Adding one ingredient to your bolognese tenderises the meat and creates a richer, silkier texture that can elevate your pasta dish.

Bolognese sauce, or ragu bolognese, is considered one of the cornerstone dishes of Italian cuisine. Like any traditional recipe, you’ll find it prepared with slight variations and local adaptations.

However, the core components of the dish remain unchanged, including beginning with a finely diced mixture of celery, carrot and onion called the soffrito, a combination of minced pork and beef, good-quality tinned tomatoes and of course, red wine.

The key to creating an exceptional bolognese lies in completing each cooking step correctly, with patience and care, avoiding any shortcuts. In fact, gentle simmering is essential for building the right flavour and texture.

However, there’s one ingredient that genuinely transforms the dish, something my Italian nonna would add without fail every time – milk.

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The lactic acid and calcium help to soften the beef, while the milk counteracts the acidity of the wine and tomatoes, creating a smoother, richer sauce.

Ingredients

• Two tablespoons of olive oil
• Two carrots
• Two celery sticks
• One onion
• 150g of pork mince
• 150g of beef mince
• Three tins of chopped tomatoes
• One tablespoon of tomato puree
• Half a cup of red wine
• One cup of milk
• Salt and pepper

Method

When preparing a bolognese, the first job I address is assembling the soffrito base. This involves chopping the onion, carrots and celery into very small pieces, which usually takes up a fair amount of my time.

To speed things along, I used my food processor. While hand-chopping the vegetables would ordinarily take a good five to 10 minutes, the food processor managed it in mere seconds.

With the soffritto mixture prepared, I added oil to a substantial pan before adding the chopped vegetables. I favour leaving the onions, carrots and celery to cook gently for five to 10 minutes before continuing, as they need adequate softening to release their flavours.

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Next, it was time to add the meat, allowing it to brown thoroughly before mixing in the tomato puree, salt, pepper and red wine to deglaze the pan.

This stage is critically important as it’s when the flavour elements that enhance the sauce form, and because any remaining alcohol needs to evaporate entirely – otherwise it creates an unwelcome sharpness in the sauce.

Next came the tinned tomatoes. For the finest flavour, I’m committed to the Mutti brand. As I favour a velvety-smooth sauce, I consistently blend the tinned tomatoes.

After the tinned tomatoes were processed, I added them to the pan, stirred everything thoroughly, then added the milk before mixing the sauce again.

I heated the sauce until boiling, then lowered it to a moderate temperature and allowed it to simmer covered for three hours.

The prolonged cooking period only intensifies the flavour – I merely stirred it every half an hour during this time. Shortly before the sauce is ready, I like to taste it to see whether it needs additional salt or pepper.

Whenever I make a big batch of bolognese, I usually freeze some of it, and it keeps well for up to three months.

Criminal Record has brought together a round-up of today’s biggest crime stories.

Every day on Criminal Record we will be bringing you a round-up of the biggest crime stories of the day.

If you love to read about crime in Scotland – this is the place to be every day.

Here’s what has been making the news across the country on Sunday.

Armed police surround Edinburgh flat

Armed police have surrounded a block of flats in Edinburgh following reports of a “disturbance”. Emergency services were called to Longstone Street after the alarm was raised at around 7am on Sunday, April 26.

Officers were responding to reports of a disturbance and concern for a man at a property on the street. Pictures taken this morning showed armed cops in attendance holding guns.

Wearing their all-black get-up, some were also seen holding riot shields as they stood outside the building. A large number of uniformed police could be seen at the scene with a cordon placed near the home.

READ MORE: Armed police surround Edinburgh flat in siege after reports of ‘disturbance’

Two more arrests after Rangers vs Celtic violence

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Two more people have been arrested in connection with disorder among Rangers and Celtic fans at Ibrox Stadium. Ugly scenes broke out following the Scottish Cup Quarter-Final on Sunday, March 8.

Operation Moonglint was subsequently launched by Police Scotland to trace those responsible. Police have confirmed that two further men, aged 18 and 19, have been arrested and charged in connection with various offences.

The pair are due to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court at a later date. This brings the total number of arrests in connection with the disorder up to 20.

