comes out of hiding. Other recipes on this week’s meal plan – sticky ginger aubergine with rice, caramelised lemon butter orzo, and creamy courgette butter beans – follow the same vein. Seasonal and fresh and interesting but hearty enough to keep the chill off in the evenings. Lastly, if anyone else has instigated a last-ditch midsummer health kick, I feel you. In an attempt to rein in my bad habit of overdoing it (an occupational hazard), I’ve been hitting the gym and eating crispy chilli beef protein bowls. I can’t promise results but I can guarantee it’s less boring than boiled chicken and broccoli. Getting your five-a-day also wouldn’t go amiss. Romesco roast chicken thighs with green beans This delightful recipe combines succulent roasted chicken thighs with a rich and flavourful romesco sauce, served alongside crisp green beans and topped with creamy feta cheese. The romesco sauce, made with roasted red peppers, almonds and spices, complements the tender chicken thighs perfectly. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serves: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes Ingredients: For the roast chicken thighs: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tsp paprika ½ tsp garlic powder ½ tsp dried thyme For the romesco sauce: 2 large roasted red peppers (from a jar or freshly roasted) ½ cup almonds, toasted 2 cloves garlic, peeled 2 tbsp tomato paste 2 tbsp red wine vinegar ¼ cup olive oil ½ tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness) Salt and pepper to taste For the green beans: 1 lb (450g) fresh green beans, trimmed 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper to taste For serving: ½ cup crumbled feta cheese Method: Preheat your oven to 220C. Prepare the roast chicken thighs: pat dry the chicken thighs with paper towels. In a large bowl, mix together olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them in the mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Roast the chicken thighs in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 74C and the skin is crispy. Prepare the romesco sauce: in a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, toasted almonds, garlic, tomato paste, red wine vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Blend until you achieve a smooth sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Prepare the green beans: in a large frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the trimmed green beans and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender yet still crisp. Assemble the dish: once the chicken thighs are done roasting, remove them from the oven. Spoon a generous amount of romesco sauce over each chicken thigh. Serve: divide the feta-topped green beans among four plates, and place two romesco-coated chicken thighs on each plate. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the chicken thighs and serve immediately. Sticky ginger aubergine with rice This mouthwatering dish features tender chunks of aubergine coated in a sticky, sweet and tangy ginger sauce. Served with fluffy white rice, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavours and textures. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a delicious plant-based meal, this sticky ginger aubergine with rice is a perfect choice. Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes Ingredients: For the sticky ginger aubergine: 2 large aubergines, cut into bite-sized cubes 3 tbsp cornstarch ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper 2 tbsp vegetable oil 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated ¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup rice vinegar ¼ cup water 3 tbsp brown sugar 1 tbsp sesame oil 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish) Sesame seeds (for garnish) For the rice: 2 cups jasmine rice (or your preferred type of rice) 4 cups water Pinch of salt Method: Prepare the rice: rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm. Coat and fry the aubergine: in a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed aubergine with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated aubergine in batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per batch or until the aubergine is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the fried aubergine and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Prepare the sticky ginger sauce: in the same pan or wok, discard any excess oil, leaving about a tablespoon. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Mix in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, brown sugar and sesame oil. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Combine the aubergine and sauce: add the fried aubergine to the pan with the sticky ginger sauce. Toss the aubergine in the sauce until it’s well coated and the sauce thickens to a sticky consistency, about 2 minutes. Serve: serve the sticky ginger aubergine over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of flavour and presentation. Creamy courgette butter beans This luscious and comforting dish combines tender courgettes with creamy butter beans in a flavourful sauce. The courgettes add a refreshing taste and a vibrant green colour to the dish, while the butter beans bring a velvety texture and richness. Infused with herbs and spices, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of vegetables and beans in one delicious meal. Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 2 medium courgettes, diced 1 can (14 oz) butter beans, drained and rinsed 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp olive oil 1 cup vegetable broth (or water) ½ cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a dairy-free option 1 tsp dried thyme ½ tsp dried oregano ½ tsp paprika Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Method: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the diced courgettes and cook for about 5 minutes or until they start to soften. Add the drained and rinsed butter beans to the pan, stirring them with the courgettes and onions. Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld and the beans to heat through. Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream (or coconut cream) to the pan, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer gently for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season the dish with dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. Once the courgettes are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat. Serve the creamy courgette butter beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of colour and added freshness. Caramelised lemon butter orzo with cavolo nero This delectable recipe features caramelised lemon-infused orzo pasta, paired with nutritious cavolo nero. The sweet and tangy flavours of caramelised lemon butter perfectly complement the earthy taste of cavolo nero, creating a delightful and wholesome dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. This dish is a delightful vegetarian option that will surely impress your taste buds. Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 cup orzo pasta 2 tbsp unsalted butter 1 large lemon (zest and juice) 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 bunch cavolo nero, stems removed and leaves chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced ¼ cup vegetable broth or water Salt and pepper to taste Grated parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Method: Cook the orzo: in a medium-sized pot, cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked orzo and set it aside. Caramelise the lemon butter: in a large frying pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until it dissolves into the butter. Reduce the heat to low and add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes caramelized. Add the cavolo nero: increase the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the caramelised lemon butter. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the chopped cavolo nero to the pan and toss it with the lemon butter mixture. Cook the greens: pour the vegetable broth (or water) into the pan with the cavolo nero and lemon butter. Cover the pan and let the greens cook for about 3-4 minutes until they wilt and become tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Combine orzo and cavolo nero: add the cooked orzo to the pan with the caramelised lemon butter and cavolo nero. Toss everything together until the orzo is evenly coated with the flavourful sauce and the greens are distributed throughout. Season to taste: season the dish with salt and pepper to your preference, adjusting the flavours as needed. Serve: transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for an extra burst of flavour and colour. Crispy chilli beef protein bowls These crispy chilli beef protein bowls are a delightful and flavourful combination of tender, crispy beef tossed in a sweet and spicy chilli sauce, and served with a nutritious assortment of vegetables. This protein-packed bowl is not only delicious but also a balanced and wholesome meal that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Serves: 4 Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes Ingredients: For the crispy chilli beef: 450g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced ½ cup cornstarch ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) 2 tbsp sesame oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (adjust to your preferred sweetness) 1 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness) 2 spring onions, sliced (for garnish) Sesame seeds (for garnish) For the protein bowls: 4 cups cooked brown or white rice (your choice) 2 cups shredded lettuce or mixed greens 1 cup shredded carrots 1 cup sliced cucumber 1 avocado, sliced Lime wedges (for serving) Method: Prepare the crispy chilli beef: in a large mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until all the pieces are evenly coated. In a wok or deep frying pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches around 175C. Carefully add the coated beef slices to the hot oil in batches, ensuring they have enough space to fry evenly. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch until the beef turns crispy and golden brown. Remove the fried beef using a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. In a separate pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar) and sriracha sauce to make the chilli sauce. Pour the chilli sauce over the sautéed bell peppers and garlic in the pan. Stir to coat the vegetables with the sauce. Add the crispy beef to the pan and toss everything together until the beef is well coated in the sweet and spicy chilli sauce. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavours meld. Prepare the protein bowls: divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with shredded lettuce or mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber and avocado slices. Spoon the crispy chilli beef over the vegetables in each bowl. Garnish with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds for added flavour and presentation. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra tangy kick. Read More Marina O’Loughlin is wrong – there’s joy in solo dining Budget Bites: Three recipes to keep food bills down before pay day School holidays sorted: Fuss-free and nutritious family dinner recipes A week’s worth of summery recipes (even when the weather is dire) The dish that defines me: Frank Yeung’s prawn wontons Discovering Sierra Leonean flavours in South London
