China top threat to UK economic security - Dowden
The government intervened in eight takeovers of UK firms by Chinese buyers last year, figures show
2023-07-11 13:59
Get set for Wimbledon with these strawberry recipes
Wimbledon is underway and that means the classic British summertime treat of strawberries and cream is ready to be dished out across the courts, with a staggering 1.92 million strawberries expected to be consumed during the tournament. When buying strawberries, we are attracted to the deeper coloured fruits as they are the ripest, but it’s worth being mindful of when you plan to eat them as fully ripe strawberries are best served the same day. Always check the bottom of the punnet to see if the strawberries are starting to bruise as this is a sign they are beginning to be past their best. When it comes to cooking, if you overcook strawberries, you can get a jam-like taste rather than a freshness, so it’s best to use recipes that don’t require a lot of heat and keep it simple for a more refined flavour. Simple touches like adding a dash of lemon will help the strawberries to pack a punch and elevate any recipe. I also like to add a crack of pink peppercorn to macerated strawberries in whatever I’m using them for, this helps enhance the floral notes of the strawberries, as when you eat them the pepper helps open up the nasal passage. Final-worthy dessert: strawberry shortcake Ingredients: For the shortcake: 115g cake flour 5g baking powder 5g salt 3 eggs, separated 1 pinch cream of tartar 175g sugar 15g unsalted butter, softened 5g vanilla extract 125ml milk For the topping: 500g strawberries 1 lemon 75g caster sugar 1 pinch of ground pink peppercorns Method: For the shortcake: Sift and combine all the dry ingredients, then rub the butter into the flour mix. Whisk the egg whites and sugar together until they form medium peaks. Combine the egg yolks and milk with the dry ingredients. Separate into equal-sized balls and bake at 180ºC until golden. For the topping: Quarter or roughly dice the strawberries, cover with the sugar, pepper and lemon zest and leave to sit for 15-20 minutes in the fridge. To serve: Place a few of the shortcakes at the bottom of a bowl or on a large plate. Top with a dollop or two of whipped cream or thick yoghurt, cover with the fresh strawberries and drizzle with the strawberry syrup. Finish by crumbling a shortcake or two over the top. For extra flair: Baste the halves of two peaches and sear in a pan with beurre noisette and a sprig of thyme on a medium heat. Serve on the side of the strawberry shortcake. Quickly served treat: brioche with passion fruit and strawberries Ingredients: For the fruit mix: 500g strawberries 8 fresh passion fruits 60g caster sugar 1 pinch salt For the topping: 200g mascarpone 3 tbsp honey Zest of 1 lemon Brioche to serve Method: Scoop the passion fruit seeds into a small pan and bring to a gentle simmer on a low heat. Add the sugar and the salt and simmer for about 5-6 minutes, until the seeds are shiny. Remove from the stove and allow to cool for five minutes, then pour over your halved strawberries. Place them in the fridge to marinate. To serve: Slice the brioche with a generous thickness, and toast in a pan over a medium heat with a knob of butter, until golden. Flip and repeat. Mix the mascarpone, honey, and lemon zest, spread over the brioche and add a generous amount of the strawberry fruit mix. For extra flair: Roast a handful of pistachios and crush them slightly. The green of the nut against the rich red of the strawberries will add a punch of colour. Read More The Norwegian sparkling wine aged at the bottom of the sea I was an air fryer sceptic – now I can’t stop using it Ditch Deliveroo – make these healthy, 30-minute pizzas instead Three quick and easy vegan fakeaway recipes The dish that defines me: Eddie Huang’s Taiwanese beef noodle soup How to cook kohlrabi
2023-07-11 13:56
Rice Soars to Two-Year High in Asia on El Niño Drought Risks
Rice prices in Asia have surged to the highest level in more than two years as importers build
2023-07-11 13:52
King of the Big Stomach: Chinese eatery in trouble over dumpling-eating race
The contest flouts laws against food waste and "misleads" people into over-ordering, authorities say.
2023-07-11 13:49
Flood warning in Delhi as rains batter north India
Thousands of people living near the city's river banks have been moved to safer locations.