READ MORE: Police make two more arrests made after Rangers vs Celtic fan violence at Ibrox

Perjury claims at Alex Salmond’s trial still under investigation

Perjury claims at Alex Salmond’s trial continue to be investigated by Crown prosecutors five years after a complaint was initiated. The allegations were made after the former first minister’s 2020 trial, when he was cleared of 14 charges of sexual assault.

Salmond’s lawyers wrote to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in March 2021 setting out a number of concerns and an advocate and senior prosecutor were assigned to the case. The probe is still active.

Salmond died of a heart attack in North Macedonia at age 69. COPFS said: “Correspondence from Mr Salmond’s solicitor has been received and will be responded to in due course.”

READ MORE: Perjury claims at Alex Salmond’s trial still under investigation by Crown Office

Over 100 children under 11 stopped and searched by police

Over 100 children under 11-years-old have been stopped and searched by Police in less than two years, shocking official figures have revealed. Concerns have been raised after it emerged they were among nearly 11,000 under-18s frisked between April 2024 and December 2025.

Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland Nicola Killean said the statistics raise “legitimate concerns” youngsters could be facing “unnecessary and potentially distressing” treatment.

The Police Scotland statistics show 103 children aged 1–11 were stopped and searched over the 21 month period. Only five of those searches resulted in illegal items being found.

READ MORE: Over 100 children under 11 stopped and searched by police in less than two years

The Lyons crime family

The Lyons are one of Scotland’s most notorious organised crime gangs.

The Glasgow outfit started in a youth club after Eddie Lyons Snr took over the management of the Chirnsyde Community Initiative in the Milton area of north Glasgow in 1991. His sons Eddie and Steven headed up a group at the community centre known as the Club Boys.

They became synonymous with violence and drug peddling but a deadly 20-year feud with the rival Daniel clan earned them terrifying infamy. In the early 2000s, the Lyons mob transformed into an international organised crime network headed up by Steven Lyons after he fled Scotland for Spain, and later Dubai.

So who are the Lyons clan? The Record takes a look at the history of the crime group and the family tree. Click below to find out.

READ MORE: Lyons crime family – key members in the Glasgow mob as empire crumbles

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Coronation Street fans have been dreaming of a million ways to get rid of weaselly slimeball Carl Webster (Jonathan Howard) for months. Debbie Webster’s (Sue Devaney) cracked it. Turns out, he’ll sling his hook for two grand… or will he?

Carl Webster’s got more nine lives than all the cats in Weatherfield put together. At least as far as Debbie’s concerned.

No matter how many selflish acts he committed or lives he destroyed, Debs always gave him the benefit of the doubt.

Seduce Kevin Webster’ (Michael Levell) wife Abi (Sally Carman-Duttine) into a torrid affair that tears their marriage apart only to dump her when you get bored? Boys will be boys. Cause the hit-and-run that put Tyrone Dobbs (Alan Halsall) in a wheelchair? We all make mistakes!

Debbie was even prepared to go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit when Carl’s reckless drunk driving resulted in the Corriedale crash that killed Billy Mayhew… and he slid poor Debs into the driving seat and gaslit her into taking the rap!

Why did Debbie give Carl so many chances? Partly from the guilt of lying that he was her little brother all these years, when he was actually the secret son that she gave up – a fact that Carl brings up manipulatively every time he needs something. But also, Debbie’s time in prison has caused a rapid decline in Debbie’s vascular dementia, and her husband Ronnie Bailey (Vinta Morgan) lays the blame for this squarely at Carl’s door.

But as Carl became more desperate for cash, his behaviour got worse and worse, leading to him attempting to cheat Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) out of Billy’s life insurance by offering to reveal who is truly to blame for her adoptive father’s death. The one good thing Carl ever did was point Summer in abuser Theo Silverton’s (James Cartwright) direction, and even then he wanted his palm crossing with silver in return.

Then Ronnie got so furious with Carl for making Debbie’s already stressful life so miserable that he attacked him in a rage. In response, Carl blackmailed his mother by threatening to file assault charges against Ronnie unless she gave him half of her beloved Chariot Hotel.