2023-08-07 13:45
Actor Jeremy Renner wants tax credits for film projects in northern Nevada but he may have to wait
Actor Jeremy Renner wants tax credits for film projects in northern Nevada but he may have to wait
Actor Jeremy Renner spent Monday pitching an amendment to Nevada lawmakers to include his home region in a tax deal to expand the film industry to Las Vegas
2023-05-23 09:56
Save 10% on all Squarespace subscriptions with this voucher code
Save 10% on all Squarespace subscriptions with this voucher code
SAVE 10%: Use code MASHABLE10UK to save 10% on all Squarespace website building subscriptions. Are
2023-06-07 12:28
Best hotels in Scotland 2023: Where to stay for the ultimate escape
Best hotels in Scotland 2023: Where to stay for the ultimate escape
Gone are the days of fusty, old-school Scottish hotels. Today, Scotland offers a wealth of welcoming hotel options to suit all tastes, types and budgets. The classic old-world luxury dames still proudly proffer their history in the glens and overlooking the lochs, with many back at their best in recent years, thanks to some serious investment. They’ve been joined by a new wave of boutique accommodations, where tartan twee is eschewed for cutting-edge design and the work of local artists and craftspeople. Scotland’s eight cities all boast a dizzying array of options, with real choice, too, out in the Highlands and on the islands. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway for two, a life-affirming family break packed with action, or a chilled escape with old pals, you’ll find it north of Hadrian’s Wall in a country where jaw-dropping scenery comes as standard. Scottish hospitality has moved up a notch as customers’ expectations rise ever higher, and, when it comes to picking a place to stay, we’ve rounded up the best of the best. The best hotels in Scotland 2023 are: Best luxury hotel: The Balmoral Best hotel for couples: Orocco Pier Best budget hotel: Clayton Hotel Glasgow City Best city break hotel: Malmaison Aberdeen Best hotel for walkers: The Torridon Best boutique hotel: Hotel Indigo Dundee Best hotel for scenic views: Trump Turnberry Best hotel for foodies: Kinloch Lodge Best spa hotel: Cameron House Best family hotel: Gleneagles Best hotels in Edinburgh Best luxury hotel: The Balmoral Neighbourhood: Edinburgh This quintessential Edinburgh hotel has proudly stood at No.1 Princes Street since 1902. Rocco Forte’s flagship city hotel is constantly being tweaked to stay ahead. Book a room with a castle view or the room where JK Rowling completed her Harry Potter saga – all rooms have the same classically luxurious, calm vibe. A basement spa with the Irene Forte Skincare range tempts, along with the pool. Delve below street level too for Number One, which has cherished a well-deserved Michelin star for more than two decades. It still does a proper Scotch beef steak if you don’t want to experiment with the modern Scottish creations. Expand your whisky horizons at SCOTCH whisky bar with its 500 whiskies, or savour afternoon tea beneath a Venetian chandelier, accompanied by the soothing sounds of the harp in Palm Court. Book now Best hotel for couples: Orocco Pier Neighbourhood: Edinburgh The seaside suburb of South Queensferry is a favourite of Edinburghers during weekends. Enjoy the day-trip delights of the cobbled high street’s shops, a boat trip on Maid of the Forth out to the wee island of Inchcolm and – best of all – the epic views of the world-famous Forth Bridge. When the day trippers leave, linger at Orocco Pier, a smart 17-room boutique bolthole on the waterfront. Book a room with a view of the bridge, savour a sundowner in the Antico Bar, feast on a seafood platter for two in the revamped Samphire Restaurant and enjoy a moonlit stroll with the bridge as a seriously romantic backdrop. Best hotels in Glasgow Best budget hotel: Clayton Hotel Glasgow City Neighbourhood: Glasgow Forget the privations of hostel rooms or faceless budget chains; instead, recline in the deeply historic old Grade A-listed customs house right on the River Clyde in the heart of Glasgow. This is a 303-room, four-star hotel at three-star prices. Rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious, but spacious with comfy King Koil mattresses. Book a riverside room for views over the Clyde and towards the city’s Southside. The Custom House Bar & Restaurant is worth staying in for too – savour the signature Glaswegin cocktails at the swish bar before tucking into steaks and international comfort food. Best hotels in Aberdeen Best city break hotel: Malmaison Aberdeen Neighbourhood: Aberdeen Aberdeen has its fair share of characterless hotels catering for its lifeblood fossil fuel industries, but the Malmaison’s offering is the finest of the boutique chain in Scotland. Housed in a grand grey granite building (Aberdeen is known as the Granite City), this 79-room hotel is ideally located for exploring the rapidly changing city. Stroll to the revamped Aberdeen Art Gallery and the new City Gardens; later watch the dolphins at Torry Battery. The city’s boisterous pubs and clubs buzz all around, with plenty of eating out options nearby. The hotel’s wine list is impressive, while Chez Mal serves spot-on steaks cooked on a Josper grill. Best hotels in the Scottish Highlands Best hotel for walkers: The Torridon Neighbourhood: Wester Ross Daniel and Rohaise Rose-Bristow are legends of the Scottish hotel scene, seamlessly steering this Wester Ross escape for more than two decades. You