Expert comment provided by Stuart Gillies, chef-owner for Number Eight, Sevenoaks and Bank House, Chislehurst, and Zoe Gill, development chef at Brakes Foodservices.

The other day, while I was eating okonimiyaki, I thought, “This is probably the best meal you can make with a head of cabbage”.

Which made me wonder – what about other ingredients?

So, this week, we asked chefs Stuart Gillies, chef-owner for Number Eight, Sevenoaks and Bank House, Chislehurst, and Zoe Gill, development chef at Brakes Foodservices, for the best meal they can think of with this week’s pick: leeks.

Leeks are in season this month, so to enjoy them at the peak of their flavour, Gillies doesn’t mess around too much with the ingredient.

″’At home we love a French family classic; poached leeks, wrapped in thin smoked cooked ham slices, laid in a gratin dish and topped with cheese sauce, grated cheddar and baked in the oven,” he explained.

Sometimes called poireaux au gratin, the recipe is a favourite of chef Anthony Bar, too.

As Gillies explained, it’s “Super easy for anyone to make and incredibly satisfying.”

“Leeks are a brilliant ingredient for a risotto because they can melt easily into the arborio rice, offering a delicate, subtle flavour that doesn’t overpower the dish,” the chef told HuffPost UK.

Those who’ve tried the combination seem to agree: a BBC Good Food recipe has earned nothing but five-star reviews.

And because it complements “the likes of peas, asparagus, as well as courgette, red pepper and aubergine,” the cook loveds to make it in a “Mediterranean-vegetable risotto, topped with a light fish, such as monkfish.”

She added, “The meaty texture holds up against the creaminess of rice and offers a great source of protein”.

Ed Miliband has refused to tell Laura Kuenssberg exactly what Donald Trump wants to achieve in Iran during a painful interview.

The US president chose to strike Iran with Israel at the end of February, killing the country’s Supreme Leader.

The Middle East is now in a state of turmoil as Tehran strikes back and effectively blocks a major oil shipping lane known as the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK rejected initial US requests to use British military bases to launch strikes against Iran, much to Trump’s fury.

The government has since allowed the US to use its sites for “limited and defensive” strikes.

But Trump also asked the UK, and other allies, to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, which risks dragging the country further into the war.

When asked if the aims of this conflict are clear on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, cabinet minister Miliband said: “The US made its decision with Israel to launch this initial attack on Iran.

“We don’t want to see a nuclear Iran, that is shared by all of us. But I think it is in all of our interests to bring this war to an end.”

Kuenssberg pointed out how even prime minister Keir Starmer said the war was unplanned and unlawful when it broke out and asked if anything had changed in the last fortnight.

Miliband smiled and dodged the question, adding: “Tempting as it is to talk about this is a public setting…”

Kuenssberg noted viewers would probably conclude the government is not sure what the Americans are trying to do.

Miliband just insisted that the war aims are up to the Americans, and it is the position of the UK government that the conflict must be de-escalated.

She asked for his response to Trump’s claim that he might try and hit a vital Iranian oil hub “just for fun”.

He replied: “I think what you’re tempting me to do is to speculate or commentate…”

“I’m asking you about conduct in a war by our closest ally, that is not asking you to speculate,” she cut in.

Miliband said the British government was right not to join the initial conflict as they were worried about the initial plan and some of the consequences that would come with it.

Asked if there was a proper plan now, the energy security secretary said: “I think I’ve answered that question.”

Only last week the president insisted the US did not want the UK’s aircraft carries to help him in Iran.

He claimed: “We don’t need people that join Wars after we’ve already won!”

In response to Trump’s latest request, a Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: “As we’ve said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”

Dietitian comment provided by registered dietitian Melissa Jaeger, head of nutrition at MyFitnessPal.

At HuffPost UK, we’ve already asked dietitians which bread is best for us and whether wholemeal pasta is always better than plain.

But what about eggs, which I’ve alternately heard are healthy, protein-packed additions and a speedy way to increase your cholesterol?

Here, we spoke to registered dietitian Melissa Jaeger about whether eggs are good for us, the best way to eat them, and which type of eggs benefits us most.

“Absolutely,” said Jaeger.

Calling them a “nutrient powerhouse,” she added: “They’re a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own.

“They provide preformed vitamin A that’s ready for your body to use, and they’re packed with vitamins and minerals that support everything from muscle building to immune function.”

So long as you remember a healthy diet is more about the balance of what you eat than any one food, she added, “they can absolutely be part of a heart-healthy diet”.

“There are slight variations in nutritional content between different types of eggs, such as chicken, duck, or quail,” Jaeger told us.