2023-07-11 13:49
Tata Group Closes In on Deal to Become First Indian iPhone Maker
Tata Group, India’s largest conglomerate, is close to an agreement to acquire an Apple Inc. supplier’s factory as
2023-07-11 13:48
London Bank Bonuses Plunged Across Board in 2022’s Deal Drought
The slump in dealmaking cut pay for investment bankers at almost every level of seniority in London last
2023-07-11 13:46
Critical Mineral Shortages to Ease on Investment Surge, IEA Says
Shortages of battery metals and other critical minerals are looking less likely to stymie the transition to a
2023-07-11 13:24
US Marines are without a leader for first time in 150 years – thanks to a Republican senator
The US Marine Corps is without leadership for the first time in more than a century after its commandant stepped down and a Republican party senator blocked over 200 military appointments that include a successor for the post. The marine services of the US Department of the Navy are in for a historic limbo as Alabama’s Republican senator Tommy Tuberville has blocked the nominations for months to protest against the defence department’s abortion policies. General David Berger stepped down as commandant on Monday and his assistant commandant and potential successor, general Eric Smith, stepped in as the acting leader of the US Marine Corps. His nomination by the Senate is among the 256 nominations that have been hindered by Mr Tuberville’s blockade. The Republican senator launched his bid to obstruct the nominations in response to a Pentagon policy that offers travel allowances and time off for a service member who has to go out of state to get an abortion or other reproductive care. Denouncing the policy approved by defence secretary Lloyd Austin as “illegal tax-payer funded abortions”, Mr Tuberville said his hold will have a “minimal effect” on Mr Smith’s ability to lead. Under the law, top military decisions are approved by the Senate Armed Services Committee and eventually by the consent of the full chamber. But a single objector can hold up the process. The Pentagon said the blockade could lead to the stalling of promotions of 650 personnel if it continues till the end of the year. Mr Smith was nominated for promotion by Joe Biden and his confirmation hearing was on 13 June, something that was blocked by Mr Tuberville. The stall in his promotion means he will not be able to move to the main residence of the commandant or the commandant’s office, or even issue any new formal commandant’s planning guidance, which is usual for a successor. He will have the authority to implement new policies for the services such as budget, training and other personnel decisions. “Two positions that require two different people to be in those roles will now be a dual-hatted position,” said the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, “which of course is going to impact the US Marine Corps”. The Pentagon is asking officers to delay their planned retirements, while some officers have already taken the responsibilities of more senior ranking jobs without getting the pay for the new rank, she said. Both Mr Austin and Mr Berger have called on the Senate to take action to resolve the situation. “You know, it’s been more than a century since the US Marine Corps has operated without a Senate confirmed commandant,” Mr Austin said at a ceremony at the Marine Barracks Washington. “Smooth and timely transitions of confirmed leadership are central to the defense of the United States and to the full strength of the most powerful fighting force in history,” he said. “Stable and orderly leadership transitions are also vital to maintaining our unmatched network of allies and partners. And they’re crucial for our military readiness.” The Republican senator has been called out by senior leadership for the blockade. “This blockade weakens our national security,” said senator Jack Reed, the Democratic chairman of the Armed Services Committee. “Every day it goes on it has a more significant impact on operations within our military – all branches of our military.” “My hold is not affecting readiness,” said Mr Tuberville in a Washington Post op-ed, steadfast in his opposition to the policy. “Acting officials are in each one of the positions that are due for a promotion. The hold affects only those at the very top – generals and flag officers. The people who actually fight are not affected at all.” If the blockade continues, it will affect the appointment of the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, as current chair, army general Mark Milley, is set to retire from the highest-ranking US military job in September. General CQ Brown, the current chief of the Air Force, has been nominated to replace Mr Milley, and is scheduled to go before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his hearing on Tuesday. Read More What are cluster bombs and what is controversial about Biden sending them to Ukraine? Biden will meet Zelensky at Nato summit in Lithuania as war with Russia rages on Biden news – live: President to meet Zelensky as palace reacts to King Charles royal protocol breach A grand jury being seated Tuesday could decide whether Trump is charged over Georgia's 2020 election Colorado lawmakers sue colleagues over closed-door meetings Texas governor names second interim attorney general ahead of Ken Paxton's impeachment trial
2023-07-11 13:24
Hong Kong will ban more products from Japan if treated wastewater is discharged, its leader says
Hong Kong leader John Lee says the city will ban marine products from “a large number prefectures” if Japan discharges treated radioactive wastewater into the sea
2023-07-11 13:23
Amazon dangles deeper 'Prime Day' discounts for stressed US shoppers
By Granth Vanaik and Ananya Mariam Rajesh Amazon.com hopes to tempt U.S. shoppers on Tuesday to open inflation-thinned
2023-07-11 13:20
Immaculate Grid baseball: Answers, connections, hints for Grid 99 and 100 (July 11)
Immaculate Grid baseball answers, clues, hints and connections for Grid 99 and Grid 100 on July 11 with the Braves, Reds, Rays, Angels, Orioles and All-Star Game all involved.It's a special day for the Immaculate Grid baseball game. As the MLB All-Star Game is here, so is the 100th Grid, bu...
2023-07-11 12:58