This was Debbie’s wakeup call. Realising that her son is not interested in redemption, she paid him two grand in an envelope to stay out of her life. Despite everything, Debbie wished her ne’er-do-well son no ill will and even gave him a Saint Christopher’s medal, traditionally given to travellers to wish them safe passage on long journeys.

Although Carl was acting like he couldn’t care less, the heartbreak on his face was palpable. Nevertheless, Deb was steadfast in her decision to turn her back on her wayward son…

… or so we thought.

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In this sneak peak of Corrie yet to come, Debbie seems to be regretting it already as she laments the ‘pay-off’ – to Ronnie and Kevin.

In the hotel, Debbie reveals how she parted with two grand in return for Carl never darkening their door again. Ronnie consoles himself with the thought that at least they can all get some peace and quiet now.

Debbie’s answer could not be more Debbie. ‘Don’t you think peace and quiet is overrated?’ she asks. ‘I quite like noise and mess’.

Kevin reminds her that Carl gave her no choice. ‘He’s like poison. He uses people. And that’s not your fault. That’s just the way he is’.

While Debbie’s said similar to Carl’s face herself, she still looks devastated to hear them coming from her own brother. But maybe Ronnie’s right. Perhaps it will all be worth it to have Carl out of their lives…

… except Carl’s not done with them just yet.

Coronation Street has already teased that Carl will commit one last act of revenge before he goes by targeting Kevin. That’s not all. There’s a murderer on the Cobbles, and Carl is one of five potential victims.

Has Carl finally pushed his family too far?

MORE: Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson announces birth of baby with soap star partner

MORE: Coronation Street video shows horror moment Theo closes in on Todd

MORE: Coronation Street ripped from ITV schedules tonight at the worst possible time

At 57-years-old Sonny Morris is taking on a fitness fundraiser that most men half his age would struggle to complete

A South Belfast father is undertaking a massive fitness challenge to raise funds for a new treatment that could be a game changer for his son’s battle with Multiple sclerosis.

Sonny Morris has dived headfirst into a extremely challenging mission to support his son Connor, who was just 17 when he was diagnosed with the disease.

Sonny is now approaching the half-way mark of the challenge which will see him complete a total of 450km by walking, cycling and swimming over a four-week period. He will walk 150km, cycle 250km and swim 50km during his fundraising journey.

Connor, who turns 30 next month now uses a wheelchair to get around and said he was incredibly humbled by his dad’s determination to fund his treatment. MS is a lifelong neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. The disease occurs when an immune system mistakenly attacks the myelin sheath — a protective fatty layer that insulates the nerves.

READ MORE: ‘I was given my last rites twice but have defied the odds’READ MORE: Iconic image of NI man Aaron Beggs helping fellow Boston marathon runner goes viral

Sonny said: “Every day I am walking 5km, swimming 1.7km which is 68 lengths of the pool and cycling 8.4km. The challenge is 30 days straight with no rest, and it has been far from easy.

“But, I can’t moan about the toll or efforts this is taking, because my son is going through a lot on a daily basis so I am just getting on with it for him. To be honest, this has been a reality check for me.

“My son has struggled every day, and for him, just going to the toilet is a massive effort. He is in high spirits and it hasn’t stopped him living his life and I am so proud of him. His condition is weakening and getting worse so we are wanting to get his treatment because it will help.”

The pair are hoping the challenge raises enough money to fund treatment at a specialist neurorehabilitation clinic. The facility which is named APEX NEURO focuses on goals including restoring function, improving quality of life and increasing independence for individuals with nervous system disorders. The treatment could restore function in Connor’s arm and leg.

Sonny said he is extremely proud of his son who attended university by himself in Bournemouth, works, and is now married to his wife, Skye. Connor has affected mobility down left side of his body, and he is optimistic that the treatment will help him.

“Over the past 13 years I have gone through many different treatments, and struggled both mentally and physically in many different ways,” said Connor.

“Currently, I have difficulty walking and rely on a wheelchair, as the use of my left leg has severely diminished due to the worsening of my symptoms, and my left arm is going the same way. The treatment APEX NEURO offer will hopefully help restore function in both my arm and my leg, and I am so grateful that this opportunity has come my way, and even more so that my family and others are helping raise money to get me there.”