For instance, a duck egg contains more fat and weighs a little more than a chicken’s egg; duck eggs also contain a little more fat.

But, she said, “the cooking method, serving size, and what you pair your eggs with will have a far greater impact on the overall nutrition quality of your meal than the type of egg you choose”.

Whether you hard-boil, scramble, or fry your eggs won’t change the nutritional content of the egg itself. But adding oil or butter will raise the fat content, while pairing it with veggies adds some much-needed fibre.

For instance, “It’s common for poached eggs to be served in dishes like Eggs Benedict with rich sauces or alongside bacon or sausage that are higher in saturated fat,” the dietitian shared.

“Instead, top your wholemeal avocado toast with a poached egg and serve with a side of fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal containing protein, fibre, and healthy fats.”

Ultimately, you should “Aim to pair your protein-rich eggs with a source of fibre, including fresh berries, sautéed vegetables, or wholemeal toast to round out the meal and provide sustained energy”.

That protein and fibre combo, Jaeger added, will “keep you satisfied and support your daily nutrition goals, regardless of which type of egg or cooking method you choose”.

It’s all about that balance we spoke about earlier.

“The key is what you pair them with,” said Jaeger.

“Swap out high saturated fat sides like bacon or sausage for nutrient-rich options like avocado or whole wheat toast, black beans, salsa, sweet potato hash or fresh fruit.

“Boiled eggs are perfect for salads or on-the-go snacks. Scrambled eggs are one of my favourites because you can easily add leftover pre-cut vegetables for a protein and fibre-filled combination,” she added.

And for a quick breakfast, the dietitian added, you can’t beat a microwave.

“Grease a microwave-safe bowl with cooking spray, whisk in your eggs with seasonings, vegetables, and a splash of liquid, then microwave in short increments (no more than 30 seconds at a time) until done,” she said.

Piers Morgan has torn Donald Trump apart for assuming he could treat Iran in the same way he treated Venezuela.

The broadcaster, who previously had a close relationship with the US president, told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that he does not think Trump has a “clue” what he is trying to achieve with his attacks on the Middle East.

Morgan said: “I think he thought he could pull a Venezuela here – decapitate the leadership of Iran and it would all get settled quite quickly.

“I think two weeks in, what is very clear, is this is not going to get settled quickly.”

Trump kidnapped Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in January, and his replacement has tried to keep America on side even as the US moved in to seize the country’s oil tankers.

While the US and Israel strikes on Iran did kill Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei last month, it’s clear the regime is far from falling.

Morgan also noted that Trump has been inconsistent with his explanations for the attacks.

“All the mission statements he’s laid out change day by day, sometimes hour by hour,” the broadcaster said.

“It was going to be regime change, it was going after nuclear capability which we’d been assured only 10 months ago had been dismantled already.”

He said the “tremendous overwhelming superiority” of the US and Israeli military which is “bigger than probably anything we’ve ever seen on planet Earth”.

But Tehran continues to hold its own by focusing on economic tactics by effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around a fifth of the world’s oil supply.

This has sent markets into turmoil as the price of oil skyrockets.

“They are sending a signal that we can’t beat you militarily, but economically we can paralyse you,” Morgan said.

Ed Miliband made it clear Britain will not be following Donald Trump’s example by easing sanctions on Russia.

The US president has temporarily relaxed penalties on Moscow to help its oil trade while the Iran conflict puts global supplies under pressure.

The controversial move risks undermining a united western effort to punish Vladimir Putin for his brutal invasion of Ukraine.

But, due to Trump’s aggression against Iran, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, which carries approximately a fifth of the global oil supply, by attacking any ships using the waterway.

The cost of oil has skyrocketed just two weeks after the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran.

Russia used to supply much of Europe with cheap oil, but the continent weaned itself off such exports in the wake of the Ukraine war.

Miliband, the energy security and net zero secretary, told Sky News: “We’ve not lifted our sanctions against Russia because it is very, very important that we continue to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people

“This was an illegal invasion launched more than four years ago. Our solidarity with the Ukrainian people has been incredibly important throughout these four years,”

“We continue to believe that for the good the UK, we continue to maintain sanctions on Russia. We think it is incredibly important that we send a clear message to Putin on these questions.”

On Trump’s call for allies to send warships to help reopen the strait of Hormuz, Miliband simply said it is important to reopen the waterway and the UK is working with European leaders and Gulf partners.

“We need to de-escalate this crisis, because the best and most conclusive way to get the strait reopened is to get this conflict it to end,” he said.

Every year, the Oscars ceremony features some of our favourite film stars, directors, writers and even musicians accepting one of the most prestigious cinema awards there is in front of their peers.