could just sip whisky watching the Highland cows and the mist over Loch Torridon, but many come here to hike. The epic Torridon Mountains soar up over a kilometre high, offering life-affirming challenges. A comparatively easy option for experienced hikers is 903m-high Beinn Damh – yomp up straight from the hotel. Even gentler is a rare – for Scotland – waymarked mountain trail at Beinn Eighe, offering a taste of the mountains to less-experienced hikers. The hotel’s Torridon Outdoors team can lead the way. Stay in the plush main hotel or more hiker-friendly inn-style Stables. Book now Best Isle of Skye hotels Best hotel for foodies: Kinloch Lodge Neighbourhood: Isle of Skye Dining at whitewashed Kinloch Lodge, you’ll question the judgement of the Michelin inspectors who stole a well-deserved star a few years ago from this 17th-century hunting lodge run for five decades by the legendary foodie family the MacDonalds. Passion, authenticity and sound local produce ripple through this foodie hideaway, gloriously set on its own sea loch. Spend the morning foraging for wild herbs and chanterelles with the Skye Ghillie, then tuck into creative fine dining from head chef Jordan Webb. Kick off with Lochalsh crab toast rarebit, pickled cucumber and lemon gel; followed by Skye roe deer with turnip, and leek, spiced with a Kinloch wood-foraged bramble jus. Divine. Best hotels in Dundee Best boutique hotel: Hotel Indigo Dundee Neighbourhood: Dundee Dundee is a designated Unesco City of Design and is arguably the most dynamic Scottish city of this millennium – home to the first V&A design museum outside London, which is the centrepiece of the multi-million pound waterfront regeneration. The Hotel Indigo is symbolic of Dundee’s transformation – a boutique 120-room oasis brilliantly reborn from one of the old jute mills that used to power Dundee. Antique furnishings weave together with bright colours and striking fabrics – the latter the work of artist alumni from the city’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. Best hotels in Ayrshire Best hotel for scenic views: Trump Turnberry Neighbourhood: Ayrshire Whatever you think of its owner, the views at this unique 92-bedroom resort are impossible to argue with. This prime strip of Ayrshire coastline, site of Robert the Bruce’s ancestral castle, peers out across the Firth of Clyde towards the glowering Alpine-esque peaks of the Isle of Arran, with the hulking gannet-dotted rock granite rock sentinel of Ailsa Craig blinking back too. As the sun melts into the cobalt waters, the Turnberry Lighthouse kicks into action. Play a round on the famous golf courses to really make the most of the views, or just recline in one of the plush bars and restaurants in a window seat. Horse riding and hiking also reveal spirit-soaring views. Best hotels in Loch Lomond Best spa hotel: Cameron House Neighbourhood: Loch Lomond Set on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, this resort retreat is naturally relaxing with water, forests and hills everywhere you look. There is a swimming pool complex at the main hotel but, if you really want to chill, take the shuttle bus just up the road to the Cameron Spa. The outdoor infinity pool at this adults-only escape peers over the island-studded loch; inside, the 20m ‘tranquillity pool’ sports a hot tub with other thermal treats as part of the Hydro & Thermal Experience. Spa and beauty treatments use ESPA and Made for Life Organics products. The ‘Couples Suite’ is the setting for sheer decadence for two. Best hotels in Perthshire Best family hotel: Gleneagles Neighbourhood: Perthshire It’s hard to think of a resort anywhere in the UK better set up for families than this glorious historic offering, which opened in 1924. They provide world-class kids’ clubs, a swimming pool with a bubbling outdoor section that delights wee ones, and all the usual child-distracting, parent-pleasing activities. Swirled in, too, is the chance for kids to help train a gun dog, have a bird of prey swoop in to literally eat out of their hands, shoot some arrows or drive a mini Land Rover. The hotel restaurants excel too, as adept at catering to babies as they are to teens. And then there are the world-renowned golf courses. Read more of our Scotland hotel reviews: Best Scottish highlands hotels Best dog-friendly Scotland hotels Best Scotland spa hotels Read more about Scotland travel: Best luxury hotels in Scotland Best boutique hotels in Edinburgh Best cheap hotels in Edinburgh Read More Best Norfolk hotels 2023: Where to stay for food, luxury and beach walks Best family-friendly Cornwall hotels for a fun 2023 holiday Best hotels in Brighton 2023: Where to stay for a unique seaside escape Eight of the best self-catering holiday homes to stay at in the UK Eight best solo holiday destinations in the UK for a singles getaway Scotland country guide: Everything you need to know before you go
2023-06-21 19:15
Get a lifetime of AI content creation for $32
Get a lifetime of AI content creation for $32
TL;DR: As of August 8, you can get the Write Bot AI Content Creation Pro
2023-08-08 17:50
Kentucky Democrat Beshear links GOP challenger to reality of abortion law in reelection campaign
Kentucky Democrat Beshear links GOP challenger to reality of abortion law in reelection campaign
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear has pushed his opposition to Kentucky’s abortion ban to the forefront of his reelection campaign
2023-09-06 12:52
Is Tinder Platinum worth it? I tried it for 3 months to find out.
Is Tinder Platinum worth it? I tried it for 3 months to find out.
Say you're in bed swiping on Tinder, as one does, and then you see a
2023-07-25 21:58