Sonny’s father-in-law, and Connor’s grandfather Mike Moore also suffered with MS during his life. Sonny said he believes the memory of Mike is an inspiration to his son.

“His mum’s dad had MS,” said Sonny.

“He had to use his hands to drive his car about, and unfortunately because of the condition of his MS, his airways gradually narrowed. He was supposed to meet his daughter and grandson for Connor’s first day of school but unfortunately never arrived. “I went past the house, found his car in the drive and went in to check on him but he had passed away during the night. We didn’t expect Connor to get MS because he had no symptoms.

“It was heart breaking because we had already seen the effort and the struggle that my father-in-law went through with the disease . The MS never stopped that man from doing anything, he was involved with so many groups and for him to get out of the house into his car was a lot of of work. “He never had a bad thing to say about anyone or anything. The strength of his character was unbelievable and I say to my son you just need to take a leaf out of your grandfather’s book.”

To find out more about the GoFundMe campaign, click here.

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Kevin ‘The Gerbil’ Carroll was fatally shot 13 times in an Asda carpark in Robroyston, Glasgow, in 2010.

Kevin ‘The Gerbil’ Carroll was a man whose life and brutal death became a key moment in one of Scotland’s long-standing gangland feuds.

Carroll, who earned his nickname from a character in the TV puppet series Roland Rat, was at the epicentre of the bloody Daniel and Lyons crime war, which continues to rage through the central belt.

The gangster was born on August 24, 1980, in Glasgow’s Stobhill Hospital – with only Carroll’s mother Elizabeth being named on his birth certificate.

Gerbil and his older brother David were initially brought up in Drumchapel before the family moved to the tough Milton estate in the north of the city when Carroll was 10.

During his schooldays, Gerbil was reportedly bullied by Steven Lyons and his brother Eddie Jnr who ran the local Club Boys gang out of their dad’s community centre. However, he would strike up close friendships with crime boss Jamie Daniel’s sons Robert Daniel and Francis “Fraggle” Green.

Carroll would be on the force’s radar by the time he was in his late teens. At age 19, he was jailed for three months for a car theft before becoming a major criminal player on the north side of Glasgow in his 20s.

A police source previously told the Record: “Carroll was a complete rocket. In the whole war between the Lyons and Daniel clans he was the most unpredictable element.

“He heightened tensions because of the way he conducted himself and he was the one who could tip the whole thing into chaos.

“There is no question that he was one of Scotland’s most dangerous criminals and many people breathed a sigh of relief when he was killed.”

The father-of-three, whose partner was Kelly Bo Green – the daughter of mob boss Jamie Daniel and the sister of Fraggle – was shot and injured in January 2003 a fallout over missing drugs. The attack was just 11 days apart from when rival Johnny Lyons faced the same fate.

The following year, Carroll was charged with attempting to murder John Madden, friend of Eddie Lyons Snr, using an AK-47. However, the trial collapsed.

In November 2006, the headstone of Eddie Lyons Snr’s son Garry, who died of leukaemia aged 8, was allegedly toppled by Carroll using a 4×4 and a tow rope.

In the days following, Carroll shot Eddie Lyons Jnr and a friend in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, before a retaliation hit was carried out a week later in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.

Come 2009, Gerbil thought to be behind a series of “alien abductions” across central Scotland – which got the name because victims were so traumatised they told police they couldn’t remember anything about their ordeal.

During the kidnappings, Carroll used blowtorches, power tools and boiling water to torture victims before stealing drugs, money and weapons from them.

Days after shooting and injuring Eddie Lyons Jnr again, Carroll arranged a meeting at Asda car park in Robroyston to poach Lyons-linked drug dealer Stephen Glen on January 13, 2010.

While Gerbil sat in the back of a black Audi A3, two masked men jumped out of a Volkswagen Golf and opened fire. Carroll’s two associates had fled the vehicle leaving him trapped in the back of the three-door car.

He was shot in the head and chest 13 times in a brazen assassination in front of shocked shoppers.