The 2025 Academy Awards gave us first-time victories for stars like Kieran Culkin, Zoe Saldaña, Mikey Madison and filmmaker Sean Baker – but sadly, there’s only space for one winner per category each year, meaning there are still many deserving actors who’ve missed out, time and time again.

Here are 25 of the Hollywood stars still working today who, somehow, still have an Oscar-shaped space on their mantelpiece…

Considered by many to be “the new Leonardo DiCaprio” when it comes to the Oscars, Amy Adams has been nominated for six Academy Awards, most recently in 2019, only to leave empty-handed every year.

The good news for Amy is that Leo got his win on his sixth nomination, so if she really is following in his footsteps, she shouldn’t have to wait too much longer.

Glenn Close holds the dubious distinction of being the living actor who has the most Oscar nominations without a win.

As of 2026, the esteemed performer has been nominated for an Academy Award a whopping eight times, but has never come out on top.

Her most recent nomination came in 2021, with a nod in the Best Supporting Actress category for her performance in the divisive Netflix offering Hillbilly Elegy – a role that also landed the Fatal Attraction star a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actress.

Despite more than 50 years (!!!) in the entertainment industry, Samuel L Jackson has landed just one Oscar nomination in his career.

Back in 1994, he was on the Best Supporting Actor shortlist for playing Jules Winnfield in Pulp Fiction. He lost out to Martin Landau on the night, and hasn’t been nominated again since.

However, it’s worth pointing out that he did win an Honorary Academy Award in 2021, after being recognised as a “cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide”.

Between acting, directing, producing and screenwriting, Bradley Cooper has scored a whopping 12 Oscar nominations – including two as recently as 2024 for his work on the film Maestro.

When it comes to just his on-screen performances, he’s been recognised for his roles in American Hustle, American Sniper, A Star Is Born and the aforementioned Leonard Bernstein biopic.

Lost In Translation star Scarlett Johansson is similarly yet to be awarded by the Motion Picture Academy, although she does have two Oscar nominations to her name – both of which came in the same year.

In 2020, Scarlett was nominated in both the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress categories for her roles in Marriage Story and Jojo Rabbit.

She was pipped to the win by Renée Zellweger and Laura Dern, respectively.

As if the fact Angela Bassett has never won an Oscar isn’t galling enough – she’d actually only been nominated once until 2023.

Her first nomination came in 1993, following her portrayal of Tina Turner in the biopic What’s Love Got To Do With It?.

Three decades later, she made history when she became the first star to receive an Oscar nomination for a performance in a Marvel film.

Sadly, though, this resulted in a second loss, although she did pick up an honorary Oscar in 2025.

Timothée Chalamet has made no secret of his hopes to one day win an Oscar – or his disappointment at the award having eluded him so far in his career.

Over the last decade, he’s scored three acting nods, first for Call Me By Your Name and later for the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown.

It looks like this year could be his, though, following wins at the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards for his work in Marty Supreme.

Jake Gyllenhaal is another A-list actor you might be surprised to hear has been given only a small amount of love by the Oscars.

In fact, it’s been over 20 years since Jake last bagged an Academy Award nomination, earning his first and only nod for his supporting role in Brokeback Mountain.

The Oscars’ lack of recognition for David Oyelowo’s performance as Martin Luther King Jr Selma is one of the biggest snubs in recent history, sparking a major backlash at the time.

Despite a number of critically-acclaimed performances to his name, the British star is yet to be nominated for an Academy Award. Seriously, Oscars. Sort. It. Out.

Off the top of our head, we can probably come up with six or seven Toni Collette performances that would have been deserving an Oscar win – and yet, the Australian star has just one nomination under her belt (for The Sixth Sense, if you’re wondering).

As one of the most versatile actors in the game, we’re confident that Toni’s time is coming… and when it does, it will be long overdue.

Will we ever be over her not even being nominated for Hereditary? Probs not, no.

He might have Oliviers coming out of his ears (seven in total, at the time of writing), but Sir Ian McKellen is yet to be awarded the biggest honour in the film industry.

The British acting legend does have two Oscar nominations, but neither of them translated to a win. He hasn’t fared any better on his home soil, either, with neither of his four previous Bafta nominations resulting in him taking home an award.

Roles in acclaimed films like Dreamgirls and Cadillac Records led many fans to think that Beyoncé was setting her sights on Oscars glory.

Although neither ended in so much as a nomination, when she signed up to voice Nala in The Lion King (contributing a new song to the beloved soundtrack), it was thought she might get her win in the form of a Best Original Song victory. Sadly, this didn’t end up landing her a nomination, either, though she was later recognised in this category for her work on the film King Richard.