A Record source previously said: “Gerbil was meticulous in his business dealings and he planned every operation with military precision. The key to taking him out was the element of surprise.

“The fact he turned up at the supermarket unarmed and without his bullet-proof vest proves he did not expect any trouble.”

Eddie Lyons Jnr would later be gunned down alongside senior Lyons clan member Ross Monaghan at a Fuengirola pub after last May’s Champions League final.

William “Buff” Paterson, was jailed for 22 years over the killing of Carroll. He handed himself in to a police station in Madrid after fleeing the country over four years previous.

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Nelly Korda returned to the top of the world rankings after claiming a dominant five-shot victory in the LPGA Chevron Championship.

It is Korda’s second Chevron title in three seasons and ensures she leapfrogs Jeeno Thitikul in the rankings, after the Thai missed the cut.

The American equalled the event’s 54-hole scoring record on Saturday but fell two shots short of the tournament record of 20 under par.

“That was a hard weekend,” Korda told NBC Sports.

“Honestly, having that big of a lead, it’s not easy. It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve had to do mentally.

“I have an amazing support system. An amazing family who are right behind me. An amazing caddie who is on the bag and I’m just happy to get it done.”

Korda takes her tally of majors to three, after also winning the Women’s PGA Championship in 2021.

The latest U.S. military strike on a boat accused of ferrying drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean killed three people Sunday, according to a social media post by U.S. Southern Command.

The Trump administration’s campaign of blowing up alleged drug-trafficking vessels in Latin American waters has gone on since early September and killed at least 186 people in total. Other strikes have taken place in the Caribbean Sea.

The military has not provided evidence that any of the vessels were carrying drugs.

After Sunday’s attack, Southern Command posted a video on X showing a boat moving swiftly in the water before a explosion left it in flames. It repeated previous statements by saying it had targeted the alleged drug traffickers along known smuggling routes.

The attacks began as the U.S. built up its largest military presence in the region in generations and came months ahead of the raid in January that captured then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He was brought to New York to face drug trafficking charges and has pleaded not guilty.

President Donald Trump has said the U.S. is in “armed conflict” with cartels in Latin America and has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States.

Critics, meanwhile, have questioned the overall legality of the boat strikes.

The US air force are investigating after an ‘accidental’ fire at the RAF Fairford site the morning after protests

An inquiry has been launched into the blaze that erupted at an RAF base on Sunday morning.

Several fire crews tackled the substantial inferno at a Gloucestershire airbase in the early hours as flames consumed a storage building at the RAF Fairford site.

The fire is thought to have ignited at around 1am and has been described by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue as ‘accidental’.

RAF Fairford has been utilised by the US Air Force since March, when Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer authorised its use for ‘defensive’ strikes.

Its involvement in the Iran conflict has proved contentious, with a peaceful anti-war demonstration held there on Saturday in opposition, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Approximately 200 people gathered for the protest at the base, marching to the end of its runway.

Protesters carried signs bearing the slogans: “US out of British bases” and “Stop Trump’s deadly wars”.

It is one of just two bases across Europe capable of accommodating all three of America’s long-range bombers.

The US Air Force said: “There were no injuries sustained, the fire has been contained and currently poses no risk to the base populace or local community.

“We are thankful for the support of our local community members and services. The safety of our personnel, families and surrounding communities remains our top priority.

“An investigation has been initiated and is ongoing. More information will be released as it becomes available.” Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service stated on Sunday: “The fire involved a single-storey industrial storage building. It was brought under control safely and there were no casualties.

“Crews remain at the scene this morning as a precaution and to ensure the incident is fully resolved. Fire investigation is ongoing and the early indication suggests the cause of fire was nothing other than accidental.”

Love Cheese has its own shop, speakcheesey and outdoor space that has been dubbed a “gem of a place, particularly if you love cheese” and a “real unmissable treasure” by its customers.

The original speakcheesey is described as “a cosy space that has been carefully designed to be moody, unique and indulgent – the perfect venue for date nights, catch-ups or casual after-work drinks”.

Love Cheese’s website details: “Wine and cheese, food and drinks… just some of the delicious things the speakcheesey has to offer – alongside some great ambiance, friendly staff and festive cheer.

“Whether you’re after a light-bite or something more substantial, we have a range of menus available for your parties.

“We have vegan, veggie and gluten alternatives available for lots of items on the menu… and cheese boards can be built from our selection of cheeses in our fridges.”

As well as cheese and meat boards, Love Cheese serves cheese and wine pairings, cheese toasties, ‘afternoon cheese’ (an afternoon tea with a twist), pizzas and more.

Inside the secret garden at York’s unique cheese cafe

However, when it comes to the secret garden, Love Cheese’s teases: “Tucked away at the back of our shop and speakcheesey is our secret garden that peers on to the top of York Minster and is surrounded by the York walls.

“Our secret garden offers an area of relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Gillygate and the city centre.

“Relax on your own with a glass of wine and a book or meet friends and family and gossip over one of our cheeseboards.

“The secret garden is equipped with heaters and decorated magically with festoon lights.”

On Tripadvisor, Love Cheese currently boasts an “excellent” 4.8/5 rating based on 258 review.

This loyal visitor shared: “This is an amazing cheese shop with a very wide range of cheeses and then there is the cafe at the back too.

What’s your favourite kind of cheese? (Image: Tripadvisor)

“It has a small and intimate indoor area and a garden with seating too (recommend booking).

“What better than to sit out in the sunshine with wine and cheese.

“The servers are very knowledgeable and will recommend according to your personal taste.

“We have been 3 times and will definitely visit again next time we are in York.”

This customer put: “What a discovery ! Delicious cheese . Exceptional service – the staff were well informed and able to describe both cheese and wine in detail- they shared their passion for the produce.

“We had the 5 cheese and wine pairing and could not recommend this enough.

“Generous portions. Lovely presentation. Variety of cheese was wonderful with local e.g. Yoredale and French e.g. delice de Bourgogne and Spanish e.g. Murcia al Vino (drunken goat).

“The wine complemented perfectly. Don’t miss this treasure!”

Specifically commenting on the ‘afternoon cheese’, one person wrote: “We had an excellent afternoon tea here as a present from our daughter and son-in law.

“There was a great selection of cheeses with oat cakes, bread, olives, chutney and sliced meats.

“This was accompanied by a wonderful bottle of sparkling wine.

“We had a great afternoon and both thought it was a good alternative to the afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes.”

Another agreed: “Had a lovely Afternoon Cheese experience! Although I’m not a big cheese person myself, I took my ‘cheese mad’ friend and we both had a lovely time, I can now say I have been converted!

“It came with lovely bread, chutney, meats and crackers and filled us up perfectly!

“Would definitely recommend and Ill be visiting again and recommending to others.

“The staff were also lovely and friendly and made the experience one warm and welcoming.”

Have you discovered Love Cheese on Gillygate or Fossgate in York? Let us know in the comments below.

I was excited to receive my box of fresh fruit and veg, but was surprised at their delivery methods

There is something idyllic about being given a box of fresh fruit and veg, no plastic wrapping (unless necessary), the earthy smell, the vibrant colours. And when I signed up for Oddbox, that is exactly what I got.

Oddbox is a food delivery service that aims to cut waste by selling surplus or odd-shaped fruit and veg by the boxful. While their ‘Oddboxes’ are what they are most known for, they also have an online marketplace where you can buy rice and grains, cereals, tins, jars and much more.

The founders, Emilie and Deepak, said their mission to fight food waste started with a single tomato. They said: “Back in 2016, we tasted an ugly-but-delicious tomato in a market in Portugal.

“We realised we only ever saw perfect fruit and veg on the shelves… so we decided to dig deeper into how the food system works.

“The more we learnt, the stranger it seemed. Farmers grow delicious fruit and veg… then it gets rejected for being wonky.

“We fly food halfway around the world… then wonder why it tastes of nothing. We treat recipes like rulebooks… then wonder why we’re wasting food at home.

“None of it made sense to us – so we decided to flip the system on its head.”

So when I spotted a half-price deal on my first Oddbox, I thought I would give it a go.

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Was signing up and ordering easy?

As with most companies now, signing up was super easy. But, you will need to get your head around a few things.