We reckon she probably doesn’t need to lose sleep about that, though, as she has since become the most-awarded person in Grammys history.

Like many musicians before her, Dolly Parton has made the transition into acting with roles in films like The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and, of course, 9 To 5.

While the Academy never recognised Dolly’s acting (even if the Golden Globes did!), she does have two Best Original Song nominations to her name.

In recent years, Dolly has continued contributing new music to films like Dumplin’ and the Netflix festive film Christmas On The Square, though, so a win could well be on the horizon if she keeps it up.

Since 2006, Michelle Williams has earned Oscar nominations for her performances in Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, My Week With Marilyn, Manchester By The Sea and, more recently, The Fabelmans.

In 2019, she did win an Emmy on her first nomination for Fosse/Verdon, so we reckon it won’t be long until the Academy catches up.

In a career spanning more than three decades, Michelle Pfeiffer has been nominated for an Oscar on three different occasions, but so far, the Academy Award has always passed her by.

Sadly, none of these nominations were for Grease 2, which we can only describe as a huge oversight.

Tom Cruise has been nominated for four Oscars over the course of his career (although it has been more than two decades since his last acting nod), but he’s never come out on top in his category.

In 2023, he picked up his fourth nomination for his work producing the Top Gear sequel, though regrettably he failed to land any nods for his acting performance.

Sigourney Weaver has racked up three nominations over the years but sadly, the win has eluded her each time.

At the 1989 ceremony, she was up for both the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress prizes, but lost out to Jodie Foster and Geena Davis, respectively.

“Is this the year Michael Keaton finally wins his Oscar?” Vanity Fair asked, hopefully, in 2016.

Sadly, it was not – and, in fact, he didn’t even score a nomination for the movie sparking the question, The Founder.

His 2014 nomination, earned for his star turn in Birdman, remains Michael’s only Oscar-nominated role.

Annette Bening’s performances in The Kids Are Alright, Being Julia, American Beauty and The Grifters have all made the Academy’s shortlist in the past – but she was pipped to the post each time.

Her work is still getting her a lot of recognition, though, with a nomination as recently as 2024 for her work in the film Nyad, so a future Oscar win is definitely not out of the question for Annette.

The British star is known for her quirky and offbeat roles, but despite Helena Bonham Carter’s bold choices when it comes to acting, the Academy is yet to reward her efforts with a win.

She does have two nominations, though, for The Wings Of The Dove and The King’s Speech.

Over the last few years, Hugh Jackman has been at the centre of Oscar buzz for films like The Front Runner, Bad Education and even The Greatest Showman, although none of them led to an actual nomination.

In 2026, his Song Sung Blue co-star Kate Hudson is in the running for Best Actress, marking the film’s only Academy Award nomination.

The Australian star did receive a nod back once, though, following his leading performance in Les Misérables in 2013.

We’re, frankly, still raging about the complete snub that occurred in 2017, when Taraji P Henson was missing from the Best Actress category.

The Hidden Figures star does have one previous Oscar nomination under her belt, thanks to her role in The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button.

For those not familiar with Diane Warren, she’s the songwriter behind hit movie soundtrack tunes like Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now, There You’ll Be and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.

Remarkably, she’s now been nominated for an Oscar 17 times without a win – and true to form, she’s in the running in 2026, too.

Diane did pick up an honorary Oscar in 2022, but we’re pretty confident she’ll be attaching herself to film soundtracks for years to come until she gets her hands on a competitive trophy.

It was more than 40 years into Demi Moore’s on-screen career that she even landed her first Oscar, thanks to her performance in the body horror movie The Substance (a rare feat for a horror movie to be recognised by the Academy at all!).

Heading into the 2025 ceremony, it looked like it could have been Demi’s year, after she pretty much cleaned up at every preceding awards show. Though this proved not to be the case, she’s still credited with majorly opening the door when it came recognition for horror performances, which have traditionally been overlooked at the Oscars.

A year later, for example, Amy Madigan landed the second nomination of her career for her work as the iconic Aunt Gladys in Weapons.

HuffPost favourite John Travolta has become something of an Oscars staple in recent years, thanks to iconic moments like his “Adele Dazeem” gaffe, his after-party dance-off with Lady Gaga, his awkward red carpet posing with Scarlett Johansson and the fact he was the one to give Will Smith his award after the slap seen around the world.

John does have two Oscar nominations of his own, one for Saturday Night Fever and a second for Pulp Fiction, although neither ended up in a win for him.

But while he may not have any trophies to show for it, we’d still argue the Oscars are nothing without Mr Travolta…