Firstly, what type of box, a fruit and veg, just veg or a “fruit booster”. I went with a fruit and veg box as it offers up to nine varieties of veg and four varieties of fruit in each box.

Then you need to know what size box you want. You can choose extra small (recommended for one person), small (recommended for two), medium (recommended for two to three) and large (recommended for three to four people).

This is going to depend on a number of things: the size of your household, how much time you have to cook fresh that week and how much you are willing to spend.

For my first order, with three adults, a teen and a child in the house, I ordered a large box.

Once you have chosen, you can make some swaps. So if you already have onions in, you can swap them if they are expected to be in the delivery. Or if you hate pears, you can swap them out for bananas.

And then, you can add anything you like from the Oddbox market. I chose to keep it simple, though I was tempted by their giant cous cous.

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How much was it, and do you pay for delivery?

Pricing for a mixed fruit and veg box starts at around £11.99 and goes up to £23.99 for a large, I had a voucher so I paid around £11.99 for my first large box.

You do have to pay a delivery fee of £1.99 on top of this. This meant my first order was £13.98.

One thing that surprised me was that they deliver overnight. So in the small hours of a Wednesday morning, they quietly left a box of fruits and veggies by my door.

While I thought it was odd (see what I did there) at first, there was something nostalgic and wholesome about opening the door to the healthy bundle – I suppose this is very much like when milk deliveries were more prevalent.

What was the quality and variety of the fruit and veg like?

I didn’t make any swaps or look ahead at what I was going to get, so it was exciting unboxing my first order. And I was very surprised by the contents – I even had to Google what one of the vegetables was as I had never heard of a kohlrabi before — my bad, as this fresh-tasting root veggie was superior in our homemade coleslaw.

The quality was amazing, they were all super fresh and looked so appetising.

The contents of my large fruit and veg Oddbox:

• Two kohlrabi
• Eight vine tomatoes
• Pack of chestnut mushrooms
• Eight red onions
• Five huge baking potatoes
• One romaine lettuce
• One cabbage
• Nine leeks
• One broccoli
• One melon
• One coconut
• Six apples (one with cut on it)
• Nine kiwis

Can you use up all the veg?

Seeing all the beautiful, fresh food, knowing I had saved them from being wasted, I felt very pleased with myself, and it spurred me on to use them as best I could.

And I would say we were successful, but you really do have to be thinking of how you can use it in your cupboard and fridge, which is no bad thing, as we should be doing this anyway.

With the box came a leaflet with a recipe for coleslaw using the kohlrabi, red onions and cabbage. My husband made this, and it was far superior to anything I have bought from a shop; it was fresh and peppery without being overly creamy. I was eating it with everything, even simply with a serving of chips

I made a warming veg stew for a filling meal, using up the potatoes and other veg I already had at home. We cut the broccoli into florets and froze it for a future meal, which we have since used and it was perfect.

The leeks went in a deliciously creamy orzo dish, while we had sides of mushrooms and salad for quick, easy meals.

Fruit was used for snacking; my teenager loves a kiwi, so into the packed lunch they went.

When I got a second box, I found myself making minestrone soup, mac and cheese with hidden veggies, and I couldn’t wait for more of that coleslaw.

Unfortunately, we didn’t cut the melon for a while, and it was not at its best when we got to it, but other than that, we used up all the box, no problem.

Verdict – is it worth it?

I love the ethos behind Oddbox, and I enjoyed the random aspect of not knowing what each box will have (although I did make swaps in future boxes).

I loved trying new foods and recipes, and the added benefit of fighting food waste and eating healthy, home-prepared food made it feel like a win-win.

But I think it is expensive. I feel you could get a lot of the fruit and vegetables much cheaper, and I know that is not the issue Oddbox is here to tackle, but for families watching their bank balance, it may not be the right choice.

I have no issue with the easy of ordering, quality of food, or delivery. I did order a few times again, then cut down the box size before stopping.

What is nice if you can take a break, say you know you are going to be busy one week, or you are going on holiday, and then you can jump right back in.

This is a box for people who cook a lot, and I think I will probably order again in the future, perhaps when I have a week when I know I cook every night.